Description

Emergency Veterinarian

Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies

The Emergency Veterinarian is an essential member of the medical team at Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies, primarily responsible for performing all aspects of emergency veterinary medicine. The associate emergency veterinarian works under the clinical guidance of the Lead ER Doctor and the administrative oversight of the Hospital Administrator and Hospital Owner/Medical Director. Our emergency veterinarians are committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate care to every patient.

This is a floor-based clinical position. The Emergency Veterinarian is responsible for directing the care of their patients in collaboration with the technical team. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Clinical Patient Care

1.       Perform thorough physical examinations to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries, including full assessment of each organ system.

2.       Complete appropriate diagnostics to identify causes of illness including laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and point-of-care testing.

3.       Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medications, setting bones, dressing wounds, performing surgery, or other therapies appropriate to the emergency setting.

4.       Administer anesthetics, perform surgery, and monitor patients during surgery and recovery with the assistance of the technical team.

5.       Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.

6.       Properly interpret laboratory procedures and diagnostic tests including hematology, parasitology, and urinalysis.

7.       Operate diagnostic equipment such as radiographic, ultrasound, endoscopy, and CT equipment and properly interpret resulting images.

8.       Administer vaccines when clinically appropriate.

9.       Humanely euthanize animals when mutually agreed upon by the patient's owner. Hospital policy requires IV catheter placement unless extenuating circumstances or species restrictions apply.

Client Communication

10.   Create clear discharge instructions for every patient that clients can follow at home to ensure proper continued care.

11.   Answer client questions and provide education on various aspects of animal care and treatment; advise owners regarding follow-up care, medication administration, and general home care.

12.   Educate clients about zoonotic diseases when applicable.

13.   Perform timely client callbacks and follow-up; recommend medical progress visits and document in the medical record accordingly.

14.   Communicate with clients and team members in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity, tact, and professionalism at all times.

Medical Records and Documentation

15.   Document all actions by thoroughly completing forms, reports, logs, and patient medical records; include extensive notes regarding clinical reasoning, client communication, and all recommendations made.

16.   Maintain legally defensible medical records consistent with hospital standards, Colorado veterinary practice regulations, and AVMA guidelines.

17.   Ensure all consents, estimates, and treatment authorizations are obtained and signed appropriately.

Team, Education, and Professional Development

18.   Train, support, and mentor team members who handle and care for animals; help all staff grow professionally and clinically.

19.   Participate in monthly team meetings, department rounds (departmental, intradepartmental, and grand rounds), and pertinent in-house training or CE sessions.

20.   Support referring DVMs and help establish trusting relationships to foster collaborative medicine.

21.   Speak at CE events and perform outreach to surrounding primary care and specialty veterinarians when appropriate.

22.   Provide guided leadership to the healthcare team that positively influences the level of care and service provided to clients and patients of VSR.

23.   Participate in business development as instructed by management and/or ownership.

24.   Take part in the after-hours and holiday on-call schedule for emergency endoscopic procedures.

25.   Perform other duties as assigned.

2. Participate in the clinical on-call schedule as outlined by hospital policy and department requirements.

1. Holiday and weekend coverage are expected of all team members; specific scheduling will be coordinated by the Hospital Administrator.

On-Call, Holiday, and Weekend Coverage

26.   Valid and in good standing Colorado veterinary license.

27.   Active DEA registration and controlled substance authority.

28.   USDA Accreditation (Category I or II) preferred.

29.   Strong foundation in emergency and critical care medicine; 1+ years of ER experience preferred. New graduates with significant emergency rotation experience will be considered.

30.   Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of veterinary medicine and science; understanding of procedures for receiving, triaging, and treating emergency patients.

31.   Ability to read and interpret documents including federal and state regulations, procedure manuals, and current medical texts and journals.

32.   Ability to write thorough medical records, reports, and client communications.

33.   Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment including sterilization techniques.

34.   Comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology: drug uses and doses, drug interactions, and routes of administration appropriate to emergency medicine.

35.   Client and personal service: ability to assess client needs, meet quality service standards, and ensure client satisfaction; provide patience, care, and empathy when supporting clients in crisis.

36.   Active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, and sound decision-making skills.

37.   Strong verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively in high-stress situations; employ patience and empathy appropriately.

38.   Strong computer and technology skills to efficiently use hospital workflow systems, treatment sheets, whiteboard, diagnostic order entry, and communication platforms.

