Associate Veterinarian - New Graduate
About The Position
Small Door is hiring a new-graduate Associate Veterinarian for MADE (Mentorship, Advancement, Development, and Education), a structured, supportive six-month program. Its mission is to give each new graduate the structure, mentorship, and support to become a confident, skilled, and compassionate veterinarian. The program develops clinical and communication skills side by side, with a dedicated mentor and access to the wider veterinary network. It accepts a limited number of applicants. Training covers primary and acute care, complex medical workups and long-term follow-up, foundational dentistry, spay/neuter surgery, RECOVER CPR certification, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Monthly case rounds and knowledge assessments reinforce learning. Communication training includes explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and estimates compassionately, navigating difficult conversations, and coordinating effectively with the care team. Success means confidently managing a full primary and acute care caseload, independently performing routine spay/neuter and Stage 1–2 dental procedures, communicating recommendations so clients understand and trust them, and building strong relationships with a mentor, practice team, and the broader DVM network. Small Door provides membership-based veterinary care, including 24/7 telemedicine, transparent pricing, and modern, low-stress spaces. Following its July 2026 merger with Bond Vet, the combined organization is described as spanning more than 60 practices across major Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest markets. The organization says it is working to improve sustainability in veterinary medicine, with a focus on medical excellence, mental health, and team wellness.
Requirements
- DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school; recent and upcoming graduates are eligible.
- Eligibility for veterinary licensure in the state where the candidate will practice.
Nice To Haves
- Eagerness to develop skills in general practice, surgery, and dentistry.
- Interest in advanced general practice and solving complex cases.
- Commitment to the human-animal bond and caring for patients and their pet parents over time.
- Strong communication skills and appreciation of the importance of explaining care clearly.
- Collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Responsibilities
- Provide primary and acute veterinary care, including complex medical workups and long-term follow-up.
- Develop skills in foundational dentistry and spay/neuter surgery.
- Communicate diagnoses, treatment options, and estimates in clear, compassionate language.
- Navigate difficult client conversations with confidence and empathy.
- Communicate effectively with the care team to support coordinated, consistent patient care.
- Participate in monthly case rounds and knowledge assessments.
- Build relationships with the program mentor, practice team, and broader DVM network.
Benefits
- Dedicated mentor and access to the broader veterinary network.
- Gradually increasing, balanced caseload.
- Internal and external continuing education.
- Generous paid time off.
- Medical, dental, and vision plan options.
- Frequent check-ins and an Employee Assistance Program.
- 401(k) with matching contributions.
- Parental leave programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
