Medical Director, Community Veterinary Hospital

Level: Senior

Job Location: OHS Main Shelter - Portland, OR

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: DVM

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Medical Director, Community Veterinary Hospital

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about how we’re creating a More Humane Society.

The Team

This position is part of the Medical Services team within the Community Veterinary Hospital.

The Position

The Medical Director provides direct supervision to the Community Veterinary Hospital veterinarians and is responsible for oversight of the delivery of exceptional medical and surgical services to all animals served by the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) and its programs. As an Oregon state licensed DVM, the Medical Director is also a primary care giver and delivers exceptional services in accordance with practice and state standards. Medical cases are both outpatient and inpatient with the majority being canine and feline patients with a small percentage of cases being exotics (small mammals and birds) or other species. Additional responsibilities include providing clinical leadership to veterinary staff and student residents & interns, as well as providing expert consultation and training to medical support staff and doctors regarding complex medical cases and decisions. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and are expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of your individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contributes to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct if necessary.
• Utilizes data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Builds appropriate feedback loops to measure if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Communicate effectively to executive and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage.
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in the animal welfare space.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform clinical and surgical veterinary duties in a high volume, high quality spay/neuter, general surgery, and comprehensive medical center. Patients include client owned animals, shelter owned animals, animals surrendered to OHS from the public, animals in protective custody, and animals presented for care by their owners or agents through programs at OHS. Procedures include a wide variety of diagnostics, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, dentistry, general wellness, and medical cases.
• Communicate examination findings, treatment plan, and patient care alternatives to clients.
• Engage in financial conversations with clients, elevating discussions to other team members as needed.
• Recruit, select, performance appraise, coach, and mentor staff veterinarians.
• Uphold team culture and values of quality, compassion, efficiency, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Provide clinical advice on complex euthanasia decisions, as well as referrals from community partners.
• Provide mentorship and clinical guidance & oversight regarding complex medical, surgical, and euthanasia decisions to staff veterinarians, interns, residents, and students. Guide decision making when necessary, including during patient rounds & in all aspects of patient care.
• Work in partnership with other OHS departments to coordinate care and quarantine of infectious disease patients effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and maintain protocols and provide guidance to staff as needed.
• Participate in investigation of cruelty or neglect of animals and aid veterinary forensics and humane law enforcement teams.
• Provide weekend and/or evening on-call services on a rotational basis, for OHS owned animals residing in the shelter or in foster care.
• Complete and maintain medical records in accordance with practice and state standards, documenting treatment plans, case summaries, and other communications in a timely manner within veterinary practice software.
• Work with Hospital Administrator to resolve complaints about medical outcomes and/or decisions from veterinarians, clients, adopters, and other constituents.
• Serve as a partner and consultant to the Hospital Administrator and Nursing Manager.
• Provide leadership in clinical instruction of veterinary students in partnership with OSU faculty.
• Attend and participate in clinical rounds and provide leadership and direction during patient care discussions.
• Participate in other departmental and organizational meetings, media appearances, and events as requested.
• Provide direct professional contact with community practitioners to answer questions or to follow-up on concerns related to patient care and policies
• Bolster interdepartmental communication and partnerships through excellent communication and teamwork.
• Participate in OHS organized responses to animal related emergencies and participate in special projects as requested.
• Work collaboratively with shelter medicine team, providing support as needed.
• Assist all related internal and external departments as needed to support the program, and perform other duties as requested by management.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: Staff Veterinarians, Relief Veterinarians, Interns, Residents, Veterinary Students (in partnership)

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Chief Medical Officer

Often Engages Directly With: Shelter Medicine Team, Animal Care Team, Veterinary Social Worker, Customer Care Team, and Community Resource Center Team

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• DVM from an accredited academic institution.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Oregon.
• 5+ years of experience practicing veterinary medicine with additional 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent written communication and articulate public speaking skills; able to communicate with a diverse
• Ability to contribute to updating SOP’s & operational practices and projects.
• Able to recognize, diagnose, treat, and properly quarantine infectious disease in a high-population environment.
• Able to work independently with high level of accountability.
• Willing and able to be trained as FEMA certified Emergency Animal Sheltering (EAS).
• USDA accredited and DEA eligible.
• Excellent interpersonal & leadership skills and strong clinical and professional mentor.
• Able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly testing (medical and religious exemptions may apply).

