Equine Veterinarian

POSITION OVERVIEW

Associate veterinarian implements the practice’s medical policies and procedures that ensure ethical, quality patient care.  Delivers medical, surgical and dental care to patients.  Supports management, new business development, practice expansion, staff continuing education, and marketing activities.  Every position at Valley Equine Associates is a leadership position with the additional responsibility of ensuring a positive work environment in which the practice achieves its goals. The position reports to the practice owner, Dr. Keith Berkeley.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL:  Provides compassionate care to patients.  Works with upper management to set practice medical policies and procedures; performs all duties in accordance with them.  Performs complete physical examinations; diagnoses physical condition and presents diagnostic and treatment alternatives to the client.  Performs medical, surgical and dental procedures in the field and hospital; provides emergency services in accordance with hospital policy.  Interprets the results of laboratory procedures and determines the appropriate protocol based on the results; performs radiography, reads radiographs; prescribes medications.  Promptly and accurately updates client records.  Plans and executes a program of continuing education beneficial to her-/himself and VEA.

CLIENT RELATIONS:  Takes time to communicate effectively with clients, presenting them with treatment alternatives and being sensitive to their emotional as well as financial status.  Sets an example for the staff in dealing with clients.  Helps to develop new programs and processes that meet clients’ changing needs.

HUMAN RESOURCES:  Is accessible and works with support staff.  Delivers training to the support staff, as appropriate.  Maintains doctor/staff professional relationship.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:  Supports and, as appropriate, enhances quality and productivity of VEA.  Periodically reviews key performance indicators and plans for changes with Dr. Berkeley, as indicated.  Works with Dr. Berkeley on ideas/plans for developing and growing the business.  Is active in professional organizations.  Complies with facility/vehicle maintenance to ensure professional appeal to client and staff.  Assists the marketing effort by participating in community activities.

OTHER: Supports the practice, motivates staff, builds and maintains morale; maintains core values and standards.  Takes an active role in practice staff meetings.  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.  Carries out oral and written directions.  Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.  Promotes continuous quality improvement.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:  D.V.M./V.M.D. or equivalent; license-eligible in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:  Three or more years’ experience is desirable, but not required. Board certification or eligibility (ABVP, ACVIM, ACVS) is desirable but not necessary.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:  Good to excellent medical and surgical skills.  Excellent communication skills.  Display tact and diplomacy with staff members and clients.  Recognition that teamwork is essential for a quality practice.  Interest in the business aspect of a veterinary practice.  Willingness to work emergencies and after hours, as scheduled and if/when needed, if available.  Interest in marketing and growth of the practice.  Basic computer skills.

Physical Effort: Work requires lifting weight (will be assisted by other staff members as needed).  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 kicks, bites, scratches and contagious diseases.