Animal Health Practitioner

Job Description:

The Animal Health Practitioner is responsible for guiding the veterinary team at our Vetco Total Care hospital to provide first-rate care for our animal patients. The position also requires providing outstanding service to animal owners while embodying our commitments to clients, vets, and partners of the hospital and store.

Ensuring Efficient Communication within the Hospital:

• Above all else, the welfare of the patient should be the primary objective of healthcare providers
• Every member in the team realizes that they possess the ability to exceed expectations and deliver a remarkable experience to customers and patients
• Dealing with contentious issues in a timely and effective manner is essential for maintaining a harmonious and productive working environment
• The benefits of exemplary teamwork and unwavering dedication to shared goals can be felt across the entire organization.

Forge a Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Future for Pets, Pet Parents, and Society!

Those who prioritize making a genuine difference, developing a fulfilling and engaging career, being valued for their entire identity, and promoting their health and wellbeing will find a perfect fit in Petco.

Our core values encapsulate the ethos of our endeavor to promote the betterment of animals, individuals and nature.

• Our love for animals extends to every pet in our care as if they were part of our family
• We are the new leaders of the pet industry
• Our focus is to create a positive impact on people's daily experiences
• Working together allows us to produce outstanding outcomes
• We are celebrated for our uniqueness

Petco is a company that has revolutionized the health and wellness industry. Its primary aim is to enhance the lives of pets, pet owners, and its workforce. With over 29,000 employees, Petco has over 1,500 pet care centers, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, and hundreds of preventive care clinics across the nation. The company also has eight distribution centers and two support centers.

With a passion for pet health and wellness as our guiding principle, we are committed to enhancing the lives of pets and their families, as well as the Petco staff.

Our Commitments:

• Our company ethos centers around the notion that if we prioritize the happiness and health of pets, our business will flourish.
• Changing the face of animal wellness - We're using our expertise and love of animals to create a whole new standard of care in the pet industry.
• Through our initiatives, we hope to instill a sense of belonging and foster a spirit of cooperation among pet owners, resulting in stronger bonds between humans and animals.
• With our fully integrated and comprehensive pet solutions, we provide the ultimate partnership for pet owners and their beloved companions. Our services are tailored to ensure a perfect match, resulting in a connected and personalized experience.
• We work tirelessly to ensure that no pet is left behind when it comes to receiving proper care and nutrition.

Essential Job Functions:

This position has specific duties and responsibilities that must be fulfilled by the candidate with or without reasonable accommodation, and they are listed below:

Leadership/Management duties:

• The manager of the hospital's animal care staff.
• Work together with the Hospital's Office Manager to ensure that all members of the team have an equal opportunity to contribute to the hospital's success.
• Offer guidance and support to hospital veterinarians to improve their clinical acumen, team dynamics, customer interactions, and level of care through coaching and mentoring.
• Take on the responsibility of driving the hospital's commitment to medical quality, including compliance with Petco Medical SOPs and applicable legislation.
• Maintaining legal and regulatory compliance with state practice acts is an important part of operating a full-service veterinary hospital.
• Proper onboarding can ensure that new employees feel welcomed and motivated, leading to better job performance, job satisfaction, and reduced turnover.
• Participate in meetings with hospital representatives to discuss potential partnerships.
• To address any potential gaps in the schedule, it may be necessary to introduce new policies or procedures. For instance, there could be a requirement that all vets submit their schedules at least a week in advance to facilitate planning and prevent overlapping schedules. Alternatively, there could be a requirement for team-based scheduling or shift scheduling, where certain vets work during specific shifts.
• Stay attuned to hospital performance while partnering with HOM and field leadership to identify areas of potential that can drive business results through top-quality care and effective client communication.
• Work collaboratively with team leaders and executives to drive revenue growth and exceed established financial targets, by optimizing the quality and efficiency of the P&L reporting process.
• Periodically assess the electronic medical records of hospital patients regarding their decisions, and provide feedback and direction to hospital veterinarians to improve patient care.
• Collaborate with the Hospital Office Manager and field leadership in addressing concerns and reportable events immediately to find an appropriate resolution that satisfies clients.
• Oversee the proper management of controlled substances in the hospital, including ordering, inventorying, recording, and reporting, in compliance with state and federal DEA regulations.
• Prioritize organizational safety through the development and maintenance of a culture that values the well-being of all involved.
• Cultivate a positive relationship with the Hospital Office Manager to foster open communication and ensure the success of the hospital's radiation safety program.

