Medical Director - Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Production-based bonus structure

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with company contribution

Employee pet care discounts

Job summary

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education seeks a Medical Director to lead our team at Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital, providing high-quality veterinary care and managing clinical operations.

Responsibilities include overseeing medical standards, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with veterinary regulations. Candidates must possess a veterinary degree and a current license, with strong clinical, surgical, and communication skills. Competitive compensation between $180,000 and $200,000, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information and establish rapport.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and gives directives regarding medical standards and quality of care.
• Handles patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues.
• Develops medical policies and monitors DVM performance.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university

Current State Veterinary License

DEA registration must be obtained and maintained

Job description

Position Overview

The Medical Director (MD) is responsible for providing strong leadership for the hospital, managing and mentoring associate veterinarians, and assuring regulatory compliance relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. The MD also serves as a staff veterinarian in addition to administrative and leadership duties, and holds shared responsibility for the financial health of the hospital, directing staff and the overall management of practice operations.

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Medical Director to join our team at Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital, a 15,000 square foot facility in Berkeley, California equipped with a fully stocked pharmacy, in‑house laboratory, CT scan, x‑ray suites, ultrasound, operating microscope, endoscopes, comprehensive dental suite, and extensive specialty surgery equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining a high quality of progressive veterinary care:
  • Oversees and gives directives regarding medical standards and quality of care
  • Sets policies as they pertain to the practice of medicine
  • Works toward making various services work as one team
  • Recommends additions to the hospital inventory in conjunction with leadership
  • Buds for new equipment and provides reasoned cost estimates and ROI
  • Sees patients and handles clinical practice
  • Ensures positive communication with clients and between doctors, including proper transfer of patient care responsibilities
  • Reviews patient records for completeness and accuracy and uses them to promote medical excellence
  • Appropriately manages controlled drugs
  • Reviews and approves requests for alternative drugs and medical supplies
  • Conducts regular doctor meetings
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Manager
• Handles patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues
• Manages veterinary, client, and board complaints and recommends resolutions
• Develops medical policies
• Assists in ensuring practice compliance with the State Veterinary Medical Practice Act, OSHA, and AAHA standards
• Monitors DVM performance and production, provides coaching when appropriate
• Serves as a mentor and role model for all staff veterinarians
• Leads candidate interviews of potential DVMs
• Identifies new service opportunities that do not currently exist in the hospital
• Holds ownership for the revenue and success of the practice through monitoring key performance indicators and working with the Hospital Manager to make adjustments to achieve positive results
• Helps identify and plan for upcoming challenges in maintaining hospital operations and possible temporary solutions (locum)

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 3–5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Excellent surgical and dental skills
• Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care
• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, and offer explanations with pet owners
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent time‑management and delegation abilities
• Exercises sound judgment and demonstrates exemplary decision‑making skills
• Professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with others
• Well‑developed interpersonal skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $180,000 – $200,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• Production‑based bonus structure
• No negative accrual and no non‑compete
• Generous multi‑year signing bonus and relocation assistance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible scheduling with work‑life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education including reimbursement and time off for CE & license fees
• Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability, liability insurance and 401(k) with company contribution
• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Employee pet care discounts

Additional Benefits

• Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$180,000 – $200,000 USD

Contact

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at [e-mail] or apply at www.petvetcareers.com

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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