Specialty Medical Director (Internist or ER DVM) - Hope Advanced Veterinary Center

Petvet-Care-Centers; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus up to $75,000

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Calm app + 24/7 EAP

CE stipends and career development

Grant Circle relief fund

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers seeks an experienced Medical Director (Internist or ER DVM) to lead Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, VA. You will guide medical standards, mentor staff, and work with a team of veterinarians and specialists to deliver outstanding care.

This 24-hour specialty/emergency practice offers internal medicine, ophthalmology, oncology, surgery, rehabilitation, and cardiology with radiologist support. A generous compensation package accompanies this leadership role.

Qualifications

• Veterinarian degree from an accredited college or university.
• 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER.
• Completed a 3-year AVMA-approved residency program.
• Current State Veterinary License and DEA registration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high quality progressive veterinary care with clear medical standards.
• Oversee clinical practice and set medicine policies for the hospital.
• Collaborate with leadership to manage inventory and budgeting for equipment.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and positive client communication.
• Lead regular doctor meetings and participate in rounds as available.
• Perform duties assigned by Hospital Manager or Leadership.

Skills

Strong diagnostic skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Clinical excellence

Client communication

Education

DVM or VMD

1-year internship in small animal medicine/surgery/ER

3-year AVMA-approved residency

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Medical Director (Internist or ER DVM ) to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, Virginia is a 24 hour specialty and emergency practice. Our highly trained licensed technical staff support a great group of ER veterinarians and specialists. Specialty services at Hope Advanced Veterinary Center include Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Surgery, Rehabilitation and Cardiology with access to Radiologist support.

Why Join Us

• Our ER and Specialty doctors work well together to provide complete patient care.
• Our internal medicine service is well equipped with a 16 slice CT, ultrasound and endoscopy with access to fluoroscopy.
• We also help to train and support an internal medicine intern yearly as well as two general rotating interns.
• This position comes with additional compensation through an Annual Medical Director stipend.

We are currently offering earning potential exceeding $300,000 with flexible scheduling (3 or 4 days a week available).

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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

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
  • In conjunction with appropriate leadership team members, recommends additions to the hospital inventory
  • Budgets for new equipment and provides a reasonable cost estimate and return on investment
  • Sees patients and handles clinical practice
  • Ensures positive communication with clients and between doctors, including the 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 alternatives to additional drugs and medical supplies
  • Conducts regular doctor meetings
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Manager
• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice).
• Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• Strong diagnostic and clinical 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, 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)

• Board Certification
• 2-5 years of experience post-residency
• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

Pay Range

$200,000 – $300,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

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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