Careers/Externships

Smith Animal Hospital is looking for a full-time Associate Veterinarian to join our progressive, small animal practice in Spartanburg, SC. This role offers an excellent opportunity for both new graduates seeking mentorship and experienced veterinarians who wish to grow their clientele in a collaborative, supportive setting.

More on us here: https://smithanimalspartanburg.com/

Position Overview:

• Primary Responsibilities: Provide general small animal care, including routine surgery, preventative health care, dental care, and vaccinations. There is also an opportunity to perform orthopedic services if desired but not required.
• Private Practice Advantages: Unlike many corporate settings, we encourage autonomy and personalized care. You’ll have flexibility in treatment approaches and a true voice in how we operate, promoting a patient-centered environment where decisions prioritize individual pet and client needs.
• Advanced Medical Resources: Utilize a suite of state-of-the-art technologies, including a comprehensive in-house lab, digital x-ray, and dual surgery suites with electrocautery and dental capabilities. We collaborate with an experienced radiologist and trusted specialists for cases requiring advanced expertise.
• Collaborative & Supportive Team: Join a team led by two experienced veterinarians with a combined 70 years of practice, providing ample mentorship and learning opportunities. Our hospital is part of a network of two sister practices, offering additional support and resources not typically available in corporate settings.

Work-Life Balance in a Non-Corporate Environment:

• Flexible Schedule: Our clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no weekend or on-call hours. The Associate Veterinarian will work four days per week, including two 10-hour shifts, ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Patient-Centric Approach: We prioritize quality care over volume, empowering you to spend time with each patient and foster long-term relationships with clients without corporate-imposed quotas or rushed appointments.

Cultural Fit & Company Values:

• Our team thrives on collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning. We’re looking for individuals who share these values and are excited to contribute to a positive, supportive work environment.
• We prioritize professional growth and support our team members by ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. New team members are paired with mentors to ease the transition, and as you grow, there are opportunities for leadership roles and ownership within the practice.

Competitive Compensation & Unique Benefits:

• Salary & Bonus Structure: Starting salary ranges from $120,000 – $200,000+, depending on experience, with production bonuses of 22-25%, paid quarterly—terms that are designed to reward your hard work directly.
• Private Practice Bonuses & Relocation Support: Receive up to a $15,000 signing bonus (allocated quarterly) along with up to $10,000 in relocation assistance. We can provide temporary or long-term housing if needed (including on-site), as well as support for spousal career placement.
• Healthcare & Retirement: We offer a healthcare allowance with a choice of insurance plans to find the one that best fits your needs, along with a 401k retirement plan with a 4% employer match.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Our benefits include 3 weeks of vacation, 52 hours of personal leave, and up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (depending on PTO already taken for the year).
• Professional Development & Autonomy: Smith Animal Hospital supports professional growth with options for student loan reimbursement, full coverage for state licensing fees, AVMA and state dues, and continuing education (CE) reimbursements. We believe in empowering our veterinarians to make clinical decisions and further their knowledge without corporate limitations.
• Additional Perks: Generous pet care discounts and an opportunity for future ownership are included.

Practice Location in a Thriving Community:

• About Spartanburg: Located in South Carolina’s upstate, Spartanburg offers a high quality of life with a thriving local business scene, arts, and ample outdoor recreation. It’s a fast-growing area ideal for family life and within driving distance of both mountains and ocean.More on our city: https://www.visitspartanburg.com/
• Get Connected: During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with members of Spartanburg Young Professionals, a dynamic local network of individuals who’ve chosen Spartanburg as their home and are advancing their careers here. Gain valuable insights into what it’s truly like to live and work in Spartanburg, helping you make an informed decision about your potential move to the area.More on the SYP Organization: https://www.spartanburgyp.com/
• Community Commitment: As a private practice, we are deeply rooted in the local community, supporting local businesses and encouraging employees to do the same.

Interview Process:

• Phone Interview: Chat with our lead veterinarian and practice owner, who will provide detailed insights into the position, daily responsibilities, and expectations. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We’d love for you to speak with your fellow associate veterinarians to learn firsthand about their experiences!
• In-Person Interview: During your on-site visit, you’ll meet the team and tour our facilities to get a comprehensive feel for our practice. You’ll also have the chance to engage in some clinical work, offering a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be part of our team.

We understand that choosing the right practice is a significant decision, which is why we’re open to offering externship opportunities during your clinic rotations. This allows you to experience our work environment firsthand and ensure you’re making the right choice for your future.

After all interviews, we’ll review and aim to schedule follow-up discussions within the next week. You’ll be notified about the next steps as soon as possible!

Qualifications:

• Required: DVM degree, active Veterinary State license and DEA license (or ability to obtain both upon hire).
• Preferred: USDA Accreditation (beneficial but not required).
• Eligibility: At the time, we are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States without the need of company sponsorships now or in the future.

