Small Animal Hospitalist – Inpatient Medicine and Clinical Teaching

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Posted Job Title

Small Animal Hospitalist – Inpatient Medicine and Clinical Teaching

Job Profile Title

Staff Veterinarian

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a Small Animal Hospitalist to support inpatient care and clinical teaching at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital.
This role provides daily oversight of hospitalized ward patients, mentors veterinary students on the Patient Care rotation, and collaborates closely with specialty services to ensure continuity, safety, and efficiency of inpatient care.
The Hospitalist serves as a central clinical resource within the hospital, supporting nursing teams, facilitating communication across services, and helping maintain high standards of patient care within one of the nation’s busiest academic veterinary hospitals.

Job Description

The Hospitalist provides structured daily medical oversight for ward patients, supports nursing teams, and directs the Patient Care rotation for veterinary students. The position bridges specialty services to ensure continuity, safety, and efficiency of inpatient care.

How you will contribute:

As patient volume and case complexity continue to grow at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, the Hospitalist role strengthens inpatient continuity of care while enhancing veterinary student education.

The Hospitalist bridges specialty services, supports nursing teams with real-time clinical guidance, and mentors veterinary students as they develop clinical reasoning and patient management skills. By maintaining daily oversight of ward patients, the role helps improve communication, patient safety, and workflow across the hospital.

Responsibilities:

Patient Care Rotation Director

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to veterinary students on the Patient Care rotation.
• Ensure students understand and fulfill their responsibilities as primary caregivers under appropriate medical oversight.
• Foster clinical reasoning, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with clinical services and academic leadership to align ward workflow with curricular objectives.
• Provide formative feedback and participate in student evaluation.

Inpatient Medical Oversight

• Serve as the designated medical advisor for the wards.
• Conduct daily rounds on ward patients in collaboration with primary and specialty services.
• Review, clarify, and update treatment plans in coordination with attending clinicians.
• Review Instinct treatment sheets for accuracy, clarity, and safety.
• Provide timely medical decision-making for routine and intermediate patient care issues within established protocols.
• Identify early clinical deterioration and escalate care appropriately.
• Monitor adherence to hospital protoc