Surgical Intern

VetPartners Australia and New Zealand; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southpaws in Victoria invites applications for a Surgical Internship at our Malvern and Mornington facilities. You will work closely with our surgical team, gaining hands-on experience across consultations, diagnostics, anaesthesia and theatre.

You will follow cases from admission through discharge, with exposure to multiple surgeons and case types, developing practical skills in a fast-paced specialist setting. Prior internship is desirable but not essential.

Qualifications

• A veterinary degree registerable in Victoria.
• Genuine desire to develop surgical skills in a specialist setting.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Desirable prior internship in veterinary surgery.

Responsibilities

• Assist with admissions, charting and recheck appointments.
• Support surgical cases from admission to discharge.
• Assist with pre-induction prep, anaesthesia and theatre setup.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging and post-operative care.
• Maintain high standards of surgical safety and documentation.

Skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Excellent communication

Willingness to learn

Adaptive under supervision

Education

Bachelor of Veterinary Science or equivalent

Prior internship completion (rotating or surgical) - desirable

Job description

Surgical Internship – Malvern and Mornington

Southpaws is one of Australia’s best-known Veterinary Specialist and Emergency hospital groups, with an aim to be the first choice for expert veterinary care, why? Because our pets are our family. Join a leading specialist and referral hospital and build hands-on surgical experience across our Malvern and Mornington locations.

The Role

As a Surgery Intern, you’ll work closely with our surgical team each day, supporting a range of cases across consulting, diagnostic imaging, theatre and inpatient care. You will gain exposure to multiple surgeons and case types, allowing you to broaden your clinical experience and develop adaptability in a fast-paced specialist setting. Your focus will be to follow and support surgical cases from admission through to discharge, gaining meaningful, practical experience at every stage.

This is a highly practical, hands-on role with exposure across consultations, diagnostics, anaesthesia and theatre.

The Detail

• Prepare and review patient histories, diagnostics, medications and treatment plans prior to shift commencement
• Attend and support surgical consultations, including patient assessments and clinical documentation
• Assist with admissions, charting and recheck appointments
• Support client and referring veterinarian communication as directed
• Assist with pre-induction preparation (IVC placement, fluids, bloodwork and premedication)
• Support diagnostic imaging including radiographs and CT
• Assist with patient preparation, theatre set-up and sterile surgical assistance
• Maintain high standards of surgical safety and accurate pathology labelling
• Support post-operative care including recovery, bandaging and inpatient management
• Process histopathology samples
• Prepare discharge notes, dispense medications (excluding S8s) and finalise discharge packs
• Assist nursing and surgical teams as required to ensure smooth daily workflow

About you

• A Veterinary degree registerable in Victoria
• A genuine desire to be a part of our team practising the highest standards in veterinary care
• Passion and self-motivation for continuing education
• Professional and positive outlook
• Exceptional organisation and with a focus on teamwork
• Prior internship completion (rotating or surgical) is desireable but not essential

What We’re Offering

• Exposure to complex and advanced surgical cases
• Direct mentorship from senior surgeons and residents
• Hands-on theatre experience
• Development of anaesthetic and peri-operative skills
• Confidence in client communication and discharge planning
• Experience across two dynamic hospital locations alongside our team of surgical residents providing opportunity to prepare to sit membership exams or get started on a research project

This internship is ideal for motivated veterinarians looking to deepen their surgical knowledge in a collaborative, high-performance environment.