Associate Veterinarian

West Coast Animal Hospital; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast Animal Hospital seeks an Associate Veterinarian to provide high-level medical and surgical care for animal patients. You will educate owners, present multiple treatment options, and lead a team to uphold patient welfare.

The role emphasizes compassionate care, effective client communication, and mentoring of staff, while ensuring medical records are complete and compliant with hospital policies.

Qualifications

• DVM, VMD or equivalent veterinary degree.
• State of California Veterinary Medical License.
• DEA License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate medical and surgical care for patients and educate owners.
• Present treatment plans with options and obtain informed consent.
• Lead and mentor staff to maintain high standards of care and hospital protocols.
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate clearly with clients.
• Perform routine dental extractions, surgeries and emergency procedures as needed.

Skills

Compassionate care

Client communication

Leadership/Mentoring

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD or equivalent degree)

State of California Veterinary Medical License

DEA License (or ability to obtain one)

Job description

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN

REPORTS TO: Practice Owner or Practice Manager

The Associate Veterinarian is a general practitioner providing compassionate high level medical and surgical care for animal patients and their owners. They must communicate effectively with clients and support staff by educating and engaging with them in every aspect of patient care. They are responsible for presenting treatment plans tailored to each pet and family, often by offering multiple options for care. It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to clarify the need for certain procedures/diagnostics should questions arise during estimate or fee presentation. The veterinarian expected to be a leader, an educator and a mentor to all staff and peers.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD or equivalent degree)
• State of California Veterinary Medical License
• DEA License (or ability to obtain one)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Clinical experience preferred, mentorship available for new graduates

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and people and is able to handle them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during stressful situations
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
• Has excellent client communication skills.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

WAGE RANGE

The range for the position is negotiable based on experience. Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Dependable, arrives at shift in a timely manner and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the hospital
• Can legibly keep accurate medical records in accordance hospital policy.
• Can perform physical exams, record observations legibly in files or computer.
• Can effectively evaluate and treat pets even when large, difficult or fractious.
• Understands and implements all hospital vaccination and wellness protocols
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with clients, peers and staff.
• Provided input and feedback for hospital protocols/policies design and implementation
• Able to administer SQ, IM, IV injections and is capable of IV catheter placement and venous puncture when needed.
• Can perform ultrasound guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization when needed
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and poise.
• Can direct staff in creating estimates for procedures and direct clients to discuss financial commitments with Office Manager, Technician Manager, or Practice Manager consistent with hospital financial policies.
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions to clients including educational material
• Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to staff and clients.
• Alert appropriate management staff of inventory status for medical supplies and drugs as needed
• Can competently and proficiently perform routine dental extraction and routine surgeries including ovariohysterectomy, orchidectomy, lumpectomy, etc.
• Can properly care for all surgical equipment alerting appropriate management of surgical supply/equipment needs, maintain and uphold sterility standards for the operating room
• Can direct staff and perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
• If needed, can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis with sediment analysis, and fungal cultures; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
• Can effectively direct technical staff in positioning and technique for radiographs
• Can interpret basic electrocardiograms
• Perform basic ultrasonography or has the desire to improve their ultrasound skill level
• Provide a detailed plan for patients admitted for care