Internal Medicine Specialist

Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists LLC•Loveland, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Internal Medicine Specialist is responsible for diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions in small animal patients, with a focus on disorders involving the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, hematologic, immune, and respiratory systems. This role requires deep clinical expertise, advanced diagnostic acumen, and the ability to develop comprehensive, individualized treatment plans. The Internal Medicine Specialist works closely with other veterinary specialties (e.g. surgery, radiology, oncology, cardiology, and emergency/critical care), support staff, and referring veterinarians to offer high quality care with Spectrum of Care options as determined necessary through conversation with pet owners. The Internal Medicine Specialist fosters a culture that is in tune with Four Seasons’ mission, vision and values. Internal Medicine Specialists work under the primary instruction of the Hospital Director and the Medical Director. This is an overview of the position and specific duties are not limited to those listed.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an accredited institution.
Completion of a residency in veterinary internal medicine through ACVIM or ECVIM.
Board certification strongly preferred; board-eligible candidates will be considered.
Licensed or eligible to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Colorado.
Demonstrated expertise in complex case management, advanced diagnostics, and internal systems medicine.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including with clients and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a specialty or referral hospital is preferred.

Responsibilities

Obtaining a complete history in conjunction with technicians.
Prioritizing diagnostic approaches based on clinical suspicion and patient stability.
Integrating history, imaging, lab data, and prior treatment outcomes into a cohesive diagnostic process.
Balancing cost-effective care with comprehensive case management, guided by best practices and evidence-based medicine.
Reassessing and adjusting plans as new data emerges, ensuring the patient remains at the center of clinical decision-making.
Recommending all appropriate diagnostics, while being able to formulate new plans if gold standard is not an option for the client.
Convey physical examination findings, differential diagnoses, and recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and appropriate therapy (in-patient or outpatient).
Propose alternative diagnostic and therapeutic plans considering owner capabilities (financial or otherwise).
Educate clients on relevant disease processes (e.g., immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, diabetes), potential complications of therapy or procedures, and prognosis.
Provide timely updates to owners regarding the status and financial aspects of hospitalized patients.
Respond promptly to client phone calls.
Ascertain if clients have further questions or requirements prior to their departure from the examination room, concluding phone conversations, or patient discharge.
Complete patient records and send them to referring veterinarians within 24 hours of the patient being seen.
Send detailed SOAP daily if a shared patient is hospitalized.
Respond to/answer referring veterinarian phone calls whenever possible, and return calls in a timely manner.
Treat referring veterinarians as a team member of the hospital and ensure that they feel valued as such.
Endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy)
Rhinoscopy and cystoscopy
Fluoroscopy
Communication of results of abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography (including guided aspirates/biopsies) (Ultrasound studies performed by radiologist or sonographer)
Communication of computed tomography (CT) results (soft reads by non-radiologist clinicians; interpretation by radiologist)
Communication of results of radiographic studies (chest, abdominal, contrast studies, soft reads by non-radiologist clinicians; interpretations by radiologist)
Comprehensive hematology and biochemistry interpretation
Urinalysis and urine sediment evaluation
Endocrine function testing (eg. ACTH stim, low-dose/high-dose dex suppression, thyroid panels)
Coagulation profiles
Blood gas and electrolyte analysis
Cytology and biopsy interpretation
Infectious disease testing (PCR, serology, antigen testing)
Fine needle aspirates (guided and blind)
Bone marrow aspiration and core biopsies
Thoracocentesis and abdominocentesis
Pericardiocentesis
Arthrocentesis
CSF collection and interpretation
Tracheal/bronchoalveolar lavage
Esophageal and nasoesophageal feeding tube placement
Blood pressure measurement (Doppler and oscillometric)
Central line placement and fluid therapy planning
Serial glucose and electrolyte monitoring
Telemetry and ECG interpretation
Critical care diagnostics in collaboration with emergency/ICU
Esophagostomy tube placement and maintenance
Follow AAHA guidelines for comprehensive medical records.
Write exemplary medical records including presenting complaints, history, physical examination findings, case assessment, plan of action, recommendations declined by clients, prognosis and working diagnosis (if able).
Complete medical records and send to the referring veterinarian within 24-hours (outpatients).
Complete daily SOAP for any hospitalized pets and send to the referring veterinarian at the end of the day shift.
Prescribe appropriate medication for patient conditions with appropriate dosing.
Approve prescriptions, review labels for accuracy.
Help in maintaining the security of controlled substances.
Offer encouragement and praise.
Foster a positive working environment throughout the practice.
Deliver constructive feedback as necessary.
Serve as a secure avenue for inquiries or reporting medical discrepancies.
Demonstrate willingness to assist staff with their responsibilities when required.
Effectively communicate pertinent patient/client information to colleagues during case transfer rounds.
Clearly communicate instructions to staff in a respectful manner.
Correctly communicate the desired plan for a pet to the technical staff to ensure appropriate cost estimates can be generated.
Clearly communicate costs to clients.
Provide current invoice amounts to clients when a pet is hospitalized, or ensure it is provided. Ensure new cost estimates are provided in a timely manner for continued care.
Follow hospital guidelines for client deposit/payment policies.
Does not waste clinic resources.
Contribute to marketing and outreach by visiting family veterinarians and providing phone consultations.
Creating educational content by presenting continuing education programs at regional and local events.
Attendance is encouraged at other marketing and community events which Four Seasons is a part of, such as Humane Society 5K races, the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary Gala, etc.
Attend the following meetings: Daily shift rounds, on-site at the hospital. Annual all staff meeting All doctor meetings (quarterly) Leadership development sessions (quarterly) Grand Rounds attendance is strongly encouraged. Some Grand Rounds are mandatory. Recordings may be available if you are not able to attend in real-time. Attendance at Four Seasons’ twice yearly Continuing Education/Dinner events is strongly encouraged.
Other duties may be assigned as the need arises
Follows OSHA and USP guidelines concerning safety and handling of hazardous materials.
Follows established hospital safety guidelines regarding animal handling, controlled drugs, radiation protection, bite wounds and the handling/care of equipment.
Familiar with federal and state animal health laws, including OSHA and DEA regulations.
Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Reach with hands and arms in various directions.
Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Communicate effectively through speech and hearing.
Occasionally required to climb or balance.
Occasionally required to detect and identify smells or tastes.
Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move more than 100 pounds with assistance.
Frequently exposed to the risk of radiation while performing diagnostic imaging procedures.
Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
Noise level is typically moderate.
May be exposed to animals and environments where zoonotic diseases are present, posing a risk of disease transmission.
Strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment is required at all times to minimize exposure risk.
Will involve scheduled on-call, overnight or weekend coverage depending on hospital needs.
Adhere to all hospital protocols and standards.
Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Serve as a representative of the hospital, displaying tact, consideration, courtesy, compassion, professionalism, and a positive attitude in all interactions with patients, clients and all members of the hospital staff.
Demonstrate teamwork and initiative by assisting other employees and proactively search for additional work during periods of down time.