October 2027 New ER Doctor Program: 2027 Graduates

About the role

This position is a dedicated six-month New ER Doctor (NERD) Program crafted to guide recent veterinary graduates into skilled and confident emergency doctors at VEG. The hire will own the execution of this structured immersion, focusing specifically on emergency case readiness and clinical development within the open-concept hospital environments. You will own the relationship with assigned mentors, driving your learning and integration into the emergency workflows. The role requires ownership of personal growth and the consistent application of knowledge under pressure to ensure competency. You will own your schedule within the program framework, balancing intense clinical exposure with required learning objectives. Success in this position means owning the transition from student to independent practitioner, culminating in the readiness to practice emergency medicine. Completion of this six-month journey results in a full-time emergency doctor position, securing a permanent role within the VEG network.

Key facts

Requirements

Hold a valid Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), or equivalent degree by June 2027. Possess a current and valid veterinary medicine license for the program state and a valid DEA registration in the program state prior to the start date. Be physically capable of working in a noisy environment that includes strong or unpleasant odors on a consistent basis. Be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the operational demands of the emergency hospital. Demonstrate effective collaboration skills to work harmoniously with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. Commit to a continuous, consecutive six-month duration for the entire program without breaks. Apply by submitting an unofficial transcript and an up-to-date resume, and provide two professional references through the REFAPP platform.

What you'll do

Assess and manage a high volume of emergency cases, applying medical knowledge to stabilize and treat critical patients under pressure. Utilize point-of-care diagnostic tools, imaging modalities, and emerging technologies to guide rapid clinical decision-making in dynamic situations. Synthesize complex medical information to develop and adjust treatment plans for animals in critical condition. Communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners, delivering updates on critical status, treatment options, and prognoses during high-stress moments. Collaborate closely with veterinary technicians, specialists, and support staff to coordinate efficient and effective patient care. Mentor junior team members and students when appropriate, contributing to the development of a strong clinical culture. Identify trends in emergency presentations and participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance department protocols. Maintain strict compliance with safety protocols, infection control measures, and regulatory standards in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Nice to have

There are no preferred qualifications, skills, or experiences listed for this role; the program is designed for recent graduates who meet the core requirements.

Practical notes

The program is a full-time commitment requiring availability for nights, weekends, and holidays based on hospital demand. The initial application must include an unofficial transcript and resume, with references submitted through the REFAPP system. Typical interview steps for leadership hiring often include a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation designed to assess decision-making. Candidates may be asked to discuss how they would turn around a struggling team or plan for future growth. Past results are examined closely, with a focus on how decisions were made and the consequences of those actions. Preparing two or three decision-based stories, complete with numbers and lessons learned, is the best use of preparation time.

Career growth

Leadership careers typically progress from manager to senior manager, then to director, and eventually to executive roles. Each advancement adds greater scope and responsibility for outcomes, requiring enhanced delegation, communication, and decision-making skills. The best leaders commit to continuous learning and actively build the capabilities of their teams. Career growth within VEG follows this path, rewarding a record of successfully developing people and delivering results. As you advance, your communication and vision will shape the organization on a larger scale, influencing the direction of emergency care across the network.