Medical Director - Veterinarian

Lookout Valley Veterinary Clinic; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 2% match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

CE allowance $3,500 plus CE PTO for MD

DEA/licensure fees coverage

AVMA membership coverage

Professional liability insurance

Wellness resources and EAP

Employee pet care discounts

Specialized training programs (e.g., M

No state income tax

Job summary

Lookout Valley Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee, seeks a Medical Director to lead our small-animal team. The role balances hands-on clinical care with mentorship, medical leadership, and team development while building strong client relationships.

You’ll champion evidence-based medicine, set clinical standards, support staff, and drive service growth. The position offers a base salary of $120,000–$130,000 plus production, a leadership stipend, and generous benefits in a

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from AVMA-accredited school.
• Licensed (or eligible) to practice in Tennessee.
• Minimum 5 years of small-animal clinical experience.
• Proficient in soft tissue surgery and dental care.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead medical excellence and ensure evidence-based standards across the practice.
• Mentor associate veterinarians and support clinical growth.
• Develop and refine medical protocols and treatment guidelines.
• Foster collaboration with technicians, assistants, and support staff.
• Partner with leadership to identify opportunities to improve services and client care.
• Maintain clinical involvement in small-animal medicine while leading.
• Promote a positive culture built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and compassion.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Decision making

Soft tissue surgery

Dental care

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD

Licensed in Tennessee or eligible

Tools

Digital radiography

Ultrasound

In-house laboratory

Job description

Medical Director - Veterinarian

Lead with purpose. Practice with passion. Make a difference.

Are you an experienced veterinarian ready to take the next step in your career? Lookout Valley Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is seeking a passionate and collaborative Medical Director to lead our team, champion high-quality veterinary care, and help shape the future of our practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys balancing hands‑on clinical medicine with mentorship, medical leadership, and team development practice while building strong client relationships in a beautiful, outdoors‑focused city.

What Makes Our Hospital Special:

Lookout Valley Veterinary Clinic is an established, community‑focused small‑animal general practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our team is passionate about delivering high‑quality veterinary medicine through compassionate patient care, strong client relationships, and a collaborative approach to practicing medicine.

• Multi‑doctor practice with a collaborative medical team
• Experienced, tenured support staff and a veterinary technician‑to‑DVM ratio of 1.5:1
• Comprehensive veterinary services, including preventive care, wellness, diagnostics, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and orthopedic procedures
• Modern diagnostic capabilities, including digital radiography, ultrasound, and an in‑house laboratory
• Diverse surgical caseload, including soft tissue, orthopedic, dental, and elective procedures

What You'll Do

As Medical Director, you will play an important role in guiding the medical direction of the practice while continuing to do what you love: caring for patients and building lasting relationships with clients.

You'll partner with the practice leadership team to support medical quality, develop team capabilities, and foster a positive, collaborative environment where veterinary professionals can thrive.

• Lead Medical Excellence:Champion high‑quality, evidence‑based veterinary medicine and support consistent medical standards across the practice.
• Mentor and Develop:Coach associate veterinarians and collaborate with the veterinary team to encourage clinical growth, confidence, and continued learning.
• Shape Clinical Standards:Help establish and refine medical protocols, treatment guidelines, and best practices that support excellent patient care.
• Support Team Collaboration: Build strong working relationships with veterinary technicians, assistants, client service professionals, and practice leadership.
• Drive Practice Growth:Partner with hospital leadership to identify opportunities to enhance services, improve workflows, and strengthen the client and patient experience.
• Maintain Clinical Involvement:Continue practicing small‑animal medicine while balancing medical leadership responsibilities.
• Promote a Positive Culture: Foster an environment built on respect, communication, accountability, teamwork, and compassion.

Whether you’re an experienced medical leader or an established associate veterinarian ready to grow into a leadership role, we'd love to connect with you.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a veterinarian who combines strong clinical judgment with a genuine interest in helping people and teams succeed.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary school
• Licensed (or eligible for licensure) to practice veterinary medicine in Tennessee
• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing small‑animal general medicine and surgery
• Proficiency in general soft tissue surgery and dental care
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision‑making skills
• A commitment to high medical standards, client education, and compassionate patient care
• An interest in mentoring veterinarians and supporting the professional development of the broader medical team
• Previous Medical Director, Chief of Staff, Lead Veterinarian, or Associate Veterinarian leadership experience is preferred. Veterinarians ready to take the next step into medical leadership are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our veterinarians and providing the resources, support, and opportunities needed to build a rewarding career.

Compensation:

• Base salary of $120,000–$130,000, plus production (negotiable based on experience) - No negative accrual!
• Annual Medical Director performance bonus and leadership stipend
• Sign‑on bonus
• Relocation assistance

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan with 2% company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off that increases with tenure
• Paid parental leave
• Annual CE allowance of $3,500 and three additional days of CE‑specific PTO for Medical Directors
• 100% coverage of DEA registration, state licensure fees, AVMA membership, and professional liability insurance
• Wellness resources, mental health tools, and Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee pet care discounts
• Access to specialized veterinary training courses, including a Veterinary Medical Director Cohort Training Program
• No state income tax

Why You'll Love Living and Working in Chattanooga

Chattanooga offers a rare blend of natural beauty and vibrant city living. Nestled between mountains and the Tennessee River, the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring. Whether you love hiking, grabbing coffee at local spots, or exploring new restaurants, there’s always something to do. The city has an easygoing vibe, a strong sense of community, and the bonus of no state income tax, so your money goes further. It’s a beautiful, fun place to build your career and enjoy life outside of work.

Ready to Lead the Future of Veterinary Medicine?

If you’re an experienced veterinarian who is passionate about clinical excellence, team development, and advancing veterinary medicine, we’d love to hear from you.

Lookout Valley Veterinary Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non‑merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.