Description
Criticalist - PRIVATELY OWNED 10,000 sq. ft. AAHA-Accredited, USP 800 Compliant Cancer and Referral Center!
Join a Visionary Specialty Team
The Animal Cancer & Referral Center (ACRC) invites a board-certified or residency-trained Veterinary Criticalist (DACVECC) to join our growing specialty hospital and lead the development of our Emergency and Critical Care service.
Located in The Woodlands, TX—one of America’s most desirable communities—ACRC is an INDEPENDENT PRIVATELY OWNED10,000 sq. ft. Cancer and Specialty Center. We are the first and only referral hospital in the Houston area exclusively focused on oncology and specialty care for pets with cancer and we are expending to offer EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE.
Joining ACRC means shaping a unique and meaningful service in the region — where compassionate care meets innovation. See what we have to offer !
Medical Infrastructure & Equipment
Access to advanced diagnostics, monitoring, and life-support tools that support top-tier emergency and intensive care. Key features include:
Dedicated ICU with adjustable lighting, isolation ward, and direct visualization of patients
Fully equipped ER suite with space for triage, crash carts, and direct oxygen access
Point-of-care diagnostics: blood gas, lactate, electrolytes, coagulation (PT/aPTT, VCM), and glucose meters
Advanced imaging: 128-slice CT, digital radiography, ultrasound with cardiac and abdominal probes
Mechanical ventilator(s) capable of handling small to large breeds
Multi-parameter monitors (ECG, capnography, invasive BP, SPO, temperature)
Fluid therapy tools: syringe pumps, infusion pumps, fluid warmers, Bair Hugger, Hot Dog
Central line and chest tube capabilities
Blood products and in-house crossmatching
Defibrillator, warming equipment, and critical drug library
Dedicated pharmacy with controlled substance storage and compounding area
Electrochemotherapy
Lymph node mapping (NIRF)
Fuduka telemetry
8 exam rooms
Dedicated oncology treatment spaces
Opportunity for I-131
Clinical Team & Collaboration
A collaborative, multidisciplinary culture where patient care comes first and specialists communicate seamlessly.
Access to board-certified Oncologists, Internists, and Surgeons
Experienced emergency veterinarians and trained nursing staff (LVT/RVTs)
ECC technician training program or CE support
24/7 support staff for continuity of care
Cross-department collaboration — oncology, internal medicine, and surgery teams aligned for complex cases
Opportunity to lead case rounds and morbidity/mortality discussions to support continuous improvement
Practice Model & Autonomy
Experience independence and influence within a growing or progressive specialty hospital. We offer:
Clinical autonomy — authority to develop protocols, choose equipment, and manage cases
Input in service development (e.g., designing ICU flow, triage systems, and referral communication)
Leadership opportunities — Section Head, ECC Medical Director, or mentorship roles
Opportunity to build or grow an ECC department
Research, teaching, or CE involvement (case studies, conference presentations, or student mentoring)
Culture, Values & Work Environment
Culture often seals the deal! At ACRC, you will thrive where patient-centered care, communication, and respect are non-negotiable.
Emphasis on compassionate care and clinical excellence
Supportive leadership — management that values clinician well-being
Reasonable caseloads and flexible scheduling to prevent burnout
Shared goals between medical and administrative teams
Transparency and mutual respect between specialists and management
Lifestyle & Location
Balance work and high-intensity shifts, with quality of life outside the hospital!
The Woodlands Lifestyle:
Located just 40 minutes north of Houston, The Woodlands offers a fantastic quality of life. With a thriving community and access to cultural events, outdoor activities, and excellent schools, it's no wonder why The Woodlands is a sought-after place to live. Experience the best of both worlds with a bustling city nearby and serene natural surroundings.
Nearby, the Texas Medical Center in Houston provides WORLD CLASS medical care.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base + production pay (guaranteed income or salary floor)
Relocation assistance
Continuing education allowance (ECC-specific CE, IVECCS, ACVECC dues)
Health, dental, vision, and disability insurance
401(k) or retirement plan with matching
Paid time off and parental leave
Licensing, VIN, and professional membership reimbursements
How to Apply:
For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Dr. Melissa Parsons-Doherty, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), at MPD@ACRC.VET or 832-732-4322.
Join us in shaping the future of specialty care and making a difference in the lives of pets and their families!
Requirements
DVM
Board Certified or residency trained Veterinary Criticalist
