Head of Department Emergency and Critical Care Specialist - CARE

A unique opportunity exists for a compassionate, collaborative and forward-thinking Criticalist to join our cohesive, multi-disciplinary specialist team in a role that emphasises the pursuit of clinical excellence, prioritises individual patient outcomes, encourages professional development and supports the exploration of focused clinical interests. 

What’s involved:

This role is primarily focused on the provision of the highest standards of intensive and critical care to our hospitalised patients, both through case management and the support and education of the ECC team. 

The Head of ECC Department has direct clinical involvement in the treatment of emergency and critical cases as well as responsibility for the support, guidance, teaching, leadership, and representation of the ECC team. The role also involves input into the structure and management of the ECC Department as well as the ongoing development of the facility and its equipment. It is full-time with a flexible roster structure based on the need for case input and staff support.  There are no night-shift responsibilities.

This position works with, and is supported by, a veterinary ECC Manager, leading an experienced ECC team, including 14 permanent emergency veterinarians, 4 ECC-specific interns, and 11 permanent ECC nurses, supported by a group of casual team members.  The ECC Department operates alongside specialist teams in internal medicine and surgery; the three groups integrating cooperatively to optimise patient care.

Who we are:

To us, the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE) is much more than just a large, 24-hour veterinary specialist and emergency hospital in an appealing inner-city location; it is a community of like-minded specialists and non-specialist veterinarians, veterinary nurses and support staff who believe in working hard together, being supportive and respectful, having fun and taking pride in what we achieve. 

It is, of course, well equipped: including a variety of imaging modalities (Siemens 16-slice CT, digital radiography, digital subtraction fluoroscopy, Philips Affiniti 50 and POC ultrasound machines, regular off-site access to 3T MRI imaging), a range of current critical care equipment (6 new Menios oxygen cages, new Getinge Servo-u ventilator and high flow nasal oxygen), an in-house laboratory suite (Radiometer blood-gas machine, IDEXX Procyte haematology, Catalyst biochemistry and coagulation machines) and other equipment such as Olympus endoscopy and advanced anaesthetic monitoring.  We believe though, that our hospital is distinguished by its people and their purpose, which are less readily purchased.

Having earned a reputation as one of the busiest critical care facilities in Melbourne, there is no shortage of caseload on which to hone clinical skills, demonstrate or teach, apply contemporary techniques and knowledge, or collect data for clinical research.  The ECC Department attends approximately 10,000 primary case presentations annually including a diverse range of common, and less common, conditions. There is frequent client interest in pursuing the highest levels of intensive and critical care in the treatment of their pets.

Qualities we believe are necessary for the role:

• Registration as an ECC Specialist (or a residency-trained Registrar)
• Drive to lead, collaborate, develop and to make a difference
• Patience and generosity with knowledge and time  
• Uncompromising commitment to practicing at the highest possible standard
• Respect and confidence in all communication
• Enthusiasm for the maintenance of team culture
• Dedication to emergency and critical care and its seamless integration with allied veterinary specialties

The Benefits:

• Flexible roster including a 3- or 4-day working week with no overnight shifts
• Above-market salary
• Attractive continuing education allowance
• Paid AVA membership or registration with the Victorian Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board
• Flare HR benefits including (but not limited to) car leasing programs and discounts at major retail and supermarket providers
• 4 weeks annual leave and 1 week study leave
• 6 weeks paid parental leave in addition to the government allowance
• Visa sponsorship for you and your family and relocation support.
• Free access to confidential counselling services through our Employee Assistance Program for yourself and immediate family members

Thinking about relocating?

Melbourne is a vibrant 24-hour city affording access to an enormous array of dining, arts, shopping, cultural, and sporting activities. With friendly people, a great lifestyle, and endless leisure and entertainment opportunities, there’s much to love about this highly multicultural city. Residents of Melbourne enjoy a safe city, affordable healthcare, beautiful parks, world-class education, reliable infrastructure and transport and easy access to a range of spectacular natural destinations throughout the state of Victoria. Melbourne regularly ranks among the top cities in the world for quality and lifestyle and was voted the world’s most liveable city by the Economic Intelligence Unit for seven consecutive years.

If this sounds like the position for you feel free to apply now or for a confidential chat and more information you can contact Dr Sophie Haynes ([email protected]).