July 2027 New ER Doctor Program: 2027 Graduates

About the role

This role is designed for the 2027 graduate who seeks an immersive entry into the high-intensity world of emergency veterinary medicine. The program specifically immerses participants in emergency cases, including exotics, within open-concept hospitals to build a robust clinical foundation. During this structured journey, you will own the daily execution of emergency protocols and the application of point-of-care diagnostics under direct supervision. You will be responsible for performing small animal emergency surgery as part of your clinical training and mastering critical care procedures. Success in this role means completing the program and earning a full-time emergency doctor position at VEG based on demonstrated competency. The environment demands a customer-focused approach where you adapt quickly to diverse cases and team dynamics. You will actively contribute to a fast-paced setting that values rapid decision-making and hands-on patient care. Ultimately, this position is your pathway to becoming an independent emergency veterinarian within a leading specialty group.

Key facts

What you'll do

Practice emergency medicine in a fast-paced environment with diverse cases and people.

Provide care in an open-concept hospital that handles emergencies, including exotics, with an immersive, customer-focused approach.

Perform small animal emergency surgery as part of clinical training.

Complete small animal critical care lab sessions during the program.

Conduct abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac point-of-care ultrasound.

Use flexible GI endoscopy under guidance.

Gain experience with exotic companion animals in the ER.

Obtain RECOVER ALS and BLS Rescuer CPR certification.

Attend RACE-approved continuing education experiences funded by VEG.

Requirements

Earn a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree by June 2027.

Hold a valid veterinary medicine license and a valid DEA registration in the practice state by start date.

Stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor.

Lift up to 25 kg independently and support up to 40 kg with assistance.

Work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.

Be available for nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis.

Commit to a consecutive six-month program schedule.

Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and personalities.

Practical notes

The application process includes providing two references through a third-party system, with further steps communicated via email.

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

Emergency veterinary medicine involves rapid decision-making and hands-on patient care. Modern emergency teams rely on point-of-care diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and endoscopy. Veterinary workplaces often operate in noisy, high-stress settings with variable hours. Mentorship and structured training are common in clinical roles for new graduates. Continuing education is regularly supported to maintain professional competence.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

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.