Criticalist

About the Role

VCA Canada Guardian Veterinary Centre is seeking a Board Certified Criticalist to join its 24-hour emergency and critical care referral centre in Edmonton, Alberta. This is your chance to practise at a high-level specialty facility serving referral cases from across Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—a truly regional impact. You'll work alongside skilled colleagues in Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency, handling complex critical care cases in a collaborative, team-based environment that actually respects work-life balance.

Edmonton itself is a draw: Canada's largest urban parkland system spans 7,300 hectares along the North Saskatchewan River, world-class festivals (Folk Fest, Fringe Festival, Ice on Whyte), and you're just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains—Jasper and Banff National Parks for hiking, camping, rafting, and skiing. The city hosts major entertainment acts at Rogers Place (home of the Edmonton Oilers), and with over 1.3 million in the metro area and the University of Alberta's 40,000+ students, there's a dynamic, growing community vibe.

Guardian Veterinary Centre is committed to supporting positive work-life balance through flexible scheduling, paid wellness days, paid sick leave, and paid vacation—because burnout isn't part of the deal here.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advanced critical care medicine for emergency and referral patients across multiple complex cases
• Work collaboratively with Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency teams in a high-standard 24-hour facility
• Manage diverse caseloads in a supportive team environment
• Maintain excellent communication with referring veterinarians, clients, and internal colleagues
• Contribute to a culture of compassion and clinical excellence

Requirements

• Board Certified in Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECM or equivalent) or residency-trained and eligible to sit for board examination
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed to practise in Alberta
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex caseloads
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a cooperative, team-based approach
• Excellent communication with colleagues, clients, and the referral community

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with sign-on bonus
• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program
• Health and dental insurance
• Uniform allowance
• Professional dues covered
• Continuing education allowance and access to Medical Library (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks)
• Paid wellness days, paid sick days, paid vacation time
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Employee assistance program
• E-tools for meditation, sleep, exercise, and focus
• Virtual health care (telemedicine) access
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Career advancement opportunities (medical director, medical advisory board, special projects, leadership roles)
• Relocation assistance and immigration support
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Referral bonus rewards
• Opportunities to give back through VCA Canada community initiatives

About the Practice

VCA Canada Guardian Veterinary Centre is a leading 24-hour small animal emergency and critical care referral centre in Edmonton. Over 12 years, the practice has built deep relationships with the referral veterinary community across Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The hospital is anchored by established departments in Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency, with a growing caseload and genuine commitment to clinical excellence.

Guardian is part of VCA Canada, a national network that invests in its people through robust professional development, leadership pathways, and genuine wellness initiatives. The practice's core values—Respect, Compassion, and a Progressive environment—shape daily culture and decision-making.