Melbourne Animal Referral Services (MARS) is an industry leading specialist team, delivering exceptional Oncology and Surgical Services to patients across the state of Victoria.

We are a close-knit unit with a very strong team ethic. We pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive and nurturing environment for all staff and although we take our work seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously and love having fun at work.

We are looking to train interns that have a passion for Oncology with a strong desire to improve their skills, knowledge and be a valued member of a truly exceptional team.

About the hospital:

MARS hospital is located in the leafy affluent suburb of Hawthorn East Melbourne. The facility is truly world class and benefits strongly from its stellar location with local transport links such as the Tooronga train station, within minutes walking distance and the M1 freeway, also only a few minutes away. The hospital is 1500 square meters and includes undercover parking for pet owners and staff. No expense has been spared in fitting out the facility with a superbly appointed ICU, separate feline and canine spaces, waiting rooms, wards, ICU, 64 helical slice CT scanner, C-arm Video Fluoroscopy, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, DR radiography several human hospital grade theatres and space prepared for a 1.5 T MRI to name but a few of the appealing features.

About the service and position:

The Oncology service is led by Dr Irina Gramer. Dr Gramer is a highly regarded Oncologist having lead the Oncology Team at the Royal Veterinary College. She is the founder of the Oncology Camp, an educational vehicle to help residents and interns prepare for examination. Irina chairs the ECVIM education committee directly overseeing the training programmes of all ECVIM oncology residents worldwide. She has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and written book chapters in her career as oncologist. Since starting with the MARS and GARS family in January 2024, Dr Gramer has rapidly developed the Oncology Service with traditional chemotherapy, electrochemotherapy, APAVAC cancer vaccine immunotherapy and plasmid gene therapy. At MARS we focus on providing state-of-the-art treatments to our patients that are at the forefront of known oncology treatment advances.

We are seeking a dedicated Veterinarian to join our dynamic Oncology Team. You will assist with diagnostic procedures, treating cancer patients and consulting with pet owners under supervision. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in providing exceptional care and support to our patients undergoing diagnostics and treatment for cancer. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about veterinary oncology and is looking for a stepping stone into an oncology residency programme.

Position details

• The oncology internship is designed to ensure you develop a deeper level of knowledge and competence in veterinary oncology by the completion of the program.
• Mentorship, training, support, and guidance is provided by a dynamic group of Specialists (initially Oncology and Surgery onsite, Medicine, ECC, Radiology and anesthesiology currently sister hospital-GARS) plus a supportive team of nursing staff. Note that we are currently recruiting for other disciplines to complement the Surgery and Oncology Teams at Hawthorn.
• Involvement in daily hospital rounds, in-clinic tutorials and journal club
• Participation in our established journal and chapter clubs, M&M rounds and research preparation tutorials.
• Mentorship and support for interns to pursue ANZCVS membership (if not already completed) and develop research projects is supported and encouraged.
• Continuing education support, including attendance at conferences is supported and encouraged.
• Guidance and support provided for applications to Residency programs, both within MARS, our sister business GARS and external institutions.

Key Accountabilities

• Strive to provide clinical excellence in the treatment of all patients
• Seek guidance from senior staff and the nursing team where appropriate
• Positive and exceptional communication with pet owners, hospital departments, referring clinics and staff.
• Represent the hospital and business in a positive and respectful manner
• Complete case-based paperwork diligently and in a timely fashion
• Foster a friendly and unified team environment
• Assist veterinary oncologists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with cancer.
• Administer chemotherapy treatments as well as novel treatments unique to MARS (example, electrochemotherapy, immunotherapy) and monitor patients during and after treatments.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures and imaging studies (e.g., radiographs, ultrasound, CT) as needed.
• Assist with sedation and anaesthetics for patients undergoing diagnostic and treatment procedures related to oncology.
• Monitor and assess patient responses to treatment, documenting observations and communicating findings to the veterinary team.
• Consultations with pet owners on diagnostic and treatment plans, medication administration, and home care protocols. This will be for our regular chemotherapy and re-staging patients but can also include consultations with new clients dependent on competence level. Following extensive training in this aspect you will be able to communicate with clients effectively allowing you to lead more challenging conversations and discussions.

About You

You will have the following;

• Registered as a veterinarian in Victoria
• General practice experience or completion of a rotating internship
• Passion for delivering the highest standard of care
• Desire to practice high level small animal surgery
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for high caseload
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education
• Commitment to the culture and values of the business
• Honest, reliable and loyal character

Pay and Conditions

• 12month (may be extended up to 18months if mutually appealing) full-time position based on a 4 x 10 hour shift working week.
• Program commences September 2024 (*room to start later for the right candidate)
• Regular working hours are 8.00am-6.00pm
• Annual leave, personal/carer's leave, parental leave, compassionate leave and community service leave will accrue and be provided in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009.
• Generous CPD package provided
• Radiation Licence expense covered during employment.

What we provide

• Mentorship, training, support and guidance provided by Specialists in Oncology and Surgery with additional support from our groups Internal Medicine, critical care, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia specialists.  
• Guidance and support provided for applications to Residency programs, both within MARS, our sister business (Geelong Animal Referral Services) and external institutions.
• Develop and improve your diagnostic interpretation skills
• Develop and improve your surgical skills and knowledge

For further information or to apply for this position, please email your cover letter and CV to both: Alex.marsvets@gmail.com and adrian.wallace.au@gmail.com