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Avian and Exotic Veterinary Care is looking for the right person to join us as an associate veterinarian. We would like our new veterinarian to be someone who is actively pursuing board certification in an exotics-related specialty (ACZM or ABVP), or is already board-certified. This position involves seeing appointments 3 to 4 days a week.
ABOUT AEVC:
AEVC opened in northeast Portland in April 2016 and is Oregon’s only specialist-level avian and exotics private practice. AEVC’s patients include approximately 35% birds, 24% reptiles/amphibians, 40% mammals, and 1% fish/invertebrates, with no domestic dogs or cats seen as patients. Practice capabilities and equipment include Vimago HDVI CT scanning, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, rigid endoscopy, ultrasonography (up to 15MHz), 90 watt Ellman radioscalpel/cautery, and dentistry including rabbits and rodents. During COVID distancing phases, outdoor house-call appointments for flocks, ponds and bee hives are offered in addition to our in-clinic appointments. After-hours emergency appointments are not accepted. Appointments are seen 7 days a week. AEVC’s founder and sole owner is Dr. Lisa Harrenstien, who is a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine(TM) and a graduate of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. AEVC’s associate veterinarian is Dr. Rebecca Mattucks, who is a graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Our clinic values are compassion, competency, education, integrity and respect. AEVC’s website is www.avianexoticvetcare.com .
JOB SUMMARY:
As part of the clinical team at AEVC, this position contributes to veterinary care of privately-owned avian and exotic patients, with less frequent care of wildlife, facility-owned and confiscated avian and exotic patients. Clinical duties encompass comprehensive patient care management, which includes physical examination, microscopic examinations (cytologic, microbiologic, parasitologic), development of diagnostic/treatment plans, gross postmortem examinations, maintenance of medical records, and development/communication of recommendations including preventative medicine, zoonotic disease prevention and management, parasite control, animal housing and animal shipment. Clinical work may also be required in the Portland metropolitan area away from AEVC. Attendance of annual avian/exotics veterinary conferences is encouraged and a continuing education allowance is provided to facilitate travel for these, as well as to cover the expenses of Oregon veterinary licensure and a DEA controlled substances registration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Provide veterinary medical, surgical, and dental care for all of AEVC’s patients during regular work hours. Respond in a timely manner to clinic communications by email, phone and text message. Complete animal medical records in a timely manner. Maintain client communications and staff communications describing planned and provided care.
• Contribute to and participate in ongoing training for AEVC staff as required to maintain technical competencies.
• Contribute to and participate in training of private caregivers for avian and exotic patients.
• Actively pursue literature searches and continuing education opportunities relevant to avian and exotic animal medicine.
• Foster good relations with clients, area veterinarians and animal facilities, trainee veterinary students, veterinary technology students and fellow staff by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of care.
• Comply with all AEVC policies, procedures, and programs.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
The offered compensation/benefits package includes a modified pro-sal pay structure, plus health/dental insurance, paid time off, CE fee allowance, veterinary licensure and DEA fees, uniform allowance, pet care discounts, retirement plan contribution options, flexible scheduling to accommodate personal obligations, and access to the mental wellness support provided by our communications coach.
EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1) Possession of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) degree.
2) One year or more of post-DVM clinical experience.
3) If not already a board certified specialist, the applicant must have active interest in becoming board certified via ACZM or ABVP.
4) Possession of an active Oregon veterinary license, obtained within 1 month after work start date.
5) Possession of a current DEA controlled substances registration within 1 month after work start date.
6) USDA Category 2 Accreditation for use in Oregon, obtained within 1 month after work start date.
7) Possession of a valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license within 1 month after work start date.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS:
1) Active Diplomate status in the American College of Zoological Medicine or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Avian, Exotic Companion Mammal, and/or Reptile and Amphibian).
2) Competency with computer-based practice management software, especially AVImark.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to be organized, self-motivated and independent, with exceptional time management skills.
• Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, fellow staff and external stakeholders.
• Possesses computer skills including Google applications, Excel, Word, and database programs.
• Possesses a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Is comfortable with an everchanging/dynamic workplace and situation-dependent expectations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The successful applicant must have the ability to see including differentiation of red and green colors, hear, smell, move about, stoop, kneel, crouch, use arms and hands, climb indoor ladders, handle objects, tools and controls, stand for several hours and sit for several hours. The successful applicant must be able to lift and move 30 pounds. The successful applicant must be willing and able to work with and around large, wild animals as well as very small animals.
If interested in this position, please email Dr. Lisa Harrenstien at AEVC.DrLisa@gmail.com with the subject line “veterinary specialist position.” In that email, please describe why you are an excellent candidate for this position, and include your curriculum vitae, as well as names and contact information for three professional references.