39.   Commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.

40.   Commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies.

Decision Making. The ability to make good decisions, solve problems, and decide on important matters quickly and accurately is vital in emergency medicine. Use sound judgment to make decisions based on information gathered and analyzed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Consider all pertinent facts and alternatives before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.

Integrity. Emergency veterinarians must act with integrity and uphold high standards of ethical conduct. Behave in an honest and ethical manner; cultivate personal and academic integrity; adhere to ethical principles and follow rules and procedures. Be seen as sincere and trustworthy and able to share complete and accurate information while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.

Analytical Skills. Emergency veterinarians must have the ability to analyze information quickly and efficiently — often under significant time pressure. They must accurately grasp complex clinical information and concepts and make correct inferences from their analysis of data in order to provide timely and appropriate care.

Leadership and Teamwork. Veterinarians are often the leaders on the team when it comes to medical decisions. Teamwork and the ability to interact with people effectively can motivate others in the workplace. Take initiative in organizing and coordinating the activities of group members. Share information and knowledge with others, provide constructive feedback to team members, and generate ideas for hospital improvement.

Medical Knowledge. Medicine is constantly evolving, and even a seasoned veterinarian with years of experience hasn't seen it all. A desire for and understanding of lifelong learning is a requisite attribute at VSR. Sharing best practices with medical colleagues and employing that knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of patients is equally as important as obtaining it. Regularly participate in sharing knowledge with others and utilize evidence-based practice to improve medical skillsets.

Continuous Learning. Best practices in veterinary emergency medicine are constantly evolving. Veterinarians must keep up with these changes. The ideal veterinarian at VSR demonstrates curiosity for learning and actively seeks out new information, technologies, and methods. They also seek feedback and other opportunities for self-development and commit to putting in additional effort to excel as a clinician.

Adaptability and Problem Solving. Emergency medicine is characterized by uncertainty and unpredictability. Patients may present with financial constraints, unclear diagnoses, or rapidly deteriorating conditions. Veterinarians must adapt their work behavior in response to changing conditions. They need to be open to change, not bothered by ambiguity, and able to work effectively with diverse patients, clients, and team members.

Professionalism. The expectation for all staff members at VSR is to treat all people with respect, compassion, and dignity. Patient needs will supersede a veterinarian's self-interest. Veterinarians are accountable not only to the patient and client but also to their colleagues, team members, and society as a whole. All staff will demonstrate professional conduct and accountability at all times and strive for emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.

Resilience and Stress Tolerance. Emergency medicine is a demanding environment. VSR veterinarians must demonstrate resilience by continuing to perform effectively when faced with time pressures, adversity, or high caseloads. They remain focused, composed, and professional in difficult situations, bounce back from challenging cases, and proactively seek support from colleagues and leadership when needed.

The Emergency Veterinarian reports to the Lead ER Doctor for all clinical matters and to the Hospital Administrator for administrative and human resources matters. The Hospital Owner/Medical Director provides additional guidance and support as needed. The Emergency Veterinarian provides direction to Registered Veterinary Technicians, Lead Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants in the care and handling of patients.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stand, walk, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee occasionally may need to handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 pounds and use strength or agility in capturing or restraining stronger, more active animals. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The veterinarian may be required to work uncommon hours, subject to recall in emergency or on-call situations, and required to work additional hours beyond a regular work schedule. Follow all federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

41.   Excellent clinical skills and ability to function in a variety of emergency clinical situations, rendering a wide spectrum of patient care.

42.   Scientific knowledge accompanied by ethical professional attitudes, behaviors, and moral principles essential for a responsible veterinarian.

43.   Ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively with patients, owners, peers, and team members showing compassion, integrity, and concern for others.

44.   Sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers; ability to perform general care, safe restraint, diagnostic procedures, and emergency treatment.

45.   Complex problem-solving abilities with the skill to perform these in a timely manner under pressure.

46.   Ability to incorporate new information from peers and medical literature in formulating diagnoses and treatment plans.

47.   Good judgment in patient assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic planning; ability to identify and communicate clinical findings to others when appropriate.

48.   Possession of the mental and emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with clients and the healthcare team.

49.   Regular attendance and timeliness are essential functions of this position.

50.   Ability to multi-task and manage multiple concurrent cases effectively.

51.   Participation in the on-call schedule as outlined by hospital policies (including weekends, holidays, and endoscopy call).