Veterinary Criticalist

National Veterinary Associates; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Medical and dental insurance

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) with employer contribution

Continuing education allowance

Professional expense support

Career coaching and financial advisory

Mental health resources

Access to Ethos Veterinary Health's网络

Job summary

Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County, part of National Veterinary Associates, seeks a Veterinary Criticalist in San Marcos, CA. This full-time role offers base compensation of $225,000–$250,000 plus 25% production, with a new 35,000-square-foot facility opening in 2027.

Join a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital devoted to exceptional patient care and collaborative teamwork. You will lead advanced critical care alongside a multidisciplinary team across Surgery, Internal Medicine,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced critical care management for a diverse referral caseload.
• Manage critically ill patients in collaboration with ECC team.
• Collaborate with Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Imaging, Ophthalmology and Cardiology.
• Develop comprehensive patient care plans using advanced diagnostics.
• Work with nurses and staff to deliver exceptional patient care.
• Grow and strengthen the Hospital's Critical Care service with the team.
• Build relationships with referring veterinarians as a trusted resource.
• Communicate diagnoses, options and prognosis clearly to clients.
• Contribute to collaborative hospital culture and ongoing learning.

Skills

Clinical excellence

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Mentorship

Education

DVM or equivalent veterinary degree

Job description

Hospital Name: Veterinary Specialty Hospital - North County

Job Type: Veterinarian - Specialty

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

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?

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 acrossEmergency & 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
• 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 anew 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.

• 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

Join Us

At VSH North County, you'll have the opportunity tojoin 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.

If you're looking for a collaborative environment, a complex and rewarding caseload, and the opportunity to help build something meaningful as VSH North County expands,we'd love to connect.