Veterinary Internship - Surgery

Are you looking to advance your career in veterinary surgery as part of an exciting team of highly experienced specialists? Hamilton Specialist Referrals could be the place for you. We are now recruiting for a Small Animal Surgery Intern to join our fun and vibrant team. The post offers the chance to expand your knowledge and clinical skills in all aspects of surgery and would be best suited to someone looking to pursue a Surgical Residency in the near future.

The role involves assisting in a wide variety of surgical procedures, providing care for in-house patients, and actively participating in client communication to support the efficient management of our busy caseload.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals is an established multi-disciplinary veterinary hospital providing comprehensive specialist-level care for surgical and medical cases, supported by an exceptional rehabilitation and physiotherapy facility. Located in modern facilities in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, we are within easy reach of London, Oxford, the Chilterns and the Cotswolds. The hospital is five minutes from the M40 and located near major airports. We aim to provide unparalleled clinical care alongside clear and effective communication with our clients and referring vets, and we understand that recruiting like-minded people is central to making this a reality.

The hospital operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with facilities including on-site 1.5T MRI and CT scanner suites, four operating theatres, a high-dependency unit (HDU), a variety of joint replacement systems, electrodiagnostic equipment, and a full complement of the latest radiography and arthroscopy equipment.

Interns are encouraged to engage in case discussions with colleagues across all clinical services and are expected to contribute to a positive, informative and respectful working environment. Attention to detail, both in managing clinical cases and maintaining accurate records and written correspondence, is a key component of this role. The internship runs for 12 months and covers varying shifts to suit the needs of the hospital, including 1 in 4 weekend cover for Surgery and HDU services, and occasional out-of-hours work.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals is part of the IVC family. At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

As a Veterinary Intern, you will gain valuable exposure to a referral or advanced clinical environment, working collaboratively with experienced veterinary surgeons, nurses, and support teams to deliver high-quality patient and client care. This role is designed to support your clinical development, build confidence in managing more complex cases, and deepen your understanding of evidence‑based veterinary medicine. You’ll actively participate in ward rounds, case discussions, and clinical governance activities, while being supported by senior clinicians and mentors.

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with experience working as part of a clinical veterinary team
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively
• Clear and confident communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork and a positive, proactive attitude to learning and development
• An interest in evidence‑based veterinary medicine and clinical best practice
• Professionalism, resilience, and the ability to remain calm in a busy clinical environment
• A willingness to support the whole clinical team and engage with other clinical services when needed

• Structured exposure to a referral or advanced clinical environment with support and mentorship from experienced clinicians and hospital teams
• Opportunities to participate in ward rounds, teaching sessions, journal clubs, and case discussions
• Access to learning resources such as aspiring intern and resident webinars and referral learning content
• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, learning,…