Clinical Veterinarian Surgical Services

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Veterinarian Surgical Services to join our Insourcing Solutions team, located at Boston Children’s Hospital.

The Clinical Veterinarian will perform surgical activities requiring a basic understanding of surgical techniques, instrument identification, suturing and overall comfort performing surgical procedures.  Utilizing knowledge of contemporary laboratory animal medicine and science and veterinary clinical medicine and resources, collaborate with research investigators and other ARCH staff to optimize the scientific objectives of animal research protocols.  Participate in the design of research projects and experiments.  In collaboration with other ARCH staff members, assist investigators and research staff in the refinement of animal care and use techniques.  Consistently interact and communicate with investigators and research staff during ongoing research studies, monitor results and recommend modifications as needed. Support and participate in the health care and maintenance of research animals at Boston Children’s Hospital. The position serves as the Attending Veterinarian for Boston Children’s Hospital. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works closely with the Surgical Director to oversee and supervise the day-to-day operations of the surgical program and the surgical veterinary technicians. 
• Performs surgical duties, intermediate and advanced ability to assist and perform surgical procedures.
• Confers with investigators and staff regarding the type of animal research conducted and provides advice on veterinary clinical considerations, animal health and welfare, training, procedures, numbers and/or care of the animals.
• Provides veterinary medical services in support of the health and welfare of the animals housed within ARCH.  Administers, or directs the administration, of treatment(s) as appropriate.
• Performs and documents post-mortem examination of animals-both for the purpose of providing information for a research project or in terms of determining a health issue within the facility.  The examination may include the performance of hematology, parasitology, microbiology and clinical pathology laboratory tests and procedures.
• Provides interpretation of radiographs and ultrasound as needed for diagnostic or intraoperative purposes.
• In collaboration with other ARCH staff members, the IACUC and the IACUC Office administration, contributes substantially to the institution’s comprehensive program to provide humane care and use of research animals and helps to assure compliance with federal regulations governing the care and use of laboratory animals.
• Serves as a voting member of the IACUC.
• Prescribes and processes orders for animal medications (drugs, anesthetics, analgesics, etc.), document distribution of same, and provide guidance on recordkeeping requirements.
• Supervisor for surgical veterinary technicians.  Provides training and coordinates training records.
• Works with researchers in pre-study designs of projects and ensuring appropriate compliance for new projects.
• Creates and maintains policies, procedures, SOP’s and other related databases to the surgical program.
• Performs routine audits of pharmacy, surgical records, environmental enrichment and other audits of operational tasks as they pertain to the function of the surgical program
• Works closely with the surgical director to perform daily health assessments of the USDA covered species in the Surgical Services Program. Maintains all records as needed and associated with this monitoring. 
• Performs technical functions required by research protocols, such as daily clinical observations, diagnostic testing, administering medications and health examinations of sick animals
• Develops treatment plans for all animals included but not limited to post-operative and post-procedural.
• Provides anesthesia support to all surgical cases, including placement of IV catheters, intubation, and administration of anesthetic agents as well as operates a ventilator and provides full anesthetic support during procedures.
• Provides surgical support services that require an understanding of basic surgical skills and procedures.
• Places arterial and venous central lines, either percutaneously or by surgical cut down.

.

• Working knowledge of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas, CBC, and Chemistry Profile interpretation in accordance with anesthesia, surgery and animal health.
• Reviews and complies with all policies pertaining to the animal care program. 
• Cares for laboratory animals in accordance with USDA Animal Welfare Act and policies, the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” and other applicable regulations and policies.
• Provides training for the ARCH staff as it relates to animal care, and health. 
• Helps design research protocols for investigators including animal species, research design, anesthesia and post-operative care.  Helps train and perform these surgeries as needed for the project 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Work requires completion of an accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or a certificate of training accepted by the AVMA.  Preferably completed a residency in anesthesia or lab animal medicine.

• Experience:  Exposure to field of Laboratory Animal medicine required. Participation in 2-5 externships during veterinary school or employment at an institution with a laboratory animal facility required.  In addition at least 1-2 years of experience with surgery and anesthesia in USDA covered species.

• Certification/Licensure:  Licensure (DVM) to practice medicine in a state or territory of the United States is required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of USDA covered species including skills and experience with identifying sick animals, summarizing findings, and prescribing medical treatments. Knowledge in working with sheep, swine, ferrets, chinchillas and rabbits preferred.
• Understanding and interpretation of CBC, and Chemistry profile values in relation to running anesthesia, surgery and animal health. Understanding and interpretation of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas preferred.
• Must be able to provide and follow verbal and written instructions and exhibit interpersonal skills that are conducive to effective professional communication and that contribute to a congenial work environment.

The pay range for this position is $160,000K – $220,000K USD annually.   Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.