Clinical Care duties:

• Enhance patient wellbeing by providing top-quality care through comprehensive physical evaluations, proficient disease diagnosis and treatment, and evidence-based preventative healthcare strategies suited to the patient's signalment, lifestyle, and surroundings.
• Opt for a problem-driven model for treating patients that includes creating a comprehensive problem list for each patient, alongside a full list of differential diagnoses for each issue identified, devising an effective diagnostic plan, and relying on diagnostic test results to develop appropriate treatments based on confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Maintain a concise, yet detailed, document of all pertinent patient information, including any relevant medical history and current condition, in the client's medical record.
• Effectively manage routine and intricate surgical interventions such as spay/neuter procedures, exploratory laparotomies, and tumor extractions, among others.
• Trained in performing routine and intricate dental procedures such as thorough dental examination, evaluation of dental x-rays, and both simple and complicated tooth extractions and oral surgeries.
• Devise individualized treatment plans for patients receiving daytime hospitalization, conducting an in-depth problem-based assessment. Facilitate seamless transition of patients to overnight care and interact efficiently with referral hospitals and clients to ensure that patient care is continually delivered.

Supplementary Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Attending rounds is mandatory, whether you are a new or final doctor, as it ensures a smooth transition of care between colleagues while maintaining the quality of care.
• Improve the standard of care and communication in the hospital by promoting the sharing of knowledge among team members.
• Accomplish any additional assignments assigned to you.
• Ensure the retention and upkeep of all necessary state premise licenses or hospital vendor accounts.

Nature of Supervision:

Direct supervision by the Area Medical Director is expected of the Hospital Medical Leader in all matters of individual patient care. While the Hospital Medical Leader will exercise discretion in patient care decisions, it is essential to adhere to the Petco Veterinary SOPs. The Area Medical Director will offer guidance and feedback through electronic medical record reviews to advance patient care and client interactions in the hospital.

Effective collaboration while maintaining professional and personable demeanor among hospital veterinarians is of utmost importance.

Implementing a clear plan is essential when tackling a problem, as it enables you to remain focused on your objectives and to evaluate progress towards reaching them:

The field of veterinary medicine relies heavily on effective problem solving, and it is expected that any successful candidate possesses excellent skills in this area to diagnose animal problems with precision and speed.

Impact:

This position has the potential to propel the healthcare organization to new heights, further solidifying its reputation. With an emphasis on employee satisfaction and patient care, the organization can create a stable and reliable base to grow from. As the onset of COVID-19 has demonstrated, healthcare is a vital and fast-moving industry that demands a dedicated and adept workforce.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position requires the oversight of all hospital veterinarians, regardless of whether they are employed on a full-time, part-time, or relief basis.

Education/Experience:

• A degree equal to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school is a must-have for veterinarians.
• To be eligible for this role, you must have at least 12-36 months of clinical veterinary experience.
• The ideal candidate for this position will have previously coached or mentored veterinarians.
• Having the valid authorization of working as a veterinarian in the state without any restrictions or having the competence of getting it before the start of the work.
• Current DEA license.
• The Current Controlled Substance License must be obtained or maintained in the state where the hospital is situated before the commencing date of employment.
• It is necessary to acquire USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or obtain it within the first two months of the employment date.
• Profound knowledge in the administration of anesthesia and the ability to conduct common veterinary surgeries such as spaying, neutering, tumor removal, and dental cleaning for cats and dogs.
• Exceptional communication capabilities, both written and verbal, are prerequisites for the role.
• It is necessary to keep a professional attitude while showing sensitivity and empathy towards people during stressful scenarios.
• Competence in telephone and computer usage is requisite.
• Our ideal candidate is someone who is collaborative, embraces novel approaches, brings innovative ideas to the table, and is open to changes.

Work Environment:

The work for this position primarily occurs at the Vetco Total Care veterinary full-service hospital. The partner will have to do tasks like bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, if necessary), and standing for extended periods. Furthermore, the partner will have frequent interactions with clients and their pets.