Associate Veterinarian

West Coast Animal Hospital•San Diego, CA

70d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD or equivalent degree)
State of California Veterinary Medical License
DEA License (or ability to obtain one)
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.
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.
May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces.
May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

Nice To Haves

Clinical experience preferred, mentorship available for new graduates

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate high level medical and surgical care for animal patients and their owners.
Communicate effectively with clients and support staff by educating and engaging with them in every aspect of patient care.
Present treatment plans tailored to each pet and family, often by offering multiple options for care.
Clarify the need for certain procedures/diagnostics should questions arise during estimate or fee presentation.
Be a leader, an educator and a mentor to all staff and peers.
Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
Keep accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
Perform physical exams, record observations legibly in files or computer.
Effectively evaluate and treat pets even when large, difficult or fractious.
Understand and implement all hospital vaccination and wellness protocols.
Maintain a clean and orderly facility, cleaning or organizing as part of a normal job duty.
Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with clients, peers and staff.
Provide input and feedback for hospital protocols/policies design and implementation.
Administer SQ, IM, IV injections and is capable of IV catheter placement and venous puncture when needed.
Perform ultrasound guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization when needed.
Handle client’s medical questions with confidence and poise.
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.
Explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions to clients including educational material.
Understand 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.
Competently and proficiently perform routine dental extraction and routine surgeries including ovariohysterectomy, orchidectomy, lumpectomy, etc.
Properly care for all surgical equipment alerting appropriate management of surgical supply/equipment needs, maintain and uphold sterility standards for the operating room.
Direct staff and perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
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.
Effectively direct technical staff in positioning and technique for radiographs.
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.