Veterinary Hospitalist (Emergency and Critical Care)

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (OPVMC) is seeking a Veterinary Hospitalist to lead the care of hospitalized and ICU patients at its 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital. The Hospitalist provides continuity of care for critical and complex cases admitted through the emergency service, allowing ER doctors to focus on incoming cases. The role is ideal for a criticalist or an experienced emergency veterinarian who prefers depth of case management over high-volume intake. Primarily day-shift to support case continuity.

Responsibilities

Assume primary case 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 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 on 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 for the nursing team on ICU protocols and patient monitoring; Contribute to development of hospital protocols, SOPs, and quality-of-care standards; Maintain accurate, timely medical records

Requirements

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

Nice to have

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC), or residency-trained in ECC; Experience mentoring associate veterinarians; Experience developing clinical protocols or ICU standards

Benefits

CE allowance and paid CE days; Professional license and membership dues; Health, dental, and vision insurance; Retirement plan with company match; PTO; Professional liability insurance