Director of Clinical Medicine

About the role

The Director of Clinical Medicine advances DZCA’s mission, strategy, and goals by supervising clinical medicine and pathology for the animals at DZCA and advancing Wildlife Health and Conservation department impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative high quality and innovative veterinary care for the animals at DZCA, ensuring consistency among the clinical veterinarian team, including species-appropriate advanced diagnostic evaluation, treatment, anesthesia, surgery, emergency and critical care, pathology assistance and collaboration, and administration of the Zoo’s preventative medicine program.
• Schedule and coordinate appointments and procedures, including developing and fostering relationships with outside clinical consultants.
• Share caseload management and clinical coverage, including rotating emergency on-call availability.
• Maintain timely and complete medical records and controlled drug inventory documentation, including ultra-potent narcotics in compliance with DEA regulations.
• Assist with animal shipments, quarantine, biosecurity measures, and complete certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) as part of pre-shipment evaluation.
• Effectively communicate relevant clinical case findings and management plans with the Animal Care and Animal Wellbeing teams, fostering strong partnerships for patient care.
• Align veterinary program and individual leadership with Denver Zoo core values to be welcoming, curious, united, courageous, and transformative.
• Provide supervision for the Clinical Veterinarians and Veterinary Pathologist, including recruitment and hiring, scheduling, peri-clinical responsibilities, team development, goal setting, performance reviews, accountability and discipline, collaborative learning, coaching, and personnel policy oversight.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo’s veterinary program and policies.
• Ensure clinical approaches and processes achieve optimal efficiency and patient care, as well as compliance with federal and state regulations and AZA accreditation and safety standards.
• Collaborate with other directors and managers in the Wildlife Health and Conservation department to support leadership and team culture.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s sustainability policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Mentor and supervise residents in the ACZM-compliant Zoological Medicine Residency Program, as well as visiting interns, and students, collaborating with the veterinarian team to ensure consistent high-quality mentorship.
• Lead and/or collaborate on veterinary research and present findings at relevant professional meetings or in scientific publications.
• Aid in budget development by coordinating recommendations and associated costs for clinical needs and equipment modalities.
• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between the veterinary team and all other departments in the zoo.
• Provide veterinary perspectives to the Animal Wellbeing program, including animal welfare assessments and medical aspects of behavioral husbandry.
• Collaborate with the Zoo’s PhD Nutritionist and Animal Nutrition team regarding nutritional aspects of clinical case management.
• Provide veterinary expertise to the Zoo’s Field Conservation programs, collaborating on program development pertaining to One Health and Conservation Medicine.
• Share and engage with the public at the Zoo hospital or elsewhere through regular collaboration with the Guest Engagement team who operates the hospital’s public viewing gallery.
• Participate as needed in administrative roles at the Zoo or externally, such as various committees, task forces, or other professional roles.

Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
• Completion of an ACZM-compliant zoological medicine residency program (preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years experience as a veterinarian, including 5 years experience with zoological species, leadership and team supervision.
• Strong expertise and clinical skills in zoological medicine, including advanced diagnostic, anesthetic, and treatment/surgical techniques, clinical case management, and understanding of epidemiological principles and zoonotic diseases.
• Background in scientific research methods and study design with record of scientific publication.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, internet and literature search applications, and experience with Tracks software or other zoological medical record keeping systems are a plus.
• Exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• Recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross-section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
• Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred.
• Proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!