New ER Doctor (NERD) Program: Starts July 2025, Practicing Veterinarians - Houston, TX

As a New ER Doctor at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), your primary responsibilities will include providing exceptional emergency care for animals, collaborating with an experienced team of medical professionals, and participating in ongoing training through the NERD Program. Your role will involve diagnosing and treating critical cases, ensuring client-centered communication, and developing practices that align with VEG's mission to help pets in urgent need.

To be eligible for the New ER Doctor Program at Veterinary Emergency Group, candidates must hold a valid DVM, VMD, or comparable degree, have a minimum of one year of experience as a practicing veterinarian, and obtain a valid license for veterinary practice in Texas, including a DEA registration. A passion for emergency medicine and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment are also essential.

The mentorship aspect of the New ER Doctor Program at Veterinary Emergency Group is designed to foster growth and confidence in emergency medicine. You will benefit from hands-on experience alongside medical directors and seasoned emergency veterinarians, receiving guidance during each shift. Regular mentor meetings will enhance your learning and ensure you feel supported throughout the six-month program.

Veterinary Emergency Group's New ER Doctor Program includes various paid continuing education experiences as part of its six-month structure. Participants will engage in extensive training on topics such as ultrasound, endoscopy, critical care, CPR, and more. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that you are well-prepared to excel in your emergency veterinary career.

As a New ER Doctor in the program at Veterinary Emergency Group, you will receive industry-leading compensation, a signing bonus, comprehensive health insurance, a 401K with company match, and unlimited continuing education opportunities. Additionally, there are unique perks like 10 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and fresh groceries sent to your hospital weekly to support your well-being and work-life balance.

This question allows you to express your passion for veterinary care and the motivations behind your career shift. Share specific experiences that ignited your interest in emergency medicine, emphasizing your commitment to helping pets in critical situations.

In response, demonstrate your ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. Discuss your approach to triage, the importance of teamwork, and how effective communication with both staff and pet owners is crucial during emergencies.

Illustrate your strategies for maintaining client-centric care, such as active listening, clear communication, and empathy. Share examples of how you manage to balance the urgency of emergency situations while ensuring that pet owners feel informed and supported.

Provide a specific instance that highlights your problem-solving skills and clinical judgment. Focus on your thought process, collaboration with colleagues, and the outcomes that resulted from your decisions.

Discuss your commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education. Highlight any subscriptions to veterinary journals, participation in conferences, or engagement with professional organizations that keep you informed about new techniques and best practices.

Emphasize your collaborative spirit and willingness to support your colleagues in high-pressure situations. Discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment and the importance of communication and respect among team members.

Stress management is vital in emergency work. Share techniques you use to maintain your well-being during demanding shifts, such as effective time management, taking short breaks, and engaging in self-care practices during downtime.

Offer a specific example where clear and transparent communication was crucial. Discuss your tactics for ensuring understanding and managing any emotional responses from clients, emphasizing your empathetic approach.

Express your alignment with VEG's mission and values. Highlight what you find appealing about their approach to veterinary emergency care, such as their employee-centric environment and commitment to client satisfaction.

Clearly articulate your goals for the program, such as gaining hands-on experience in emergency medicine, enhancing specific skills, and establishing a foundational knowledge that will support your career trajectory within VEG. Show your enthusiasm for the mentorship aspect.