Veterinary Medical Director – Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Production-based pay

Insurance (medical/dental/vision/life)

401(k) with company match

CE allowance & paid CE time

Parental leave & PTO

Job summary

Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Hickory, NC is seeking a Veterinarian - Medical Director to lead medical care across our specialty and emergency services. This hands-on leadership role includes protected administrative time and setting medical standards while continuing clinical practice.

Board-certified specialists are preferred, with exceptional emergency clinicians also considered. Applicants should have leadership experience, evidence-based medicine focus, and a passion

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree required and NC license active or eligible.
• Board-certified specialist preferred; experienced leaders considered.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client communication

Clinical governance

Education

DVM or equivalent degree

NC veterinary license

Board-certified specialist preferred

Job description

Compensation: $180,000 - $275,000 / year

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Department: Veterinarians

Medical Director

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 veterinarian 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, 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. Board certified specialist preferred; exceptional emergency clinicians with extensive specialty and emergency leadership experience will also be considered.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree
• Board certified specialist preferred; exceptional emergency clinicians with extensive specialty and emergency leadership experience will also be considered
• 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
• $50,000 Sign-on bonus
• 25% production model, no negative accrual
• 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

Why Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency 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

Ready to Lead?

If you are a seasoned veterinarian 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.