Medical Director DVM

American Veterinary Medical Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Competitive compensation

Job summary

VCA Ark Animal Hospital in Chicago, IL is seeking a Medical Director to lead medical direction and ensure clinical excellence across the hospital. You will mentor veterinarians and the care team, shape standards of care, and collaborate with Operations, Marketing, HR, and other partners to deliver outstanding patient care.

This is a full-time role in a supportive, modern AAHA-certified facility. Join a team dedicated to world-class medicine, continuous learning, and compassionate care.

Qualifications

• DVM degree from an accredited university.
• Illinois licensure in good standing or ability to obtain.
• Commitment to high standards of veterinary medicine.
• Interest in medical leadership and mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hospital's medical direction and quality of care.
• Mentor veterinarians and care team.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing, HR and other partners.
• Maintain high standards of patient care and client education.

Skills

Medical leadership

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Clinical excellence

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

Medical Director - VCA Ark Animal Hospital | Chicago, IL

Join us as a Medical Director at VCA Ark Animal Hospital in Chicago, IL. You'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world‑class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll have the opportunity to practice medicine while helping shape the medical direction and quality of care within a collaborative, supportive hospital. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.

Questions? Please email Laurel Norman at [e-mail]

Why Lead the Team?

• Medical Leadership & Clinical Excellence: Practice medicine while establishing the direction, medical quality, and standards of care for the hospital. Help foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and exceptional patient care.
• Operational Support: Focus on practicing medicine and leading your medical team with support from dedicated partners in Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Payroll, and more.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside a talented, experienced support team, including credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and client service representatives. Our team maintains a two-to-one technician‑to‑doctor ratio on each shift, helping ensure doctors have the support they need.
• Modern, Renovated Facility: Lead a recently renovated, AAHA‑certified hospital featuring dedicated doctor stations, electronic medical records, ultrasound, cold/therapeutic lasers, and separate surgical and dental suites.
• Culture of Quality Care: Champion exceptional patient care, client education, and transparent service recommendations while building strong relationships with clients and Associates.
• Mentorship & Development: Support the growth of veterinarians and the broader care team through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for professional development.

Schedule

• Full‑time opportunity with flexibility to support work‑life balance.
• Hospital hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.
• Hospital is closed on Sundays.

Cases

VCA Ark provides comprehensive veterinary care, offering opportunities to practice a variety of medicine, including:

• Wellness exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, and preventative care.
• Advanced diagnostics, including ultrasound and digital radiography.
• Surgical and dental procedures supported by dedicated surgical and dental suites.
• Therapeutic services utilizing cold/therapeutic lasers to support patient recovery and quality of life.

Who We Look For

• People obsessed with pets and their care.
• Dedicated experts who want to provide world‑class medicine.
• Collaborative leaders who enjoy teaching, mentoring, and developing others.
• Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive in a dynamic and fulfilling career.
• Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust.

Total Rewards

As a member of the VCA family, eligible full‑time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:

Compensation

• Salary range is 140-160k and is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.
• Medical Director stipend in addition to base salary and is (paid biweekly) is 18k and Medical Director annual bonus (paid annually).
• Sign‑on, relocation, and longevity bonuses available
• This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well‑being

• Innovative Associate health and well‑being resources, including Headspace, financial wellness tools, and access to additional mental health resources.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits.
• Paid parental, vacation, and sick leave.

Professional Development

• Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days.
• WOOF University, offering abundant CE opportunities for Doctors and the care team.
• Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program.

Discover Additional Benefits: Benefits | VCA

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university or equivalent.
• Licensure in good standing to practice in Illinois, or the ability to obtain.
• Commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• Demonstrated interest in medical leadership, mentorship, and supporting the professional development of others.

About VCA

VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people, and our communities by delivering world‑class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.

Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward, and make a lasting impact on our shared future.

VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Associates assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel so classified.

VCA is committed to a diverse work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual or affectional preference, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additionally, if you need assistance or accommodation because of a disability, please don't hesitate to ask. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant or Associate will be penalized as a result of such a request. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com