Part Time Veterinarian - San Bernandino, CA (MAR2)

As a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your key responsibilities include providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care to geriatric and terminally ill pets. You'll guide families through crucial end-of-life decisions while building meaningful relationships with local veterinary clinics as an extension of their care. The position focuses on personalized support, which allows you to spend quality time with each pet family.

To qualify as a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD/BVMS) degree and possess at least one year of experience as a practicing veterinarian. Additionally, a valid driver's license is required, and physical capabilities include lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted, prolonged periods of driving, and consistent movement throughout the workday.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice prioritizes work-life balance by allowing Part Time Veterinarians to select a work schedule of 2-5 days per week, with most appointments scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm. This flexibility offers veterinarians the freedom to balance their professional and personal lives while making a meaningful impact on pets and their families.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice provides a range of benefits for Part Time Veterinarians, including various health insurance plans (individual and family), mileage reimbursement, quarterly productivity bonuses, a retirement plan with matching options, life insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional training and development, along with pet insurance.

At Heartstrings Pet Hospice, continuous professional growth is encouraged! The organization offers comprehensive training programs and ongoing mentorship to ensure that Part Time Veterinarians stay updated on best practices in end-of-life care and develop skills needed to enhance their expertise, helping them thrive in this compassionate field.

In answering this question, reflect on your passion for animals and the profound impact that compassionate care can make in difficult times. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your desire to support families during sensitive moments and highlight experiences that resonate with Heartstrings’ mission.

Acknowledge the emotional weight of these conversations and explain your approach to empathy and active listening. Share strategies you’ve used to guide families by providing clear information and compassion, ultimately helping them feel supported and informed in their decisions.

Discuss your relevant experience, including specific veterinary skills, training, and how these qualify you for working in hospice care. Emphasize your understanding of geriatric veterinary medicine and your compassion towards both pets and their families as key contributing factors.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to present a case where you effectively analyzed a challenging situation, made an informed decision, and handled it best for the pet's welfare. It demonstrates your decisiveness and care.

Express the importance of building relationships and the benefits of collaboration in providing comprehensive care. Highlight past experiences where you have successfully integrated with teams and how you plan to extend that to Heartstrings and local clinics.

Explain your methods for self-care and coping with the emotional toll of euthanasia and hospice care. Mention practices such as debriefing with colleagues, maintaining a supportive network, or engaging in activities that help you recharge.

Share resources and methods you use for continual education, such as attending conferences, reading veterinary journals, or joining professional networks. Demonstrating your commitment to learning shows your passion for the field and better care for the pets.

Reflect on the fulfillment you gain from being able to provide dignity and comfort to pets and their families in their final moments. Share specific stories that resonate with you and illustrate the profound effects of your work.

Utilize the STAR method to articulate a specific instance where you managed challenges at a home appointment, showcasing your problem-solving skills, compassion, and ability to adapt while ensuring quality care.

Paint a vivid picture of your vision for the role. Describe how you plan to contribute to the team’s mission, enhance your professional approach, and positively impact the families and pets you serve with Heartstrings Pet Hospice.