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NEW ER DOCTOR PROGRAM
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APPLY FOR THE NEW ER DOCTOR PROGRAM
The New ER Doctor program is designed to transform recent DVM grads and practicing non-emergency veterinarians into exceptional, confident VEG ER doctors. This 6-month deep dive into the action of emergency is a structured, immersive program like no other. Integrating academic and clinical teachings with individualized mentorship, this program fuels a passion for the ER and creates a deeper meaning around life-saving veterinary heroics.
New ER Doctors (yes, NERDs!) experience a program that includes 3-4 hospital shifts per week (days, swings, and nights), weekly case discussions, literature reviews, and hands-on training at state-of-the-art facilities. Doctors in the program get an up-close, firsthand experience, working and learning from top emergency doctors and specialists.
Through this intensive 6-month program, NERDs discover the unique rewards of customer-focused care and emerge from the program feeling confident to take on any case that walks through the door.
MENTORS BY YOUR SIDE
Too often, mentorship is promised but not delivered. When you’re a part of the NERD program, you never go it alone in the ER. You’re supported through guidance and feedback, working alongside experienced VEG doctors, while receiving 1:1 feedback:
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Daily – from the senior doctor on every shift
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Weekly – through weekly rounds and office hours with the Director of NERD Education
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Monthly – through growth-focused goal-setting meetings with your Medical Director
attend weekly NERD class
Explore topic rounds and case management, and develop leadership & medical skills.
emergency surgeries
Learn to be proficient within a full suite of surgical procedures.
RACE-approved CE
Complete over 160 hours of RACE-approved CE in just 6 months!
no non-competes
VEG believes everyone should have the freedom to choose where they work.
hands-on clinical training
Not a rotation—get firsthand experience in surgery, endoscopy, and more.
long-term career growth
A clear path to Associate Doctor and beyond awaits NERD graduates!
PILLARS OF THE PROGRAM
Once you’re in the NERD program, amazing things lie ahead that make it an incredibly enriching experience. Take a look!
BUCKLE UP AND SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE AN ER SUPERHERO!
From hands-on training to weekly didactic learning, NERD program participants earn over 160 RACE-approved CE hours in just 6-months—this takes most doctors 10 years to complete!
NERD extensive CE includes:
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Small Animal Emergency Surgery
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Small Animal Critical Care Lab
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Basics of Abdominal Ultrasound
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Abdominal, Thoracic, and Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound
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Flexible GI Endoscopy
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Exotic Companion Animals in the ER
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RECOVER ALS and BLS Rescuer CPR Certification
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Radiology Rounds
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Journal Club
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
As a NERD, you’ll spend 6 months dedicated to learning from specialists and experts in emergency medicine, all while receiving industry-leading compensation and benefits. Between base salary and all the components of the training program, VEG invests $100,000 in each NERD! We do this because we believe in your abilities to become skilled and competent doctors who will save pet lives The VEG Way.
industry-leading compensation in the NERD Program & beyond
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Median income: $181,000
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Over 160 RACE-approved hours
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$350 scrubs allowance
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Median income: $267,000
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Equity ownership after 12 months*
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Student Loan Repayment Plan eligibility after 12 months at VEG
MONTHS 1-12 AT VEG *
MONTHS 12-24 AT VEG AS AN ASSOCIATE DOCTOR
* Including your first 6 months during which you are soley focused on training + your second 6 months as an Associate Doctor
the benefits grow once you become an Associate Doctor:
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Unlimited ER CE
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6 PTO shifts
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Equity ownership
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Student loan repayment
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BEFORE YOU APPLY
consider the following
Do you love working with small animals?
Are you willing to put in the work it takes to succeed in a rigorous, 6-month program?
Are you motivated and enthusiastic about pursuing a career in emergency medicine?
Do you think the excitement of an ER environment is inspiring?
Do you want to be a leader in your hospital, field, and community?
Are you near or will you be willing to relocate near a VEG hospital?
VEG leans heavily into our core values. We are OPEN, we huddle with TOGETHERNESS and share MEANINGFUL MOMENTS, all while practicing HEROIC HELPING. While we are focused veterinary professionals, we also take pride in being “not normal” and have a lot of fun! Does this suit your personality?
requirements
APPLICATION:
Letter of intent (Cover Letter)
Resume
Contact information for two references (Names and Email Addresses)
A copy of your transcript (unofficial accepted)
RECOMMENDATION FORM:
Cover letter
Resume
Two referrals (names and email addresses)
RECENT GRADS APPLICATION
PRACTICING DOCTOR APPLICATIONS
FAQ
You are able to rank your preferences on your application. The New ER Doctor talent team will work with you throughout the process and do their best to place you in one of your preferred locations.
New ER Doctors, on average, work 3-4 shifts per week or 14 shifts every 28 days. These shifts will include days, swings and nights. On Wednesdays, you are required to participate in NERD class via Zoom. You will never be scheduled for a Tuesday nights or Wednesdays so that you can be fully present and refreshed for your school day.
The goal of the program is to train you to be an emergency doctor. Although not required, demonstrating that you have an interest in and understanding of emergency medicine is highly valued in the application process. If you are a current student, we highly recommend that you complete an externship with VEG before applying.
The number of New ER Doctors per hospital can range anywhere from 2-6 depending on your training location.
Our expectation is that you intend to stay on with VEG after you graduate from the program. You are not required to sign a contract. Despite having no requirements or contracts to stay, 98% of our program graduates choose to stay on with VEG as Associate Doctors!
Yes, VEG will reimburse for any expenses incurred during the state veterinary licensing process.
January 2025 Cohort
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Open Date: June 1st
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Close Date: September 8th
April 2025 Cohort
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Open Date: August 1st
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Close Date: September 29th
July 2025 Cohort (Early Decision)
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Open Date: August 1st
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Close Date: September 8th
July 2025 Cohort (General Population)
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Open Date: September 20th
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Close Date: November 3rd
October 2025 Cohort
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Open Date: September 20th
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Close Date: November 17th
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First Cycle vs Second Cycle
August Opening Date (First Cycle)
Comparable to Early Decision for College:
Indicates strong commitment to joining VEG and the NERD program.
Ideal Candidates:
Those who are confident in their decision, particularly if they have completed one or more VEG externships.
Advantages:
Early consideration for NERD placement.
You will be receiving your offer prior to second-cycle candidates so you will have more training locations and post-placement metro areas to be matched to.
Timeline:
Application Submission: August
Offer Received: Early November
September Opening Date (Second Cycle)
More Time for Consideration:
Allows candidates additional time to consider post-graduation options and review their application.
Ideal Candidates:
Those who need more time to finalize their decisions and references.
Advantages:
Extra time for application preparation and consideration.
Timeline:
Application Submission: September
Offer Received: Early January
