Veterinary Criticalist

Sacbar; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 313,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base compensation $225,000–$250,000 +

25% production opportunity

Sign-on bonus & relocation assistance

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

CE allowance & professional expense

Job summary

Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County is seeking a board-certified or board-eligible Veterinary Criticalist to join our Emergency and Critical Care team in San Marcos, CA. This is a full-time opportunity with a competitive base and production-based compensation.

You will manage a diverse and complex caseload in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital, collaborating with multiple services to deliver comprehensive patient care and advance the Critical Care program within a growing facility.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree.
• Board certification in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care or completion of an ECC residency with eligibility for board certification.
• Eligibility for veterinary licensure in California.
• Strong clinical and communication skills.
• Experience managing complex critical care cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced critical care management for a diverse and complex referral caseload.
• Manage critically ill and hospitalized patients in collaboration with the Emergency and Critical Care team.
• Work closely with Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Medical Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and other specialty services.
• Utilize advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities to develop comprehensive patient care plans.
• Collaborate with experienced veterinary nurses and clinical support staff to provide exceptional patient care.
• Help strengthen and grow the Critical Care service alongside the current Criticalist.
• Develop strong relationships with referring veterinarians and serve as a trusted critical care resource for the community.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and prognosis.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative hospital culture focused on clinical excellence and teamwork.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development through VSH and the broader Ethos network.

Skills

Clinical excellence

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Mentorship

Education

DVM degree

Job description

Veterinary Criticalist - Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County

Compensation: $225,000-$250,000 base + 25% production
Employment Type: Full-time opportunity in San Marcos, California
Schedule: Full-time

Why Join Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County?

Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego - North County is seeking a board-certified or board-eligible Veterinary Criticalist to join our growing Emergency and Critical Care team in San Marcos, California.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established, 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital and help shape the continued development of our critical care service alongside our current Criticalist. You'll have the opportunity to manage a diverse and complex caseload while working within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

VSH North County brings together specialists across Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Medical Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, and Cardiology. Our experienced clinical team is supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including:

• MRI
• 128-slice CT
• Fluoroscopy
• Digital radiography
• Endoscopy
• Ultrasound
• Advanced surgical suites
• USP 800-compliant oncology treatment center
• Dedicated intensive care unit

VSH North County is also preparing for an exciting next chapter, with a new 35,000-square-foot hospital opening in San Marcos in early 2027. The expanded facility will include more than twice the current examination room capacity, expanded ICU and specialty space, nine operating rooms-including a hybrid operating room and catheterization lab-and a dedicated fluoroscopy suite.

This is a unique opportunity to join the team during a significant period of growth and have a meaningful role in helping shape the future of critical care at VSH North County.

Location Highlight

San Marcos is located in North County San Diego, offering an ideal combination of Southern California lifestyle and access to the region's beaches, outdoor recreation, dining, and entertainment. With convenient access to the greater San Diego area, you'll be close to the coast, mountains, and everything that makes Southern California such a desirable place to live and work.

Perks & Benefits

• Base compensation of $225,000-$250,000 plus 25% production opportunity, based on experience, qualifications, and credentials
• Significant sign-on bonus & Relocation assistance
• Medical and dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Continuing education allowance and Professional expense support
• Career coaching and financial advisory resources
• Mental health and well-being resources
• Opportunities for professional and leadership growth with access to the broader Ethos Veterinary Health network

In your day-to-day, you will

• Provide advanced critical care management for a diverse and complex referral caseload
• Manage critically ill and hospitalized patients in collaboration with the Emergency and Critical Care team
• Work closely with Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Medical Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and other specialty services
• Utilize advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities to develop comprehensive patient care plans
• Collaborate with experienced veterinary nurses and clinical support staff to provide exceptional patient care
• Help strengthen and grow the Critical Care service alongside the current Criticalist
• Develop strong relationships with referring veterinarians and serve as a trusted critical care resource for the community
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and prognosis
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative hospital culture focused on clinical excellence and teamwork
• Participate in continuing education and professional development through VSH and the broader Ethos network

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
• Board certification in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care or completion of an ECC residency with eligibility for board certification
• Eligibility for veterinary licensure in California
• Strong clinical and communication skills
• Experience managing complex critical care cases
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary medicine
• Commitment to exceptional patient care and compassionate client communication
• Interest in helping develop and grow a Critical Care service
• Passion for mentorship, teamwork, continuous learning, and advancing veterinary medicine

At VSH North County, you'll have the opportunity to join an established specialty hospital at an exciting point of growth and help shape the future of Critical Care in a brand-new facility.

You’ll work alongside an experienced team of specialists and clinical support professionals while having access to the resources, expertise, and professional community of Ethos Veterinary Health's national network.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.