Description
Seeking a Board-Certified Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon (DACVS (SA)): Join a Kind, People-Driven Team in Portland, OR
Sunstone Veterinary Specialists | Portland, OR
Here at Sunstone Veterinary Specialists, we are privately owned, people-driven, and rooted in kindness. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon (DACVS (SA)) to join and help shape our growing surgical service—an integral part of our collaborative, specialty-focused hospital.
“It’s a pleasure to work with people who love medicine, who love to learn, and who love helping pet owners.”
— Joshua Elliott, DVM, DACVIM, Co-Founder & Chief of Staff
The Opportunity: Collaboration, Growth, and Surgical Excellence
Founded in 2015, Sunstone has steadily expanded to meet the needs of our community, including the addition of Emergency Services in 2023. As our caseload continues to grow, so does the demand for advanced surgical care—creating an exciting opportunity for a surgeon to thrive in a highly collaborative, well-supported environment.
What Makes This Role Unique?
Built-In Case Flow & Demand
Our growing referral network and expanding emergency service provide a strong and consistent surgical caseload, with a wide variety of soft tissue and orthopedic opportunities.
True Collaboration Across Services
You’ll work closely with our emergency doctors and internal medicine team to provide seamless, high-quality care—ensuring continuity for complex cases from admission through recovery.
Supportive, Skilled Team
Our technicians and assistants are highly engaged, capable, and eager to support advanced surgical procedures and patient care.
Room to Shape and Grow
As an independently owned hospital, we’re nimble and collaborative—you’ll have a voice in equipment decisions, workflow, and the continued evolution of the surgical service.
“I love coming to work because it allows me to connect with incredible people and make a positive impact. As a member of the management team, I can support and inspire others while driving our goals forward.”
— Lisa Heiting, Hospital Administrator
About You
You are a Board Certified Surgeon (DACVS) or Residency Trained veterinarian who values teamwork, communication, and compassionate, evidence-based care.
You’re excited by the idea of:
- Practicing high-quality medicine in a collaborative, well-supported setting
- Mentoring others and contributing to the growth of technicians, interns, and colleagues
- Building relationships with referring veterinarians and clients
- Contributing to a positive culture—one that is drama-free, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable
“At Sunstone, I’m part of a team focused on giving the best care to our patients and their owners. I feel valued and supported here, with competitive pay, solid benefits, and real work-life balance.”
— Jani Remsburg, DVM
About Sunstone Veterinary Specialists
Privately Owned | Purpose-Driven | Professionally Supportive
Sunstone is a 9,000 sq. ft. specialty and emergency hospital in Portland, OR, privately owned by Joshua Elliott, DVM, DACVIM and Marie Xavier, BFA, LVT—two long-standing members of the Portland veterinary community.
Our mid-century modern hospital, fully redesigned in 2023, features:
- 2 dedicated surgery suites and 5 procedure suites
- Ample treatment space with an open, light-filled layout
- A carefully selected array of advanced diagnostic and monitoring equipment
“The laughter and teamwork ‘chit chat’ echoing down the hallways of Sunstone always makes me smile.”
— Marie Xavier, Co-Founder & Hospital Administrator
Collaborative Clinical Team
You will be joining a highly experienced and collaborative team, supported by 11 full-time licensed technicians, 16 veterinary assistants, and 8 referral coordinators.
Dr. Joshua M. Elliott (Davis, 2004), Dr. Lillian Su (Davis, 2004), Dr. Regina Tobin (Cornell, 1994), Dr. Debra Klaser–McGarvey (Georgia, 2000), Dr. Jani Remsburg (Oregon, 2000), Dr. Staci Goussev (Cornell, 2009), Dr. Josh Sarrazin (Oregon, 2023), Dr. Taryn Pestalozzi (Oregon, 2013), Dr. Courtney Gallant (Atlantic, 2020), Dr. Olivia Wallace (Oregon, 2022), Dr. Cristal Carey (Colorado, 2019), and Dr. Ellen Morgan (Arizona, 2025)
Why Sunstone?
We believe the best medicine happens when people are respected, supported, and inspired.
Culture
Upbeat, drama-free, friendly, and kind. We’ve intentionally built a positive, people-centered workplace where everyone can thrive.
Collaboration
Our departments work closely together—medicine here is truly team-based.
Flexibility
As an independently owned hospital, we make decisions quickly and with our clinicians’ input.
Compensation and Benefits
Sunstone provides a comprehensive, competitive package designed to support your wellbeing and career satisfaction.
Financial & Retirement
- Competitive compensation package
- Simple IRA with generous employer match
- Financial wellness programs
Insurance & Wellness
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Time Off
- 4 weeks paid vacation (increasing to 5 with tenure)
Professional Development
- CE allowance, license, PLIT, DEA, and association fees covered
- Mentorship and leadership opportunities
Perks
- Uniform allowance
- Staff discounts on veterinary services
Ready to Apply?
Ready to feel appreciated, challenged, and supported? Join a team that celebrates kindness, collaboration, and veterinary excellence. We’d love to connect to share more about our vision for Surgery—and hear about yours.