Preferred

• ABVP Diplomate Shelter Medicine Practice or Canine and Feline Practice
• Shelter Medicine Residency and/or Internship
• Orthopedic & soft tissue surgery training and experience.
• Dentistry training and experience.
• Clinical experience with high volume spay and neuter.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates will all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment.
• Travel between the two campuses may be required.
• Working at both campuses may be required.
• Regular weekend and occasional evening work will be required.
• Animal contact and related injuries may occur.
• Noise exposure varies and sometimes includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring a high degree of multitasking and ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing concurrent projects/tasks to completion.
• Interactions with people experiencing high stress situations may occur.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, move, guide, or manage an animal cart weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of animals weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Good arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp and the visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
• Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision ability, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medication/controlled substances occurs.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect and compassion where every member of our community contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and where everyone reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that striving for diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

About the Oregon Humane Society

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, OHS is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about how we’re creating a More Humane Society.

The Team

This position is part of the Medical Services team within the Community Veterinary Hospital.

The Position

The Medical Director provides direct supervision to the Community Veterinary Hospital veterinarians and is responsible for oversight of the delivery of exceptional medical and surgical services to all animals served by the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) and its programs. As an Oregon state licensed DVM, the Medical Director is also a primary care giver and delivers exceptional services in accordance with practice and state standards. Medical cases are both outpatient and inpatient with the majority being canine and feline patients with a small percentage of cases being exotics (small mammals and birds) or other species. Additional responsibilities include providing clinical leadership to veterinary staff and student residents & interns, as well as providing expert consultation and training to medical support staff and doctors regarding complex medical cases and decisions. All OHS staff members contribute to the stewardship of the organization’s mission and are expected to stay current on and understand issues related to animal welfare and OHS programs.

Essential Responsibilities

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

• Consistently strives to exceed expectations; demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Maintains high ethical standards, including exhibiting behaviors and actions that embrace and align to our organization and customer service values, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates an awareness of your individual personal strengths and development needs, modeling non-defensive behavior and openness to feedback; builds a culture of feedback and learning.

