SUMMARY  

The Surgical Instructor plays a pivotal role in advancing the educational mission of Columbus Humane and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where the individual serves as an adjunct associate professor.  The Surgical Instructor is primarily responsible for teaching and overseeing basic and advanced live-animal soft tissue surgeries for fourth-year veterinary students.   In addition, the Surgical Instructor provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to shelter animals, including homeless pets, owned animals, and animals under the care of community partners. This role requires collaboration with rescue partners, foster homes, and the broader Columbus Humane team to ensure the highest level of care for the animals. 

PRIMARY ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Patient Care: 

Collaborate with DIS, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Lead surgical RVT, and Director of Clinical Support (DCS) to ensure the proper care, handling, and treatment of all animals under Columbus Humane’s care, following shelter medicine and surgery protocols. 

• Surgical Instruction: 

Serve as the primary instructor for live-animal soft tissue surgery, teaching veterinary students at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Surgical procedures include spay/neuter, dentals, mass removals, enucleations, hernia repairs, and more. Instruction encompasses surgical preparation, anesthesia management, drug calculations, technique, sterile protocols, and recovery. 

• Student Supervision & Evaluation: 

Provide real-time guidance and feedback to veterinary students during surgeries, ensuring they follow established protocols and techniques. Offer constructive, evaluative feedback regarding student competency in accordance with The Ohio State University’s academic standards. 

• Pre- and Post-Operative Care:
  Oversee and manage the pre- and post-operative care of animals, including identifying surgical readiness and monitoring surgical complications. Engage students in identifying and addressing post-surgical concerns through constructive feedback and directed intervention. 
• Topic-Based Instruction:
  Lead rounds and seminars on various veterinary topics, such as surgical techniques, surgical complications, infectious disease management, animal cruelty recognition, and outbreak management. 
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Work closely with the DSI and Director of Veterinary Operations (DVO) to ensure veterinary students have the appropriate tools, equipment, and resources to perform procedures safely and effectively. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Veterinary Care:
  Develop and manage ongoing medical treatment plans for animals at Columbus Humane, including those housed at offsite locations and in foster care. Ensure proper implementation of shelter disease control protocols. 
• Community and Client Support:
  Provide veterinary services to community clients including adopters, families experiencing financial hardship, rescue partners, and feral cat caregivers. Offer guidance on fostering and special medical needs. 
• Euthanasia & Cruelty Investigations:
  Participate in euthanasia decisions when necessary. Assist with field investigations and provide medical expertise in animal cruelty cases. Provide written documentation and expert testimony when needed. 
• Professional Development:
  Participate in community outreach, conduct seminars, and engage in educational opportunities that support Columbus Humane’s mission and the broader veterinary community. 
• On-Call and Emergency Services:
  Provide on-call support for after-hours and holiday emergencies as needed, ensuring continuous care for animals in need. 
• Collaboration with Veterinary Partners:
  Work with community veterinary partners such as OSU Veterinary Medical Center and MedVet to provide specialized care for complex cases. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Student Supervision:
  Oversee and mentor fourth-year veterinary students during Shelter Medicine and Surgery rotations. 
• Team Leadership:
  Collaborate with the DIS and Lead Surgical RVT to supervise veterinary technicians, assistants, veterinary students, and volunteers, ensuring that animal care standards are consistently met. 

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Experience: 
• Strong experience in high-volume surgeries and shelter medicine. 
• Teaching or mentoring experience in a veterinary or educational setting preferred. 
• Experience with exotics medicine or herd health is a plus. 
• Skills: 
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office and veterinary management software (PetPoint is a plus). 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with diverse stakeholders. 
• Passion: 
• A commitment to Columbus Humane’s mission, values, and dedication to providing  excellent care to animals in need. 
• A desire to empower future veterinarians through practical experiences, engaging them where they are and helping to lead them where they need to be as they start their career. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS  

• Valid Ohio Driver’s License with an insurable driving record. 
• Current and valid Ohio Veterinary License. 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS  

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.   
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.   
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS    

• Ability to work extended hours as required by the needs of the animals or special cases. 
• Physical demands include long periods of sitting, standing, and bending. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, as this may involve lifting animals for examination or surgery. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT    

Work is performed in a normal shelter setting including exposure to hazardous chemicals and potential exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals. 

Columbus Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer.??We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees