New ER Doctor (NERD) Program: Starts October 2026, Practicing Veterinarians

About the role

This position is designed for practicing veterinarians seeking a structured transition into emergency medicine through a dedicated six-month immersive pathway. The New ER Doctor (NERD) Program focuses on building emergency capability, refining client communication, and strengthening clinical skills within an open-concept hospital environment. During this intensive period, you will own the full scope of emergency casework assigned to your shift, applying your existing knowledge to high-acuity scenarios under expert supervision. You will become the primary point of clinical decision-making for emergency cases, directly impacting patient outcomes and client trust. Upon successful completion of the program, ownership transitions to a permanent emergency doctor position at VEG, marking your entry into the core emergency team. This role requires a deep commitment to rapid learning, adaptability, and delivering compassionate care under pressure in a dynamic 24/7 setting.

Key facts

What you'll do

Complete 3-4 hospital shifts weekly, including days, swings, and nights, to gain broad emergency experience across diverse cases and acuity levels.

Learn best practices for client-centered communication aligned with the VEG approach to care, ensuring clarity, empathy, and trust with pet owners during high-stress situations.

Train in abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac point-of-care ultrasound for emergency diagnostics, using imaging to guide rapid clinical decisions.

Gain experience with exotic companion animals in the emergency setting, expanding your diagnostic and treatment skills beyond traditional species.

Develop skills in flexible GI endoscopy for emergency cases, assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as part of the care team.

Perform small animal emergency surgery under guidance within the program, participating in preparation, execution, and post-operative monitoring.

Master small animal critical care through lab training and clinical scenarios, learning to manage complex cases in real time.

Requirements

The posting states a minimum of 10 years of experience in veterinary practice.

Hold a valid DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.

Be a practicing veterinarian for at least 1 year in a clinical setting outside of academic training.

Maintain a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the program state by start date without restriction.

Hold a valid DEA registration in the program state by start date for controlled substance handling.

Be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors inherent to emergency caseloads.

Stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor during procedures and patient assessments.

Lift up to 25 kg independently and support up to 40 kg with assistance when handling patients or equipment.

Be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis to ensure continuous patient care.

Thrive in a fast-paced environment with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a collaborative team culture.

Commit to a predetermined schedule for a consecutive six-month period without gaps to ensure continuity of learning and patient coverage.

Have a passion for helping people and their pets, demonstrating genuine care in every interaction.

Be empathetic and take a people-centric approach with colleagues and clients, fostering trust and understanding.

Demonstrate humility by acknowledging mistakes and sharing credit with the team to promote a culture of learning and accountability.

Take ownership of outcomes and stay committed to long-term, impactful results for patients, clients, and the organization.

Be curious, ask insightful questions, and continuously seek learning and skill growth through feedback, training, and self-directed study.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.

Good to know

The program invests in learning, growth, and competitive compensation with benefits from day one.

Equity and student loan repayment options are available after meeting program and employment milestones.

The role emphasizes inclusive care, continuous learning, and a supportive team environment.

Career growth

Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.