LEARNING

• Contributes to regular dialogue and accountability with the leadership team and across the organization to review progress and course correct if necessary.
• Utilizes data and insights to identify, understand and articulate the key inputs and metrics that tell the story of the organization/team strategy and its progress.
• Builds appropriate feedback loops to measure if we are meeting key milestones and if the impact planned is being felt across the organization.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Communicate effectively to executive and other stakeholder groups to ensure they are informed and able to actively engage.
• Liaise with and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other departments, and donors; build mutually rewarding professional relationships inside OHS at all levels.
• Leverage our best practices externally and grow OHS’ reputation as a leader in the animal welfare space.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform clinical and surgical veterinary duties in a high volume, high quality spay/neuter, general surgery, and comprehensive medical center. Patients include client owned animals, shelter owned animals, animals surrendered to OHS from the public, animals in protective custody, and animals presented for care by their owners or agents through programs at OHS. Procedures include a wide variety of diagnostics, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, dentistry, general wellness, and medical cases.
• Communicate examination findings, treatment plan, and patient care alternatives to clients.
• Engage in financial conversations with clients, elevating discussions to other team members as needed.
• Recruit, select, performance appraise, coach, and mentor staff veterinarians.
• Uphold team culture and values of quality, compassion, efficiency, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Provide clinical advice on complex euthanasia decisions, as well as referrals from community partners.
• Provide mentorship and clinical guidance & oversight regarding complex medical, surgical, and euthanasia decisions to staff veterinarians, interns, residents, and students. Guide decision making when necessary, including during patient rounds & in all aspects of patient care.
• Work in partnership with other OHS departments to coordinate care and quarantine of infectious disease patients effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and maintain protocols and provide guidance to staff as needed.
• Participate in investigation of cruelty or neglect of animals and aid veterinary forensics and humane law enforcement teams.
• Provide weekend and/or evening on-call services on a rotational basis, for OHS owned animals residing in the shelter or in foster care.
• Complete and maintain medical records in accordance with practice and state standards, documenting treatment plans, case summaries, and other communications in a timely manner within veterinary practice software.
• Work with Hospital Administrator to resolve complaints about medical outcomes and/or decisions from veterinarians, clients, adopters, and other constituents.
• Serve as a partner and consultant to the Hospital Administrator and Nursing Manager.
• Provide leadership in clinical instruction of veterinary students in partnership with OSU faculty.
• Attend and participate in clinical rounds and provide leadership and direction during patient care discussions.
• Participate in other departmental and organizational meetings, media appearances, and events as requested.
• Provide direct professional contact with community practitioners to answer questions or to follow-up on concerns related to patient care and policies
• Bolster interdepartmental communication and partnerships through excellent communication and teamwork.
• Participate in OHS organized responses to animal related emergencies and participate in special projects as requested.
• Work collaboratively with shelter medicine team, providing support as needed.
• Assist all related internal and external departments as needed to support the program, and perform other duties as requested by management.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises: Staff Veterinarians, Relief Veterinarians, Interns, Residents, Veterinary Students (in partnership)

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Chief Medical Officer

Often Engages Directly With: Shelter Medicine Team, Animal Care Team, Veterinary Social Worker, Customer Care Team, and Community Resource Center Team

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the Oregon Humane Society.

• DVM from an accredited academic institution.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Oregon.
• 5+ years of experience practicing veterinary medicine with additional 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent written communication and articulate public speaking skills; able to communicate with a diverse
• Ability to contribute to updating SOP’s & operational practices and projects.
• Able to recognize, diagnose, treat, and properly quarantine infectious disease in a high-population environment.
• Able to work independently with high level of accountability.
• Willing and able to be trained as FEMA certified Emergency Animal Sheltering (EAS).
• USDA accredited and DEA eligible.
• Excellent interpersonal & leadership skills and strong clinical and professional mentor.
• Able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly testing (medical and religious exemptions may apply).

Preferred

• ABVP Diplomate Shelter Medicine Practice or Canine and Feline Practice
• Shelter Medicine Residency and/or Internship
• Orthopedic & soft tissue surgery training and experience.
• Dentistry training and experience.
• Clinical experience with high volume spay and neuter.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates will all levels of the organization, including OHS staff, executive team members, donors, general-public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Contact and communication is carried out through face-to-face, telephone and digital interactions. Excellent customer service skills are essential to success. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional and respectful in all circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment.
• Travel between the two campuses may be required.
• Working at both campuses may be required.
• Regular weekend and occasional evening work will be required.
• Animal contact and related injuries may occur.
• Noise exposure varies and sometimes includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring a high degree of multitasking and ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing concurrent projects/tasks to completion.
• Interactions with people experiencing high stress situations may occur.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, move, guide, or manage an animal cart weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and/or stooping may occur.
• Frequent bending and reaching into confined spaces.
• Occasional lifting and moving of animals weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Occasional lifting and moving of inanimate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands and arms at or above shoulder level.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Good arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp and the visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
• Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision ability, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medication/controlled substances occurs.
• Ability to respond and perform life saving techniques in an emergency.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and address and overcome complex challenges and barriers. We strive for a culture of integrity, respect and compassion where every member of our community contributes their perspectives and authentic selves and where everyone reaches their potential as individuals and teams. We recognize that striving for diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Oregon Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.