The Job Opportunity:
An established specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Crystal Lake, Illinois is seeking a Board-Certified or Residency-Trained Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its collaborative referral team. This is an opportunity for a surgeon who enjoys complex cases, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and working alongside experienced veterinary professionals. The hospital provides a supportive environment where specialists can collaborate across disciplines and develop individualized treatment plans for both inpatient and outpatient patients. 

Practice Information:
The hospital is a long-established 24/7 specialty, referral, and emergency center serving companion animals throughout the surrounding region.

• Emergency and critical care
• Small animal surgery
• Internal medicine
• Rehabilitation
• Referral medicine
• Inpatient and outpatient care

The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, including on-site CT imaging, allowing the team to pursue comprehensive diagnostic workups and sophisticated treatment plans. The collaborative structure provides opportunities to work closely with veterinarians across different specialties, creating an environment where case discussion and shared clinical knowledge are part of everyday practice. 
The hospital’s location in Crystal Lake, Illinois, approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago, also offers access to the amenities of the Chicago area while providing a smaller community setting.

Role Responsibilities:

• Performing comprehensive surgical consultations and patient evaluations
• Developing individualized diagnostic and treatment plans
• Performing appropriate soft tissue and other small animal surgical procedures
• Managing complex surgical cases from consultation through recovery
• Communicating surgical findings, treatment options, and prognoses clearly with clients
• Maintaining thorough and accurate medical records
• Working closely with emergency clinicians, internists, rehabilitation veterinarians, technicians, and other members of the medical team
• Participating in case discussions, rounds, and collaborative treatment planning
• Applying current, evidence-based veterinary medicine to patient care
• Supporting appropriate hospital protocols and high standards of patient safety
• Contributing to the education and professional development of colleagues and support staff
• Participating in continuing education and ongoing clinical development
• Providing mentorship and knowledge-sharing when appropriate

Job Applicant Requirements:

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited veterinary college
• Completion of a one-year small animal rotating internship or equivalent training in medicine, surgery, emergency, or a related specialty
• Completion of a three-year AVMA-approved surgical residency
• Current Illinois veterinary license or eligibility for licensure
• DEA registration, as required
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary veterinary team
• Commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care
• Interest in evidence-based medicine and continued professional development
• Board certification in small animal surgery
• Several years of experience following residency training
• Interest in teaching, mentorship, or clinical leadership
• Strong interest in continuing education and advancing surgical knowledge
• Candidates should be comfortable communicating complex medical information to clients in a clear and compassionate manner and working collaboratively with colleagues across multiple areas of veterinary medicine.

Compensation & Benefits May Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement plan participation
• Team member pet discounts
• Continuing education support and professional development resources
• Emotional well-being resources and employee assistance support
• Financial assistance resources for team members experiencing qualifying personal hardships
• Relocation support, where applicable
• Support from broader organizational resources while maintaining a strong local hospital culture

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Note: The information contained in this job posting is provided by the hiring organization and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associated with the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, benefits, compensation, or working conditions Job details, including compensation, benefits, schedules, and position requirements, are subject to change at the discretion of the hiring organization and may be modified without notice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or continued availability of any position listed. Submission of an application or inquiry does not guarantee an interview, employment, or placement.