Phoenix Animal Wellness - Companion Animal Veterinarian - Kerikeri

Organisation/clinic: Phoenix Animal Wellness

Location: Kerikeri

Position type: Companion Animal Veterinarian

Website: https://www.phoenixanimalwellness.co.nz/ 

I wanted to be a veterinarian from 13 years old, by 15 I was working at the local practice, by 16, with the help of a hilarious moped I was ‘Sunday Girl’ cleaning the onsite quarantine kennels and nursing for anything that came in. I talked my way into veterinary school as I was never an academic highflier, and my first job was on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, calving cows, drinking whisky and having a blast. My veterinary career has taken me from Scotland to France to New Zealand, I have been a large animal veterinarian, a companion animal veterinarian, locum, manager, consultant and clinic owner. I love it today as much as I did 35 years ago when I qualified. As veterinarians we are privileged to be able to travel and work, change our career direction, find a pathway we love and follow it. We get to meet interesting people every day, and we get to keep on learning.

I have gathered a group of colleagues who feel like I do, and we need another veterinarian to join our team. Here’s what some of my team think:

• “I’ve spent years looking for a great boss to work for, multiple practices later, I feel like I’ve finally found that. Paula and her whole team are such a supportive, positive and dedicated group. I couldn’t wish for a better place to work.” Jen, veterinarian.
• “As someone coming from overseas and as a new graduate, I have felt welcomed at Phoenix by both the team and our clients from my very first day! I love that I can follow most of my cases through, allowing me to build a genuine connection with clients and patients, plus, the diverse caseload and facilities available have allowed me to develop my skills rapidly. If I had to pick, my favourite part of coming to work every day is the team - we have fun no matter what we are doing, and I can’t think of a better boss and management team to work alongside!’ Rose, veterinarian
• “To start with here’s some strong pointers: If you’re looking for a clinic with a high surgical case load, this is it. You’ll become a whizz at surgery and get all the support you need, and the clients are genuinely lovely and grateful. But what I really think make or breaks our tough job in clinical practice is the team we work with. Life’s too short not to enjoy where we work. Phoenix has an amazing team; every single person here will help each other out and it makes work fun. If this sounds great, it’s actually better because my words aren’t wording today!” Ju, veterinarian
• “When I talk to people and tell them I drive one and a half hours to and from work each day they are shocked and ask why? My answer is always the same, I love my job, and it is so worth driving that distance to work for a boss that embraces who I am as an individual, values my skills and acknowledges my dedication to the Phoenix team. I wake up every morning with the same passion and drive to deliver high quality patient care as I did the first day I started, which is extremely important to me and not something I can honestly say I have experienced in any past employment.” Donna, Head veterinary nurse.

If you think we sound like your kind of people, we are looking for a full-time, companion animal veterinarian, ideally with some experience but it’s not a deal breaker. Days can be flexible, we do our own afterhours, and the rota is 1 in 5.

Most veterinary adverts sound the same, so I won’t bore you with the usual stuff about awesome facilities, generous remuneration package, a wonderful place to live, etc. Have a look at our website and Facebook page and then give me a call if you want to find out more.