Description

University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital (UCDVH) is a leading multi-disciplinary, specialist, veterinary referral and teaching hospital located in the thriving city of Dublin in the east of Ireland, between the mountains and the sea. 

Small animal services include internal medicine (emergency and routine), critical care, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, oncology, anaesthesia and surgery (orthopaedics, neurosurgery, soft tissue surgery, minimally invasive techniques), as well as in-house rehabilitation and physiotherapy. We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive small animal oncologist, who is passionate about delivering clinical excellence in small animal oncology, is an excellent “team player” and has a strong interest in veterinary clinical teaching. This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive, and growing team of highly trained specialists, residents, interns, veterinary nurses and support staff in our fully equipped hospital. 

Our hospital is facilitated with digital radiography, 32 slice Siemens CT and a state of the art 1.5T MRI, fluoroscopy, laparoscopic and arthroscopic imaging systems, interventional radiology, commercial laboratory, and a radioactive iodine suite. Our very large clinical caseload provides opportunity for ongoing clinical research that is actively encouraged. The successful applicant will work alongside a full complement of specialists and residents in training in various small animal disciplines (four ECVS, six ECVIM-CA, four ECVDI, four ECVAA and two ECVECC Diplomates).

This permanent clinical post has 80% clinical service and clinical teaching activity and 20% off clinic time.  It offers a fantastic opportunity to improve clinical experience whilst offering prospects in developing teaching and clinical research skills.   This position is particularly suitable for a qualified Diplomate in Small Animal Oncology (ECVIM-CA or ACVIM) although those who are due to sit certifying examinations in the immediate future will also be considered. Guidance and facilitation of study time for board examinations will be accommodated if applicable. 

Requirements

The UCD Veterinary Hospital (UCDVH), part of the School of Veterinary Medicine, has a vacancy for a permanent specialist veterinary clinician to support the continued growth and strategic expansion in the area of small animal oncology. The appointment is subject to qualifications and experience of the candidates.

The UCD Veterinary Hospital has state of the art equipment including CT, MRI, ultrasound, interventional radiology, full endoscopy and arthroscopy, laser, a radioactive iodine unit and fully equipped surgical and intensive care suites. Ancillary supports include rehabilitation and physiotherapy. The Small Animal Section currently has capacity for 14 Clinical Academics/Specialist Clinicians including five surgery, six internal medicine, two emergency and critical care and one oncology specialists. These staff are supported by 10 interns (rotating and discipline specific), 9 residents and a full team of ancillary staff. The Section has collaborative ties with the Comparative Oncology Group who are active in research of animal and human cancer.

Applicants must hold a degree in veterinary medicine registerable with the Veterinary Council of Ireland or a specialist degree with which an application for limited registration with the Veterinary Council (see www.vci.ie) could be made. The successful applicant must be a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Companion Animals (Oncology) or the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Oncology. Consideration may also be given to RCVS Specialists in Small Animal Oncology or to those who have completed an oncology residency and are eligible to attain specialist certification in the immediate term.

The appointee will contribute effectively to the provision of clinical oncology services within the UCDVH. They will also contribute significantly to undergraduate (primarily clinical, but occasional didactic lectures) teaching and postgraduate residency (DVMS) training in veterinary oncology. It is anticipated that the above duties will constitute approximately 80% of the appointee’s efforts with the remaining 20% dedicated to other scholarly activity. This role will entail leadership within the specialty of veterinary oncology, helping shape the future development of the service.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To enhance and advance the provision of the clinical oncology service in UCDVH

• Provide a dedicated high quality Small Animal Oncology Service in the UCDVH commensurate with its needs and in close collaboration with the needs of colleagues in cognate disciplines
• Apply understanding of practical, ethical and financial issues in balancing decision-making in appropriate care for all animals involved
• Provide strong leadership within the clinical speciality, to enhance efficiency and understand sources of new treatments
• Work in collaboration with the Clinical Director to ensure strategic development of the oncology discipline
• Ensure oncology services are maintained to the highest standards of Health & Safety
• Play a role in planning for the expansion and future of small animal services in the UCDVH, resulting in increasing clinical income and caseload
• Communicate with referring veterinary practitioners

2. Clinical teaching and supervision

• Provide clinical teaching to (under)graduate veterinary students, including their formal assessment
• Active participation, supervision and clinical instruction of postgraduate education for DVMS students (residents) in training
• Training of nursing, intern and ancillary staff on management of oncology cases
• Develop and participate in Continuing Professional Development activities for veterinary practitioners

3. Administration and professional development

• Participation in UCD’s CPD offerings (both in-house and external) including conferences, webinars, clinical clubs and postgraduate certificate courses
• Active involvement in working groups and committees to ensure successful functioning of the organisation

4. To undertake any other reasonable duties as required by Line Management.

Selection Criteria
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Experience and Qualifications

• Veterinary Degree registerable with the Veterinary Council of Ireland
• Active European/American Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology or eligibility to attain such a qualification in the immediate term
• A substantial track record of clinical achievement in the specialty
• Full contribution to achieving the strategic aims of UCDVH
• Commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning
• Ability to undertake team work in a collaborative setting
• A high level of written and oral communication skills
• Computer literacy especially in veterinary hospital systems
• Positive contribution to fostering an inclusive environment and a level of awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Masters, PhD
• postgraduate qualification in clinical teaching
• Evidence of successful research projects and history of publication
• University teaching experience
• Demonstration of innovation in delivery of clinical services
• A track-record of provision of continuing professional development courses