Equine Surgeon

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine seeks an Equine Surgeon to lead a surgical team in a progressive, full-service equine hospital. The role spans arthroscopy, fracture repair, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, and medical management of complex cases within a robust referral network.

The position emphasizes work-life balance with no on-call shifts, a collaborative anesthesia and surgical staff, and opportunities for professional growth in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree.
• Strong surgical and clinical skills.
• Excellent communication and client-service abilities.
• Commitment to collaborative, team-based medicine.
• Passion for delivering exceptional patient care.

Responsibilities

• Lead a highly skilled surgical team and collaborate with colleagues across surgery, sports medicine, outpatient services, and advanced diagnostics.
• Manage a diverse caseload spanning arthroscopy, upper airway procedures, fracture repair, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, elective and emergency cases.
• Oversee both surgical and medical management of colic; involved in lameness evaluations and regenerative therapies.
• Engage in advanced imaging interpretation and performance horse care; work with a broad equine population.
• Contribute to continuous learning and mentorship within a referral-driven setting.

Skills

Strong surgical skills

Excellent communication

Client-service abilities

Collaborative team-based medicine

Passion for patient care

Education

DVM or equivalent veterinary degree

Job description

We are seeking an Equine Surgeon to join our progressive, full-service equine practice and regional referral center. This is an exceptional opportunity to practice advanced medicine and surgery while achieving a level of work-life balance that is increasingly rare in equine practice. At Purdue University, you will build your career in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and impact, where your expertise is supported and your contributions help shape the future of veterinary medicine.

In this role, you will lead a highly skilled surgical team and collaborate closely with colleagues across surgery, sports medicine, outpatient services, and advanced diagnostics. You will manage a diverse and engaging caseload that spans the full spectrum of equine practice, including arthroscopy, upper airway procedures, fracture repair, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, elective and emergency cases, and both surgical and medical management of colic. You will also remain actively involved in lameness evaluations, regenerative therapies, advanced imaging interpretation, and performance horse care, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient care. You will work with a diverse equine population, including racehorses, performance and sport horses, drafts, stock horses, leisure horses, ponies, and mules. With a strong referral network and established client base, you will have immediate access to a robust caseload that supports both clinical excellence and continued professional growth.

This position is intentionally structured to support both professional success and personal well-being, offering no on-call responsibilities, no weekend or holiday shifts, flexible scheduling, and the support of a dedicated anesthesia team alongside experienced surgical staff. Our collaborative culture emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning. At Purdue, you are not just stepping into a role—you are joining a community committed to excellence, innovation, and impact, where your career can grow while you make a lasting difference in the field.

About Our Hospital

Opened in 2017, our state-of-the-art equine hospital is widely recognized for its modern design, advanced technology, and commitment to exceptional patient care. We continue to receive strong praise from both clients and referring veterinarians, reinforcing our reputation as a premier destination for equine medicine and surgery. We have made significant investments to ensure our veterinarians have access to the tools, resources, and support needed to practice at the highest level. Our advanced diagnostic and imaging capabilities include Qalibra Standing CT, nuclear scintigraphy, digital radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopy and gastroscopy, dynamic upper airway endoscopy, fluoroscopy, regenerative medicine therapies, and advanced sports medicine diagnostics and treatments. This environment empowers our clinicians to deliver cutting-edge care across a diverse and complex caseload while advancing their skills in a highly collaborative, referral-driven setting.

We are seeking an Equine Surgeon to join our progressive, full-service equine practice and regional referral center. This is an exceptional opportunity to practice advanced medicine and surgery while achieving a level of work-life balance that is increasingly rare in equine practice. At Purdue University, you will build your career in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and impact, where your expertise is supported and your contributions help shape the future of veterinary medicine.

In this role, you will lead a highly skilled surgical team and collaborate closely with colleagues across surgery, sports medicine, outpatient services, and advanced diagnostics. You will manage a diverse and engaging caseload that spans the full spectrum of equine practice, including arthroscopy, upper airway procedures, fracture repair, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, elective and emergency cases, and both surgical and medical management of colic. You will also remain actively involved in lameness evaluations, regenerative therapies, advanced imaging interpretation, and performance horse care, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient care. You will work with a diverse equine population, including racehorses, performance and sport horses, drafts, stock horses, leisure horses, ponies, and mules. With a strong referral network and established client base, you will have immediate access to a robust caseload that supports both clinical excellence and continued professional growth.

This position is intentionally structured to support both professional success and personal well-being, offering no on-call responsibilities, no weekend or holiday shifts, flexible scheduling, and the support of a dedicated anesthesia team alongside experienced surgical staff. Our collaborative culture emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning. At Purdue, you are not just stepping into a role—you are joining a community committed to excellence, innovation, and impact, where your career can grow while you make a lasting difference in the field.

What We’re Looking For:

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will need:

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree

Skills Needed

• Strong surgical and clinical skills
• Excellent communication and client-service abilities
• Commitment to collaborative, team-based medicine
• Passion for delivering exceptional patient care

What is helpful

• Board-certified or board-eligible equine surgeon

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not EligibleForOvertime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately

Join Our Team

This is a unique opportunity to join a thriving equine hospital that offers advanced surgical and diagnostic capabilities, a strong referral network, a loyal client base, outstanding support staff, and a schedule designed to support both professional success and personal well-being.

Career Stream

Professional 4

• Pay Band S085
• Job Code #20003436

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.