Primary Care Staff Veterinarian
Job Description

Primary Care Staff Veterinarian
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Primary Care Staff Veterinarian
Job Profile Title
Staff Veterinarian
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking an experienced and compassionate Primary Care Staff Veterinarian to join our team at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital. This role focuses on delivering high-quality clinical care within our Primary Care Service, while also actively contributing to the education of veterinary students and interns.
As a vital member of a world-renowned academic teaching hospital, you will work in a collaborative and supportive environment alongside specialists from over 30 AVMA-recognized disciplines. The position combines hands-on patient care, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration-all within a hospital committed to innovation, service, and excellence in veterinary medicine.
This is a full-time, exempt position with an anticipated start date in Fall 2025.
Job Description
Our Primary Care Service provides medical and surgical care to a variety of patients in the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs. We prioritize a low-stress handling environment for feline and canine patients to ensure optimal comfort and safety. As a Primary Care Staff Veterinarian at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, you will play a critical role in providing high-quality clinical care, educating future veterinarians, and contributing to the growth of our leading primary care service. Specific responsibilities include:
Clinical Care
- Lead the development and delivery of an accredited veterinary dentistry and oral health program within the primary care service. Provide direct instruction, supervise students during COHATs, and collaborate with faculty to integrate dentistry as a core component of the primary care curriculum.
- Provide hands-on medical and surgical care to a diverse primary care caseload.
- Oversee preventive and urgent care appointments for pets of Penn employees and external clients.
- Work closely with specialty services to ensure seamless, collaborative patient care.
Teaching & Mentorship
- Supervise and mentor third- and fourth-year veterinary students on the clinic floor.
- Train and guide rotating veterinary interns in clinical practice.
- Help foster an engaging, educational environment that attracts top veterinary students.
Communication & Collaboration
- Serve as a liaison between clients and internal hospital services.
- Work closely with other departments, including Shelter Medicine, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Surgery, and Anesthesia, to fulfill the school's mission.
Service Development
- Contribute to building a dynamic, front-facing Primary Care program.
- Support initiatives aligned with Penn Vet's commitment to community service and clinical excellence.
- Assist with curriculum enhancements and participate in departmental efforts to strengthen primary care education.
The role will be well-supported with institutional resources, including access to modern dental equipment, skilled technical staff, and collaboration with faculty specialists, ensuring that the program is sustainable and impactful. You will join a collaborative team within the Primary Care Service, currently comprised of one faculty member and one staff veterinarian, and work within a collegial environment that includes over 30 board-certified specialists across a wide range of disciplines.
Qualifications:
- Education: DVM or VMD degree required.
- Experience: Minimum of 8 years in general practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Clinical Skills: Strong proficiency in primary care medicine, general surgery, and dentistry.
- Training: Continuing education courses and lectures in dentistry and oral health; training in HQHVSN strongly preferred.
- Teaching Abilities: Experience or interest in clinical instruction and mentorship of veterinary students and interns.
- Teamwork: A collaborative, collegial mindset and commitment to working across departments.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal, client service, and professional communication skills.
- Certifications: Fear-free certification is required; ABVP is welcome but not required. Support may be available for those pursuing board certification.
The ideal candidate will thrive in an academic hospital setting, enjoy working with both clients and learners, and value the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven institution serving the local community and advancing veterinary education.
Targeted Pay Range:
$130k - 145K
This Targeted Pay Range is only applicable to this job posting. All salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist at shieldsa@upenn.edu for further details.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
School of Veterinary Medicine
Pay Range
$95,200.00 - $145,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
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