Emergency Veterinary Medical Director

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic; Poulsbo (WA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Poulsbo is seeking an Emergency Veterinary Medical Director to lead a growing team of clinicians in Poulsbo, WA. This permanent, full-time role combines advanced medical care with strategic leadership.

You will mentor ER DVMs, oversee critical care protocols, and partner with the Hospital Director to drive patient outcomes, staff development, and service expansion. A strong focus on teamwork, mentorship, and high-quality emergency medicine is essential.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state licensure.
• Rotating internship or experience practicing emergency medicine preferred.
• Ability to manage emergency cases and make sound clinical decisions.
• Strong communication skills and client-centered approach.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to patient care.
• Passion for continuous learning and emergency medicine.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality emergency and critical care to a diverse caseload.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for urgent conditions.
• Provide comprehensive emergency care with triage and inpatient care.
• Lead and mentor ER staff and coordinate with the hospital team.
• Develop medical protocols and patient safety standards.
• Partner with Hospital Director on strategy, growth, and safety initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment and retention of veterinarians and clinical staff.
• Represent the hospital in leadership forums and initiatives.

Skills

Emergency medicine

Leadership

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

DVM or equivalent

State licensure eligibility

Rotating internship preferred

Tools

CT

X-ray

Blood gas machine

Job description

Hospital Name: Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Poulsbo

Job Type: Veterinarian - Managing / Medical Director

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

Emergency Veterinary Medical Director – We will mentor you!

185k-200K Base + Production with 25k Signing Bonus
Full-time opportunity in Poulsbo, WA
Schedule: Rotating schedule with a mix of clinical and admin shifts

At AESC you’ll do more than practice—you’ll grow, collaborate, and help shape what’s possible in veterinary medicine.

Located in the scenic waterfront town of Poulsbo, WA, is housed in a brand-new, 12,000 sq ft hospital and we’re growing our emergency team! Our facility is Fear Free focused and features 10 exam rooms, 3 surgical suites, a cat ward, 2 isolation rooms, comfort room, and top-tier equipment including CT, X-ray, Snyder oxygen cages, and a blood gas machine. Our team is deeply committed to high-quality medicine, exceptional client service, and fostering a collaborative, supportive culture built on kindness and mutual respect.

You’ll work in an environment where advanced medicine, mentorship, and teamwork come together to deliver an exceptional experience for both patients and clinicians.

As part of Ethos, your voice, growth, and expertise truly matter.

Location Highlight

Situated on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula , Poulsbo offers a charming small-town vibe with great restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant marina. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking, hiking, boating, skiing, and exploring nearby natural wonders like Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, and the Puget Sound. Plus, you're just a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle!

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision),retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

• Competitive compensation. Production bonus-eligible based on collections and eligibility criteria.
• Sign-on or relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Employee assistance programs
• Mentorship for ER DVMs new to the MD role

In your day-to-day, you will:

• Deliver high-quality emergency and critical care to a diverse caseload of companion animals.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for patients presenting with urgent and emergent medical conditions.
• Provide comprehensive emergency care through a balanced mix of receiving new emergency cases, triaging incoming patients, and managing hospitalized patients throughout their course of treatment.
• Perform emergency procedures and stabilize critically ill or injured patients using evidence-based medicine.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams to provide seamless, compassionate patient care.
• Communicate clearly and empathetically with pet owners during stressful and emotional situations.
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture built on collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning.
• Provide clinical leadership and oversight for emergency and critical care, championing high-quality, innovative medicine and exceptional client experience.
• Oversee development and maintenance of medical protocols, SOPs, and patient safety standards, including infection control and medical record accuracy.
• Partner closely with the Hospital Director to address patient safety concerns, support quality improvement initiatives, and guide hospital strategy, growth, and service expansion.
• Mentor, coach, and develop DVMs and clinical staff through performance management, ongoing feedback, and structured development opportunities.
• Drive recruitment, engagement, and retention of veterinarians while fostering a collaborative, psychologically safe, team-oriented culture.
• Support and participate in mentorship and training programs, including new graduate and ER development initiatives.
• Ensure timely and professional resolution of client and referring veterinarian concerns while strengthening RDVM relationships.
• Lead regular team communication, doctor meetings, and hospital-wide updates to promote transparency, alignment, and engagement.
• Collaborate on hospital operations including budgeting, equipment planning, compliance with regulatory standards, and controlled substance management.
• Represent the hospital in leadership forums and contribute to broader organizational initiatives.

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
• Completion of a rotating internship or experience practicing emergency medicine is preferred (or equivalent clinical experience).
• Confidence managing emergency cases and making sound clinical decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
• A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing emergency veterinary medicine.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.