As the only organization providing animal control and sheltering services to the City of Philadelphia, no two days at ACCT Philly are the same. An open admissions shelter and founding member of the Philadelphia No Kill Coalition, ACCT works with a wide network of stakeholders to support people and pets in Philadelphia. By both providing and overseeing veterinary services, the Medical Director ensures the animals at ACCT are supported via management of population health, emergency triage, spay/neuter, TNR, and foster clinic, with a priority on saving lives through creative approaches and maximizing resources through coordination and collaboration with our partners. The Medical Director leads a small but mighty team of nurses, a staff veterinarian, and a committed cohort of contract veterinarians and veterinary volunteers. They also function as ACCT’s representative in a few key relationships, such as University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary medicine program, and as a part of the Leadership team, helps to steward ACCT Philly as an organization. In medicine, ACCT is committed to implementing efficient and modern best practices and maintaining the highest standards for performance.
Qualifications Knowledge of contemporary shelter medical protocols; knowledge of various species, primarily dogs and cats, and familiarity with symptoms of diseases common to dogs and cats; strong communication skills in a frequently challenging environment; comfortable with advising on euthanasia decision making, to alleviate and prevent suffering but committed to explore all options for lifesaving; comfortable with electronic medical records, email communication, etc.; ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies; commitment to Fear Free animal handling and husbandry practices; demonstrates a commitment to lifesaving; views animals as individuals and is willing to employ creative, novel approaches to meet their needs including drawing on the resources of our partners; must be adaptable and receptive to rapidly evolving protocols and able to rally others with an air of excitement and opportunity; treats animals and people with respect; values collaboration and enjoys working with people, including those who may have a significantly less developed understanding of relevant concepts; available to modify schedule as needed to meet the needs of the organization; able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
Resources Available - ACCT Philly veterinary nursing staff, including a medical manager, with varied background in animal welfare and veterinary medicine - 2-3 surgical nurses are present at all times when surgery is ongoing, most days with additional volunteer support - In house diagnostic abilities include: Idexx Counter top ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer and two Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer units, 9 Snap Pro test readers to use with FeLV/FIV and 4DX Snap ® patient side tests, microscope, diff quick stain and fecals via zinc flotation. - Partnership with University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine includes no cost consults with teaching staff when on shelter campus for rotations and frequent communication with the U Penn Vet Shelter Medicine Program. - Reimbursement for Pennsylvania license - Annual continuing education allowance - Professional dues and license fees covered
Work Environment ACCT Philly is open to the public 10am to 6pm daily and staffed 24 hours/day, Staff may have as many as 300 interactions with the public in a given day, including with volunteers and rescue partners. The shelter operates at a fast pace and experiences rapid turnover of patients. While performing the duties of the job, employees are frequently exposed to odors and high levels of noise.
Education and Licensure Requirements Veterinary licensure in the State of Pennsylvania or licensure in another state with the intent and ability to gain licensure in the State of Pennsylvania within 4 weeks of being hired.
Leadership - Create and implement new medical protocols and regularly update existing protocols to ensure best practice and enhance efficiency - Serve as the medical point of contact for strategic partnerships such as PennVet, University of Wisconsin, and a number of tier one rescue partners - In concert with the Leadership team, develop partnerships with external stakeholders to expand the capacity of ACCT’s medical department - Ensure that ACCT’s Medical Department is in full compliance with all state and federal laws regarding the practice of veterinary medicine, use of controlled substances, and animal welfare - Collaborate on and directs the formulation of shelter medical objectives, practices, plans and decisions that influence operations to ensure optimal health of sheltered animals - Actively participate as a member of the senior leadership team including strategic planning and development, general staff oversight and coordinated expectations and accountability - Develop realistic and stretch goal departmental development plans including position and program development, as well as funding goals - Actively cultivate relationships and coordinate with HR to recruit candidates for any departmental vacancies - Embody the ACCT Philly core values of Transparency, Respect, Innovation, Commitment, Empathy and Professionalism at all times, with all stakeholders
Personnel Management - Oversee the onboarding, training and continuing education of staff and contract veterinarians - In concert with the medical manager, oversee the onboarding, training, and continuing education of the nursing staff - Coordinate with departmental personnel and Volunteer Manager to cultivate volunteer support for key role and functions - Provide regular training to ACCT Philly staff and volunteers - Arrange for 24 hour medical support through onsite staffing and on-call accessibility
Direct Care - Act as lead veterinarian, providing direct care to animals in ACCT’s care in whatever capacity required including medical rounds, creation of treatment plans, participation in pathway planning, surgery, exams, euthanasia, and more - Oversee the maintenance of shelter drug and supply inventory while meeting and maintaining DEA requirements - Obtain and manage ACCT’s DEA Diversion Control Division license for controlled substance prescriptions - Regularly participates in population rounds and pathway planning processes
About ACCT Philly
ACCT Philly is the only organization providing animal control and sheltering services to the City of Philadelphia, no two days at ACCT Philly are the same. An open admissions shelter and founding member of the Philadelphia No Kill Coalition, ACCT works with a wide network of stakeholders to support people and pets in Philadelphia. By both providing and overseeing veterinary services, the Medical Director ensures the animals at ACCT are supported via management of population health, emergency triage, spay/neuter, TNR, and foster clinic, with a priority on saving lives through creative approaches and maximizing resources through coordination and collaboration with our partners. The Medical Director leads a small but mighty team of nurses, a staff veterinarian, and a committed cohort of contract veterinarians and veterinary volunteers. They also function as ACCT’s representative in a few key relationships, such as University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary medicine program, and as a part of the Leadership team, helps to steward ACCT Philly as an organization. In medicine, ACCT is committed to implementing efficient and modern best practices and maintaining the highest standards for performance.
