Veterinary Medical Director – Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Innovetive Petcare; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous sign-on and relocation assistance

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance

401(k) with company match

CE allowance with paid CE time

Paid parental leave and generous PTO

Job summary

A leading veterinary clinic in Hickory, NC, is looking for a Board Certified Medical Director to provide clinical leadership at its specialty and emergency hospital. The role involves establishing medical standards, mentoring staff, and ensuring high-quality care. The position offers a competitive salary range of $180,000–$275,000, along with various benefits including relocation assistance, medical insurance, and a focus on professional development. Ideal candidates will be board-certified specialists or experienced emergency clinicians.

Qualifications

• Active (or eligible) North Carolina veterinary license.
• Board-certified specialist (DACVECC, DACVIM, DACVS, etc.) preferred.
• Commitment to evidence-based medicine.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership and oversight across emergency and specialty services.
• Establish and uphold medical standards, protocols, and best practices.
• Mentor and support veterinarians, interns, and support staff.

Skills

Veterinary medicine

Leadership

Client communication

Mentorship

Education

DVM or equivalent degree

Tools

Clinical diagnostic equipment

Job description

Board Certified Medical Director

Department: Veterinarians

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Description

Veterinarian – Medical Director

Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital

📍 Hickory, North Carolina – Lead Medicine. Shape Strategy. Elevate Specialty & Emergency Care.

Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking an accomplished Veterinarian – Medical Director to provide clinical leadership for our growing specialty and emergency hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. This role is ideal for an experienced board-certified specialist or emergency clinician who is ready to influence medicine, mentorship, and hospital performance while continuing to practice high-quality, advanced care.

The Medical Director serves as the clinical leader of the hospital, setting medical standards, supporting a collaborative culture, and partnering with hospital leadership to drive excellence in patient care, team development, and operational success. This is a hands‑on leadership role with protected administrative time.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree
• Board-certified specialist (DACVECC, DACVIM, DACVS, or related specialty) or Multi‑specialty & Emergency experience strongly preferred
• Active (or eligible) North Carolina veterinary license
• Proven leadership ability or strong interest in clinical leadership
• Commitment to evidence‑based medicine and exceptional client communication
• Passion for mentorship, team development, and hospital growth

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership and oversight across emergency and specialty services
• Establish and uphold medical standards, protocols, and best practices
• Mentor and support veterinarians, interns, and support staff
• Partner with hospital administration on strategic planning, recruiting, and growth initiatives
• Maintain an active clinical caseload aligned with your expertise
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high‑performing hospital culture

What We Offer

• Base salary range of $180,000–$275,000, commensurate with specialty, experience, and clinical production, plus an additional Medical Director stipend
• Production‑based compensation opportunity
• Generous sign‑on and relocation assistance
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• CE allowance with paid CE time
• Paid parental leave and generous PTO
• Professional autonomy with strong operational support
• The opportunity to shape and grow specialty and emergency services in a key regional hospital

• Established referral and emergency presence in the region
• Modern equipment and advanced diagnostic capabilities
• Supportive leadership structure with a focus on sustainable medicine
• Collaborative environment with highly trained technicians and staff
• Located in Hickory, NC—offering a high quality of life with access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Charlotte metro area

If you are a seasoned emergency clinician or board‑certified specialist seeking a leadership role where your voice, expertise, and vision will truly matter, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.

Apply today or reach out for a confidential conversation.