Medical Director DVM, VMD

Pet Services of Washington, P.S.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus 75k (2026)

Medical Director stipend 12k

Annual bonus 10-15k

Relocation assistance

Headspa health & well-being

Job summary

VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago in Chicago, IL is seeking a Medical Director to lead medical direction while continuing to practice veterinary medicine. You will shape clinical standards, guide decisions, and partner with a cardiology team for advanced care.

The role emphasizes staff mentorship, patient-first care, and collaboration with operations and HR to support clinical excellence. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience leading veterinary teams and clinical standards.
• Ability to mentor veterinarians and support staff.
• Strong focus on patient care and hospital quality.

Responsibilities

• Define and uphold medical standards and direction for the hospital.
• Lead clinical decision-making and support in-house cardiology initiatives.
• Mentor staff, develop talent, and ensure high-quality patient care.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Job description

Medical Director

VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago | Chicago, IL | West Loop

Join us as a Medical Director at VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago , located in Chicago's vibrant West Loop neighborhood. You'll quickly discover that you're supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. As Medical Director, you'll have the opportunity to practice medicine while helping shape the medical quality, direction, and future of the hospital, with the support and resources you need to lead effectively.

At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.

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

We are offering a 75k signing bonus for an MD who can join our team in 2026!

Why Lead the Team?

• Lead While Practicing Medicine: Help establish the medical direction, clinical standards, and quality of care at the hospital while continuing to practice veterinary medicine.
• Support to Help You Succeed: Benefit from dedicated support in hospital operations, marketing, Human Resources, payroll, and other administrative functions, allowing you to focus on medicine, team development, and patient care.
• A Collaborative, Talented Team: Work alongside a skilled team of veterinarians, credentialed technicians, veterinary assistants, and client service representatives who value collaboration, learning, and high-quality medicine.
• Comprehensive Care for Companion Animals: We primarily treat dogs and cats, with additional care for small mammals and other exotic species led by a doctor with expertise in these areas.
• Advanced Medical Services: Through our partnership with an outside board-certified cardiologist, we offer in-house cardiology services, including echocardiograms and evaluations. Our hospital practices hands-free radiology and anticipates offering full abdominal ultrasonography.
• A Commitment to Patient Comfort: We incorporate Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques into our daily practice, with the goal of becoming fully Fear Free certified.
• Client-Centered Care: We prioritize client education, transparent treatment recommendations, and strong relationships built on trust.
• A Prime Chicago Location: Located near Washington Boulevard and Elizabeth Street in the West Loop, our hospital is surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, nightlife, and parks. Two CTA subway stations and numerous bus routes are within a 10-minute walk.

Schedule

• Typically a four-day workweek, Monday through Saturday.
• Two 8-hour shifts, generally 8 AM-4 PM, and two 12-hour shifts, generally 8 AM-8 PM.
• One dedicated surgery day per week, typically an 8-hour day.
• Saturdays generally rotate among doctors, with each doctor working approximately one to two Saturdays per month.
• No on-call hours.
• The schedule and clinical responsibilities can be discussed with the hospital team to ensure alignment with the needs of the Medical Director role.

Cases

VCA Animal Care Center of Chicago is a general practice hospital focused on wellness, preventive care, diagnostics, and comprehensive medical services for dogs and cats. Our caseload also includes small mammals and other exotic species, supported by a doctor with expertise in these patients. Through our partnership with a board-certified cardiologist, we provide advanced cardiac evaluations and echocardiograms. As Medical Director, you'll have the opportunity to guide medical standards, support clinical decision-making, encourage continued learning, and help the team deliver thoughtful, high-quality care across a diverse caseload.

Who We Look For

• People obsessed with pets and their care.
• Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine and uphold high clinical standards.
• Collaborative leaders who enjoy mentoring colleagues, developing talent, and working as part of a team.
• Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive in a dynamic, fulfilling career.
• Empathetic partners who build strong relationships with clients and Associates through trust, communication, and respect.
• Leaders who value accountability, encourage collaboration, and help create a positive environment where the entire team can succeed.

Total Rewards

• Compensation
• Salary negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.
• Generous signing bonus of 75k for those who can join our team in 2026!
• Salary range for Medical Director is 140-160k
• Medical Director stipend (12k), paid biweekly, and eligibility for a Medical Director annual bonus (an additional 10-15k annually)
• Sign-on, relocation, and longevity bonuses may be available.
• This position may also be eligible for additional variable pay programs.
• Health & Well-being
• Innovative Associate health and well-being resources, including Headspa