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
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]

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No