New ER Doctor (NERD) Program: Starts July 2027, Practicing Veterinarians - Leesburg, VA

About the role

The VEG New ER Doctor (NERD) program transforms practicing non‑emergency veterinarians into exceptional VEG ER doctors through a six‑month immersive, mentored experience. Participants gain hands‑on emergency medicine training, earn over 160 RACE‑approved CE hours, and upon successful completion are guaranteed a full‑time ER doctor position at a VEG hospital.

Responsibilities

• Work side‑by‑side with experienced VEG doctors who mentor you through real ER cases, providing guidance and feedback.
• Engage in hands‑on learning (not just shadowing) with built‑in mentorship.
• Work 3‑4 hospital shifts per week (days, swings, and nights).
• Participate in weekly case discussions, literature reviews, and hands‑on training at state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
• Learn best practices for client‑centered communication and care (the VEG Way).
• Attend CE experiences including hands‑on training and weekly didactic learning, earning over 160 RACE‑approved CE hours in six months.
• Specific CE highlights: abdominal, thoracic and cardiac point‑of‑care ultrasound; exotic companion animals in the ER; flexible GI endoscopy; small animal emergency surgery; small animal critical care lab; RECOVER ALS and BLS Rescuer CPR certification (all paid by VEG).

Requirements

• Passion for helping people and their pets.
• Valid DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.
• Practicing veterinarian for at least 1 year.
• Desire to live and breathe emergency medicine.
• Valid veterinary medicine license and valid DEA registration in the state where the program will be completed by the start date.
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, work on the floor; lift up to 25 kg unaided and support up to 40 kg with assistance.
• Willingness to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as‑needed basis.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with people of diverse backgrounds and personality types.
• Ability to commit to a predetermined schedule for a consecutive six‑month period.

Qual