Veterinary Emergency Medical Director

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Town of Manlius (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

South Atlanta Veterinary Emergency & Specialty is seeking a Veterinarian Medical Director to lead our medical team, shape the next generation of veterinary professionals, and advance high-quality emergency and specialty care.

The role is designed as approximately 75% leadership/administration and 25% clinical practice, offering meaningful impact beyond individual cases while maintaining credibility with the clinical staff.

Qualifications

• DVM/VMD with an active veterinary license.
• 5+ years of clinical veterinary experience, with Emergency and Specialty exposure.
• Proven leadership, mentorship, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the medical team and advocate for patient care.
• Partner with hospital leadership to support financial and clinical goals.
• Uphold evidence-based medicine and high standards of care.
• Mentor veterinarians and support staff across careers.
• Develop protocols and improve workflows for patient care.
• Balance leadership duties with hands-on clinical practice.
• Promote open communication and collaborative culture.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and continuing education.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Team building

Education

DVM/VMD with active license

DEA license (or eligible)

Job description

Description

Veterinarian Medical Director

Lead. Inspire. Build the future of veterinary medicine.

We’re looking for an experienced, people-first Veterinarian Medical Directorto lead our medical team and help shape the next generation of veterinary professionals. This role is ideal for a seasoned veterinarian who loves practicing high-quality medicine and brings a deep appreciation and understanding of Emergency and Specialty practice settings, while finding real fulfillment in mentoring colleagues, building strong teams, and partnering with operations to shape a THRIVing sustainable hospital.

This position is designed as approximately 75% leadership/administrative responsibilities and 25% clinical practice, allowing you to make a meaningful impact far beyond individual cases.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the medical leader, mentor, and advocate for our veterinary team
• Partner with Hospital Leadership to support financial stability and success.
• Champion excellent medicine, patient care, and evidence-based medical standards
• Coach, develop, and empower veterinarians and support staff at all stages of their careers
• Foster a culture of learning, trust, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Partner closely with hospital leadership to set vision, strategy, and hospital priorities.
• Collaborate on protocols, workflows, and initiatives that improve patient care and team efficiency
• Address performance and professional development needs with fairness, clarity, and compassion
• Promote strong communication and collaboration between clinicians, technicians, support staff, and leadership
• Balance a leadership-focused role with hands-on clinical practice to maintain credibility and connection
• Lead by example—combining strategic oversight with clinical credibility
• Work a predictable 40-hour work week that supports thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and sustainable work-life balance

We are searching for a Medical Director who:

Leads in Partnership

• Views leadership as a shared responsibility with hospital operations
• Is solution-focused, collaborative, and open to healthy dialogue
• Communications transparently and builds trust across all levels
• Understands that unity at leadership level drives hospital success

Champions Clinical Excellence

• Holds the medical team to high standards of care and professionalism
• Supports evidence-based medicine and best practices
• Encourages continuous education and growth
• Balances exceptional care with practical, sustainable workflows

Develops People and Culture

• Is passionate about mentoring and coaching
• Creates an environment where team members feel supported and valued
• Models emotional intelligence, professionalism, and empathy
• Helps build a workplace where people want to stay and grow

Understands the Bigger Picture

• Appreciates the operational realities of a growing hospital
• Partners on staffing, scheduling, and efficiency initiatives
• Supports strategic growth and specialty development
• Helps attract and retain top veterinary talent

What We’re Looking For

• DVM/VMD (or equivalent)with an active veterinary license
• 5+ years of clinical veterinary experience with demonstrated awareness of Emergency and Specialty practice environments
• Proven passion for mentorship, coaching, and colleague development
• Strong leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and influence others
• Commitment to high medical standards and compassionate, ethical care.
• Interest in helping build long-term hospital strategy and culture.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• The opportunity to shape medical culture and develop future leaders
• A true partnership between medical and operational leadership
• A supportive environment that values teamwork, innovation, and growth
• The ability to make meaningful impact that extends beyond individual patients
• Competitive compensation and benefits tailored to experience
• A leadership position where your voice, experience, and vision truly matter

Our Commitment

We believe great hospitals are built through trust, teamwork, accountability, and genuine care for both people and patients. We are looking for a Medical Director who shares that belief and is excited to help create a workplace where teams THRIVE and exceptional medicine flourishes.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career—where leadership, mentorship, and medicine come together we’d love to meet you.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality medical and surgical care to patients

• Establish, review, and uphold medical standards, protocols, and best practices

• Oversee case management, medical decision-making, and quality of care

• Support and mentor associate veterinarians and clinical teams

• Partner with hospital management to align medical standards with operational goals

• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive hospital culture

• Address medical concerns, client complaints, and complex cases as needed

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of veterinary staff

• Promote continuing education and clinical growth for veterinarians and support staff

• Stay current on advances in veterinary medicine and regulatory requirements

• Maintain accurate and timely medical records

• Ensure compliance with hospital protocols, safety standards, and ethical guidelines

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)or equivalentdegree from an accredited institution

• Licensed (or eligible for licensure) to practice veterinary medicine in the applicable state

• Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligible

• Proven clinical experience in veterinary medicine

• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and decision-making skills

• Excellent decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills

Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or restrain animals as needed

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and reach with hands and arms

• Ability to perform repetitive movements with wrist, hands, and/or fingers

• Close visual acuity