Veterinary Hospitalist (Emergency and Critical Care)

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center•Orchard Park, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center is seeking a Veterinary Hospitalist to lead care for hospitalized and ICU patients at its 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital. The Hospitalist provides continuity for critical and complex cases admitted through the emergency service, allowing ER doctors to focus on incoming cases while hospitalized patients receive consistent, dedicated management. The role is suited to a criticalist or experienced emergency veterinarian who prefers in-depth case management over high-volume intake. The Hospitalist works with emergency clinicians, specialists, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff in a collaborative environment focused on compassionate, high-quality patient care and client service. The hospital provides emergency, specialty, and referral services throughout Western New York and offers advanced diagnostics and modern treatment capabilities. Its culture emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, continuing education, and mutual respect.

Requirements

DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution, or ECFVG/PAVE certification.
Active veterinary license in the state, or eligibility to obtain one.
Demonstrated experience managing critical and complex hospitalized patients; the posting gives typically [3+] years in emergency practice as an example.
Strong client communication skills, particularly in high-stakes and emotionally difficult conversations.
Ability to lead and collaborate within a multi-doctor team.

Nice To Haves

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC), or residency training in emergency and critical care.
Experience mentoring associate veterinarians.
Experience developing clinical protocols or ICU standards.

Responsibilities

Assume primary responsibility for hospitalized and ICU patients, including rounds, treatment plans, diagnostics, and discharge.
Receive case transfers from overnight and ER doctors and provide structured handoffs at shift change.
Manage critically ill patients, including cases involving shock, sepsis, respiratory distress, trauma, toxicities, DKA, AKI, IMHA, and post-operative complications.
Oversee advanced therapies such as transfusion medicine, CRIs, oxygen therapy, and nutritional support.
Communicate daily with clients about patient progress, prognosis, and cost of care, including goals-of-care and end-of-life conversations.
Coordinate with referring veterinarians and in-house or partner specialists on case transfers, updates, and discharge summaries.
Serve as a clinical resource for ER doctors on critical case management.
Mentor and train associate and new graduate veterinarians, and provide ongoing education to the nursing team on ICU protocols and patient monitoring.
Contribute to the development of hospital protocols, SOPs, and quality-of-care standards.
Maintain accurate and timely medical records.