Founding Associate Veterinarian Job Description
Overview: Join a new independently owned veterinary urgent care clinic in Sussex County, DE built to deliver high-quality medicine without the burnout of overnight ER or the routine pace of general practice. Designed with sustainability in mind, our clinic prioritizes strong technician support, clear clinical boundaries, and a culture where veterinarians have a voice.
As a full-time Founding Associate Veterinarian at our Urgent Care, you will work an eight (8) hour shift, four (4) days per week. No overnights! Some weekends will be required but not every weekend (there may be the ability to split a shift on the weekend also). We want you to be able to enjoy the beaches, bike trails, wonderful restaurants and all that coastal Delaware has to offer! The clinic hours will be 12 pm- 8 pm Monday-Friday and 8 am – 4pm (or 9 am- 5 pm) Saturday and Sunday. There will be a minimum 1:3 doctor to tech/assistant ratio.
As we grow, there will be opportunities for leadership and increased clinical responsibility for veterinarians interested in helping shape the future of the practice.
Benefits: The urgent care clinic offers a competitive benefits package to include the following:
- Annual Base Salary of $130k- $170k based on experience + ProSal production at 21% with no negative accrual
- Additional profit-sharing opportunity available tied to clinic performance
- Relocation assistance
- Stipend for medical benefits
- 401k with a 4% employer match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- CE allowance with additional PTO for attending CE related events
- Reimbursement for license fees and memberships, along with PLIT
Work/Life Balance: We are passionate about ensuring a work/life balance and emotional wellbeing support by providing a yearly Calm app membership, Employee Assistance Program, along with the ability to participate in various clinic sponsored activities to include meditation, mindfulness, and yoga/pilates. We are committed to creating a supportive, respectful environment where veterinarians can practice confidently and sustainably.
Key Job Responsibilities
The Veterinarian is responsible for providing high quality care to our patients while also developing rapport with their owners. In addition to physical examinations, surgeries, client communication, and client education are of the utmost importance. Our clinic is equipped with digital radiography, in-house laboratory equipment, and point-of-care ultrasound to support efficient, high-quality diagnostics
- Perform physical exams, diagnose, and treat acute, non-life-threatening conditions (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, limping, minor wounds)
- There will be clear boundaries between services we can offer at the urgent care vs. ER. No overnight hospitalizations, no critical surgical emergencies. This will be a stabilize and transfer model.
- Utilize on-site (when able to) diagnostics like digital radiography and laboratory services to develop treatment plans
- Perform minor surgeries, laceration repairs, and wound management
- Provide clear, compassionate communication regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options for pet owners
- Quickly assess cases to differentiate urgent care from critical emergencies, stabilizing and transferring patients to 24-hour ER facilities when necessary
- Maintain client/patient medical/surgical records and make certain all necessary logs are kept up to date through established protocols
- Stay up to date with new medical information and changes in veterinary medicine, attend Continuing Education meetings
- Assist in the development of the paraprofessional team to ensure the delivery of the highest quality care and exceptional client service
- Positively represent the clinic in the professional community and to the public
- Deliver efficient, high-quality care while respecting clients’ time and emotional stress
- Provide clear options so pet owners can make informed decisions in urgent situations
Requirements:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university
- A Delaware license in good standing to practice
- DEA Registration
- 2+ years as a veterinarian (does not need to be in an urgent or emergency care setting)
- Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
- Must be able to perform minor surgeries and point-of-care ultrasounds
- Ability to work independently as a DVM with support from the team which includes vet techs, vet assistants, CSR’s, practice director, and the veterinary medical director
- A team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, friendly attitude
- The ability to make decisions and communicate clearly and effectively with fellow team members
- Respect for and willingness to work with clients and their pets
- A compassionate team player who can uphold a great reputation with clients
- A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine, upholding the veterinary code of ethics
We welcome veterinarians who are excited about practicing high-quality medicine in a sustainable urgent care model and contributing to the growth of a new, independently owned clinic.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