If you are seeking a private practice that values professional autonomy, quality of care, and genuine community, reach out to us at charles@eastsidespartanburg.com—we look forward to connecting with you!

You may also apply here: https://smithanimalspartanburg.com/careers/#positions

Smith Animal Hospital is currently hiring externs to join our progressive, small animal private practice here in Spartanburg, SC!

We are looking for highly motivated veterinary students who are eager to join a collaborative and encouraging environment where you can expect an exceptional, hands-on learning experience and valuable mentoring, while immersing yourself in a community where your ideas are heard.

What You Can Expect:

• Hands-On Learning: Our practice provides general small animal care, including routine surgery, preventative health care, diagnostics, dental care, and vaccinations. This is your opportunity to dive into a variety of cases, from routine check-ups to complex procedures, while learning directly from seasoned professionals who will guide your development. You’ll also gain valuable insights into clinic operations, client interactions, medical record management and more.
• Personalized Mentorship: No matter the kind of guidance you’re seeking, whether it be in surgery, the latest treatments, or understanding more of the business side of medicine, we’ll work with you to develop an individualized mentorship approach during your time here to help you become the best veterinarian you strive to be.
• Collaborative & Supportive Team: We see this as a two-way street. While you’re here to learn from us, we also want to learn from you! We believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere that encourages teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our furry friends.

Compensation Beyond the Basics:

• Housing and Travel Stipend – We provide a $500/week stipend to 3rd and 4th year veterinary students, making it easier for you to focus on your learning while you’re here. We also have on-site housing available to those interested!
• Meals/Dinner – We like to treat our staff to the occasional coffees and lunches. Plus, we’ll want to take you to dinner to get to know you better in a less professional setting.

Externship Process:

• Phone Interview: Our lead veterinarian and practice owner will provide detailed insights into what your daily responsibilities and expectations will be. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
• On-site Visit: You’ll meet the team and tour our facilities to get a comprehensive feel for our practice. You’ll also have the chance to engage in some clinical work, offering a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be part of our team. You’ll also engage with one of our associate veterinarians to hear firsthand about their experiences as a valued member of our team and what it would be like working here should you become an associate in the future.
• Community Engagement: You’ll have the opportunity to connect with members of Spartanburg Young Professionals, a dynamic local network of individuals who’ve chosen Spartanburg as their home and are advancing their careers here. This provides you with valuable insights into what it’s truly like to live and work in Spartanburg, should you ever decide you want to move here.
• Start Here, Stay Here Approach: At the end of your externship, we’ll want to spend some time reviewing your experience with us. It’s our intent that we provide a possible full-time career path for you here, not just a stop along the way. This is not only your chance to provide feedback to us but discuss the possibilities of working with us full-time in the future!

Why Smith Animal:

• Trusted Experience: We are a team led by two experienced veterinarians with a combined 70 years in practice that pride ourselves in the relationships we develop with our customers, some of which have bene with us for years. Our hospital is part of a network of two sister practices, offering additional support and resources not typically available to others.
• Walk-Ins Only Care: We follow a walk-ins-based system, expecting a high caseload on most days. However, we spend the necessary time needed for thorough consultations, allowing staff to build relationships with clients without the pressure to meet corporate imposed quotas.
• Private Practice Advantages: Unlike many corporate settings, we encourage autonomy and personalized care. Our team has flexibility in treatment approaches and a true voice in how we operate, promoting a patient-centered environment where decisions prioritize individual pet and client needs.
• Advanced Medical Resources: We utilize a suite of state-of-the-art technologies, including a comprehensive in-house lab, digital x-ray, and dual surgery suites with electrocautery and dental capabilities. We collaborate with an experienced radiologist and trusted specialists for cases requiring advanced expertise.
• Our Communal Approach: We are committed to building and sustaining veterinary careers not just for individuals but for the entire veterinary community. We understand the vital role that local veterinary hospitals play in their communities, and we encourage you to actively contribute to the well-being of both pets and people in your area.

Welcome to Spartanburg:

• Located in South Carolina’s upstate, Spartanburg offers a high quality of life with a thriving local business scene, arts, and ample outdoor recreation.
• Southern Magazine named us one of the fast-growing areas in the nation and have been known to be ideal for family life and within driving distance of both mountains and ocean.

We understand that choosing the right practice is a significant decision, which is why we aim for your externship experience to stand out among the rest during your clinic rotations. This allows you to experience our work environment firsthand and ensure you’re making the right choice for your future.

If you are seeking a private practice that values mentoring, professional autonomy, quality of care, and genuine community, reach out to us at charles@eastsidespartanburg.com – we look forward to connecting with you!