Veterinary Specialist, Criticalist

About the Role

Guardian Veterinary Centre, a 24-hour small animal specialty and emergency referral centre in Edmonton, is seeking a Board Certified Criticalist to lead critical care medicine and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their families across Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

You'll work within a robust, collaborative team that values exceptional communication and cooperative medicine. The hospital's established caseload provides excellent growth opportunities, and you'll have the chance to step into leadership roles—whether as medical director, on the medical advisory board, or leading special projects. Flexible scheduling supports genuine work-life balance, and the practice is committed to your wellbeing through paid wellness days, paid sick leave, paid vacation, and access to an employee assistance program plus virtual health and wellness tools.

Edmonton is a vibrant city with over 7,300 hectares of urban parkland along the North Saskatchewan River, world-class festivals (Folk Fest, Fringe Festival, Symphony under the Sky), and quick access to the Rocky Mountains—Jasper and Banff are just a short drive away for hiking, camping, rafting, and skiing. The city's growing metro population exceeds 1.3 million, and you'll find top-tier entertainment at Rogers Place, home to the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver expert critical care medicine to referred and emergency patients in a 24-hour facility
• Lead and mentor a collaborative team in the Emergency Department and across specialties
• Manage multiple complex caseloads with excellent clinical judgment and communication
• Engage with the referral veterinary community to ensure seamless patient care and client satisfaction
• Contribute to hospital initiatives and consider advancement into medical director or medical advisory board roles

Requirements

• Board Certified in Emergency and Critical Care or residency-trained and eligible to sit for board examination
• Eligible for licensure in the province of Alberta
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple patient caseloads
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a team-based approach to medicine
• Excellent communication with colleagues, clients, and the referral community

Benefits

• Generous compensation with sign-on bonus
• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program
• Continuing education benefits and allowance
• Access to medical library (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research materials)
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Health and dental insurance
• Uniform allowance
• Relocation assistance and immigration support
• Referral bonus rewards
• Flexible scheduling for work-life balance
• Paid wellness days, sick days, and vacation time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Virtual healthcare/telemedicine access
• Wellness e-tools (meditation, sleep, exercise, focus support)
• Community giving opportunities through VCA Canada initiatives
• Career advancement pathways (medical director, medical advisory board, leadership roles)

About the Practice

Guardian Veterinary Centre is a leader in emergency and specialty healthcare in Edmonton, built on core values of Respect, Compassion, and a Progressive environment. Part of VCA Canada—an extensive network of hospitals across the country—the practice offers local community care with access to shared resources and national support. Over 12 years, the centre has earned the trust of the referral veterinary community across Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, making it a destination for complex critical and specialty cases.

The hospital features robust Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Departments, with a proven commitment to positive work-life balance and employee wellbeing. VCA Canada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.