JOB DESCRIPTION

Associate Veterinarian

REPORTS TO:     Practice Owners or Practice Manager

 POSITION OVERVIEW                                                                                                                                                           

The Associate Veterinarian works with the practice owners to define and implement practice medical policies and procedures that ensure quality patient care. They deliver medical, surgical, and dental care to patients. The Associate Veterinarian plays a key role in building and maintaining client relationships as well as staff relationships. He or she may assist in supervising staff members in their daily medical duties when the Head RVT or Practice Manager is not in the practice to oversee this important function. This is a leadership position with the important responsibility of ensuring a positive work environment in which the practice can achieves its goals.

 POSITION REQUIREMENTS                                                                                                                                               

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

1. • D.V.M. licensed in California
   • D.E.A licensed in California

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1. • Experience as a D.V.M. in a practice is desirable, but not required.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. • Significant continuing education achievements, beyond licensing requirements.
   • Ability to recognize that teamwork is essential for a quality practice; ability to work as a team member as well as a doctor.
   • Working knowledge of and interest in the business aspect of a veterinary practice.
   • Willingness to stay after hours or work extra hours when needed.
   • Interest in marketing and growth of the practice.
   • Display tact and diplomacy with staff members and clients.
   • Perform basic computer skills, type 30 words per minute.
   • High comfort level with digital records and electronic communications
   • Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
   • Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

 SALARY                                                                                                                                                                                  

The Associate Veterinarian position’s pay scale is adjusted upward based upon experience. Salary pay is based on individual production of the previous year.

 PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS                                                                                                                                       

1. • Provides compassionate care to patients.
   • Works with owners to set practice medical policies and procedures; performs all duties in accordance with them.
   • Plans and carries out a significant program of personal medical continuing education.
   • Works with the owners on plans for developing and growing the business.
   • Is active in professional organizations and community activities.
   • Communicates objectives, motivates staff, builds and maintains morale; maintains core values and standards.
   • Helps to develop new programs and processes that meet clients’ changing needs.
   • Sets an example for the staff in dealing with clients; promotes the concept of the client-centered environment.
   • Delivers in-house medical training to the support staff when asked to do so.
   • Works toward and attains practice productivity standards.
   • Promotes cooperative working environment among staff members; understands the value of teamwork; shows enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit.
   • Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
   • Performs physical examinations using preliminary data provided by the veterinary technicians; diagnoses physical condition and presents diagnostic and treatment alternatives to the client being sensitive to their emotional, as well financial needs.
   • Performs medical, surgical, and dental procedures; provides emergency services in accordance with The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital’s standards of care.
   • Interprets the results of laboratory procedures and determines the appropriate protocol based on the results; reads radiographs and interprets EKGs.
   • Prescribes medications in accordance with manufacturers label instructions and uses. Understands common side- effects and common drug interactions with other medications.
   • Promptly, accurately, and legibly updates client/patient records in support of the SOAP reporting method.
   • Understands and carries out treatment orders from other veterinarians; makes necessary changes in treatment plan when diagnostic results support the decision to do so.
   • Performs other duties as assigned.