Small Animal Referral Surgeon (Orthopaedics)

Jon Shippam BVSc CertSAS MRCVS

Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery

A highly experienced RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery with over 25 years of clinical practice, including extensive experience in leadership roles as a Clinical Director and Head of Surgery. Possesses a proven track record of managing a complex orthopaedic and spinal caseload, championing clinical excellence, and fostering team development in a busy referral hospital setting. Combines advanced surgical expertise with strong strategic and operational management skills. Having successfully led large clinical teams, Jon is currently focused on providing reliable, high-tier freelance surgical cover and returning to his core passion of hands-on patient care and complex surgery.

Areas of Expertise

  • Advanced Orthopaedic Surgery: Fracture repair (including MIPO), stifle surgery (TPLO, CCWO), elbow dysplasia (CUE, PAUL), angular limb deformity correction, arthroscopy.
  • Spinal Decompression Surgery: Hemilaminectomy, ventral slot, dorsal laminectomy for conditions including IVDD.
  • Soft Tissue Surgery: Oncological and reconstructive procedures, lung lobectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy, laryngeal tie-back, gastrointestinal surgery.
  • Clinical Leadership & Management: Clinical governance, team mentorship, strategic planning, operational oversight.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Proficient in the clinical application and interpretation of CT and low-field MRI.
  • Client & Referrer Relations: Building and maintaining strong, trust-based professional relationships.

Education

RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) | Status held since inception, revalidated 2025

Certificate in Small Animal Surgery

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), 2004

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)

University of Liverpool, 1998

Experience

Bath Vet Referrals, Bath | 2014 – June 2026

Clinical Director & Head of Surgery (2019 – June 2026)

Held dual leadership roles, providing strategic direction as Clinical Director while simultaneously leading the surgical service as Head of Surgery for a team of 50+ staff.
As Clinical Director: Managed clinical governance, quality assurance, strategic planning and championed rigorous patient safety standards
As Head of Surgery: Led the surgical team, provided mentorship, and managed a complex caseload.
Caseload Breakdown: Orthopaedics (80%), Spinal (15%), Soft Tissue (5%).

Referral Surgeon (2014 – 2019)

Managed a complex surgical caseload as a key member of the referral team, focusing on advanced orthopaedics and spinal surgery.
Contributed to the growth and reputation of the service through excellent clinical outcomes and strong relationships with referring practices.

Lead Hospital Surgeon

Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital, Stroud | 2004 – 2014

Served as the primary surgeon for a busy hospital, managing the full surgical caseload.
This role was instrumental in significantly advancing skills in complex soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures, creating the foundation for a dedicated referral career.

My Services​

01

Small Animal Referral Orthopaedic surgery

02

Small Animal Referral Soft tissue surgery

03

Referral surgeon locum / freelance surgical cover