DVM Hospitalist – Radiation Oncology

The DVM Hospitalist – Radiation Oncology is a licensed veterinarian who works closely with the Board-Certified Veterinary Radiation Oncologist to provide comprehensive medical care for patients undergoing evaluation, treatment, and follow-up for radiation therapy. The Hospitalist supports the Radiation Oncologist by performing patient evaluations, coordinating and completing diagnostic work-ups, managing concurrent medical conditions, assessing patients throughout their radiation treatment course, and providing post-treatment and follow-up care. This position is designed to enhance continuity of care, improve patient access and workflow, and allow the Radiation Oncologist to focus on radiation treatment planning and delivery while maintaining close collaboration and oversight of each patient's oncology care. Primary Responsibilities Initial Evaluation and Diagnostic Work-Up Perform comprehensive physical examinations and clinical assessments of patients referred to Radiation Oncology. Review medical records, pathology, diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, and referring veterinarian documentation. Obtain and document complete medical histories. Develop and coordinate appropriate diagnostic work-ups in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist. Order and interpret laboratory testing and other diagnostic studies within the Hospitalist's clinical responsibilities. Coordinate advanced diagnostic imaging, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other studies when indicated. Identify concurrent medical conditions that may affect anesthesia, radiation therapy, or overall patient management. Consult with other specialty services when appropriate. Radiation Oncology Patient Management Work directly with the Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist in the management of patients receiving radiation therapy. Perform examinations and medical assessments before and during courses of radiation treatment. Evaluate patients for treatment-related complications and changes in clinical condition. Provide supportive medical management during radiation therapy. Manage pain, nausea, gastrointestinal signs, skin reactions, appetite changes, and other treatment-associated concerns in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist. Prescribe and adjust supportive medications as clinically appropriate and consistent with the patient's overall oncology treatment plan. Coordinate care with Anesthesia, Medical Oncology, Surgery, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency/Critical Care, and other specialty services. Respond to changes in patient status and determine when additional evaluation, diagnostics, hospitalization, or specialty consultation is required. Post-Treatment and Follow-Up Care Perform post-radiation examinations and scheduled recheck evaluations. Assess acute and delayed radiation-associated effects. Manage supportive and symptomatic care following radiation therapy. Order and evaluate appropriate follow-up laboratory testing and diagnostic studies. Coordinate follow-up imaging and disease surveillance in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist. Communicate clinical findings and treatment recommendations to clients. Communicate relevant information and follow-up plans to referring veterinarians. Recognize disease progression, recurrence, or complications requiring reassessment by the Radiation Oncologist or another specialty service. Client Communication Provide clear, compassionate communication regarding the patient's clinical condition and supportive care. Discuss diagnostic findings and medical management within the Hospitalist's area of responsibility. Reinforce the Radiation Oncologist's treatment plan and expectations for radiation therapy. Educate clients regarding medications, home monitoring, potential treatment effects, and indications for urgent reassessment. Serve as an accessible veterinary point of contact for patients actively undergoing radiation treatment. Provide continuity for clients throughout the patient's treatment and recovery. Clinical Collaboration The DVM Hospitalist works in close partnership with the Board-Certified Veterinary Radiation Oncologist. The Radiation Oncologist maintains primary responsibility for radiation-specific decisions, including radiation treatment recommendations, treatment planning, dose prescription, fractionation, target definition, and modification of the radiation treatment plan. The Hospitalist independently exercises appropriate veterinary medical judgment in the evaluation and supportive medical management of patients while maintaining close communication with the Radiation Oncologist regarding changes that may affect radiation therapy or the patient's overall oncology treatment plan. Qualifications Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited institution or equivalent degree meeting applicable licensing requirements. Current or eligible veterinary license in New York State. Strong clinical skills in patient assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and medical case management. Internship training or experience in a specialty or emergency veterinary hospital strongly preferred. Experience in oncology, internal medicine, emergency/critical care, or specialty practice preferred. Excellent medical documentation and client communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with specialists, residents, interns, licensed veterinary technicians, and other members of a multidisciplinary clinical team. Interest in veterinary oncology and advanced cancer care. Preferred Experience Candidates with a rotating internship, specialty-hospital experience, or several years of high-quality clinical practice are particularly well suited for this position. Prior radiation oncology experience is desirable but not required; focused training and mentorship can be provided by the Radiation Oncology service. Position Objective T