What is a referral vet?

A referral vet, also known as a veterinary referral clinician, plays a crucial role in the realm of veterinary medicine. Veterinary referrals involve the transfer of a patient from a primary care veterinarian to a specialist for advanced diagnostics, treatment, or surgery. Being a referral vet means being part of a network of experts – across your hospital and globally - collaborating to provide the highest level of care for pets in need. 

There are routes for all passions and areas of interest within referrals, across all animal species from surgical small animal to equine internal medicine and many more. Referral surgeons can specialise in the following areas:

- Emergency and critical care: handling surgical emergencies, such as trauma cases and other life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.

- Diagnostic imaging: utilising advanced imaging modalities such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound to diagnose surgical cases accurately and plan appropriate treatments.

- Neurology: interventions for neurological conditions such as disc herniations, brain tumours, and spinal cord injuries.

- Cardiology: Performing surgeries related to the heart and thoracic cavity, including procedures like open-heart surgery, thoracotomy, and treatment of congenital heart defects.

- Oncology: Focusing on the surgical treatment of cancer in animals, including tumour resections, limb-sparing surgeries, and reconstructive procedures.

- Soft tissue:  involving organs, tissues, and structures other than bones and joints, such as gastrointestinal surgeries, urogenital surgeries, and reconstructive procedures.

- Orthopaedics: specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, ligament injuries, and joint disorders, often utilizing advanced techniques like TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) and total hip replacements.

Referral vet surgeons may also have a specific interest in: anaesthesia, dermatology, dentistry, behavioural medicine, exotics, feline medicine, internal medicine, interventional services, radioactive iodine therapy, rehabilitation, ophthalmology, research, and teaching.

Why choose IVC Evidensia Referrals

Joining IVC Evidensia Referrals opens doors to a world of possibilities in your veterinary career. As a referral vet with us, you'll have access to cutting-edge research and teaching opportunities. Our state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment ensure you can provide the best possible care to your patients. You’ll be surrounded by a supportive community of specialists, advanced practitioners, and fellow referral clinicians in your specific field of expertise. 

As part of our interconnected global network we have some of the leading experts and board certified specialists/diplomates across all discplines. Being part of our network means being able to connect, learn, and collaborate with exceptional colleagues etc. There's support for research with our research fund, opportunity for innovation, and to mentor the next generation through lecturing and mentoring. 

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Internships and residencies: elevate your career

We take pride in offering a diverse range of internships across the UK and Europe, designed to support your career development. Whether you aim to enhance your skills, prepare for a future residency, or pursue a specialist career, our internships cater to your aspirations. Choose from rotating and discipline-specific internships available in various locations.

Veterinary internships at IVC Evidensia Referrals are not only valuable learning experiences but also serve as a stepping stone for vets looking to improve their skills or transition to a specific discipline within veterinary medicine.

Once you've completed a suitable internship, the next natural progression is a veterinary residency. Our three-year residencies are conducted in specialist-led veterinary hospitals, providing you with hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced specialists in your chosen discipline. The residency program typically last for three years and equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the exams required for specialist status. You will be supervised by an experienced specialist in your chosen discipline.
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Your future, our support

At IVC Evidensia Referrals, we are dedicated to supporting you at every stage of your veterinary career. Whether you're taking your first steps as an intern or embarking on a residency to become a specialist, we are here to guide you on your journey to excellence. 
 

Join us at IVC Evidensia Referrals and become part of a community that values continuous learning, collaboration, and the pursuit of veterinary excellence. Your passion for veterinary medicine deserves a platform that encourages growth and provides the resources you need to make a difference. 
 

Discover access to research and teaching opportunities, modern facilities and equipment, and the support of other specialists, advanced practitioners, and other referral clinicians in your field of work. 

Discover IVC Evidensia Referrals

"I knew I wanted to be the best that I could be which would enable me to provide the highest standard of patient care...what drew me to IVC Evidensia was the genuine focus on their employees"

Lara Dempsey, head of soft tissue surgery at Blaise Referrals
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Want to work with us?

We are always on the look out for motivated and enthusiastic referral veterinary surgeons to join us. Check out our current vacancies.
See our current vacancies