Surgery Doctor’s Assistant

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Department: Surgery
Schedule: Full-Time, Flexible Scheduling (Including one Weekend)

Compensation: $ 22 - 28 per hour, based on skills, knowledge base, and experience.

About VCA West Los Angeles

VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital is one of the nation’s leading specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals. Our state-of-the-art facility provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services across multiple specialties, including Neurology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Cardiology, and Radiology. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, advancing medical excellence, and supporting the continued growth of our team members.

We are committed to excellence in medicine, collaboration, and client communication, and we are looking for a Surgery Doctor’s Assistant (DA) who shares that commitment to join our Surgery team.

About the Role

The Surgery Doctor’s Assistant is an essential member of our surgical service, responsible for supporting our board-certified surgeons in daily case coordination, client communication, and patient workflow management.

This role ensures seamless transitions from consultation through surgery and discharge. The DA partners with doctors, technicians, and client service teams to provide an organized, efficient, and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced specialty environment, demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills, and enjoys balancing medical and client-facing responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

• Partner directly with our surgeons to manage appointment and procedure workflows.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain medical records, including SmartFlow sheets for consultations, surgical procedures, and hospitalized patients.
• Support pre-operative workflows by coordinating diagnostics, consents, and client communications.

• Manage post-operative workflows, including discharges, recheck scheduling, and client follow-up.
• Create, review, and update treatment estimates; assist with discussing estimates and treatment plans with clients.
• Enter accurate charges and medical orders in WoofWare to ensure proper billing and recordkeeping.
• Obtain and assist with orthopedic radiographs, ensuring correct positioning and high-quality imaging.
• Administer, monitor, and recover patients from sedated procedures such as bandage changes, wound care, and diagnostic imaging.
• Maintain open communication with clients regarding surgical updates, post-operative care, and discharge instructions.
• Collaborate with technicians, assistants, and CSRs to support efficiency and patient flow throughout the day.
• Cross-train and provide assistance to related specialty services such as Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, Neurology, and ECC to enhance interdepartmental coordination.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 1 year of veterinary experience, ideally in a specialty or surgical environment.
• Excellent organization, communication, and client service skills.
• Proficiency with SmartFlow and WoofWare preferred, (training available)
• Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced clinical setting.
• Knowledge of orthopedic radiographic positioning preferred (training available).
• Compassionate, professional, and detail-oriented approach to patient and client care.

Why Join VCA WLA

• Collaborate with board-certified surgeons and specialists in one of the most advanced veterinary hospitals in the country.
• Access to cutting-edge surgical suites, imaging technology, and specialty resources.
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), CE support, uniforms, and more).
• Opportunities for cross-training, mentorship, and career advancement within a multi-specialty hospital.
• A supportive, growth-oriented culture that values teamwork, learning, and excellence in patient care.

If you’re passionate about surgery, love providing exceptional client support, and thrive in a collaborative specialty environment. Apply now to join the Surgery team at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.