Veterinary Hospitalist (Emergency and Critical Care)

About the Role

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center is seeking a Veterinary Hospitalist to lead the care of our hospitalized and ICU patients. The Hospitalist provides continuity of care for critical and complex cases admitted through our emergency service, allowing ER doctors to focus on incoming cases while hospitalized patients receive consistent, dedicated management. This role is ideal for a criticalist or an experienced emergency veterinarian who prefers depth of case management over high-volume intake.

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 [add mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or other capabilities if applicable]
• 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

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Schedule

[Example: Four 10-hour day shifts per week, with rotating weekend coverage.] Primarily day-shift to support case continuity.

Compensation and 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
• [Relocation assistance / signing bonus if applicable]

Why OPVMC?

For over 30 years, OPVMC has been a trusted leader in veterinary medicine, providing emergency, specialty, and referral services throughout Western New York. Our hospital offers advanced diagnostics, modern treatment capabilities, and a collaborative environment where veterinarians are empowered to practice high-quality medicine while continuing to grow professionally.

We believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional teamwork. Our culture fosters mentorship, collaboration, continuing education, and mutual respect, ensuring every team member has the support needed to succeed.