Veterinary Medical Director

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital; Asheville (NC); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Sign-on or relocation assistance

Job summary

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (SAVES) in Asheville, NC is seeking a Veterinary Medical Director to lead a high-volume, multi-specialty and emergency hospital.

You will oversee medical standards, drive clinical excellence, mentor clinicians, and partner with the Hospital Director on operations, recruitment, retention, and strategic growth, including a renovation and expansion plan.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent with state licensure eligibility.
• 5+ years in a multi-specialty or emergency hospital environment.
• At least 2 years in veterinary leadership roles.
• Proven ability to lead teams through change and complex challenges.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic medical leadership for a high-volume, multi-specialty and emergency hospital.
• Oversee medical standards, protocols, quality initiatives, and clinical best practices.
• Partner with Hospital Director on operations, recruitment, retention, and long-term planning.
• Collaborate with ER and specialty doctors to guide clinical care.
• Support mentorship, coaching, and professional development of staff.
• Drive initiatives to strengthen cross-specialty communication and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Mentorship

Communication

Collaboration

Education

DVM or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Medical Director

Full-Time opportunity in Asheville, NC

Why Join South Asheville Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital Saves- Asheville, NC

Are you looking to plant roots in the stunning mountains of Western NC? South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES)-formerly known as Upstate Veterinary Specialty Pet Hospital - Asheville-is on an exciting growth journey, and we're looking for a passionate leader to join our exceptional team!

We're under new management, prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and top-tier patient care. Our human trained sonographer is on board to enhance diagnostic capabilities, giving you the support you need to excel in your specialty. Our brand-new, 34,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide the best care possible.

With cutting-edge tools, you'll have everything you need to practice at the highest level, including:

• 1.5 T GE MRI & 64 slice GE CT scanner
• Interventional radiology suite with fluoroscopy
• Designated neurosurgery suite
• Onsite blood bank
• Dedicated neurology coordinator

As part of Ethos, your voice, growth, and expertise truly matter.

Location Highlight

When you're not making a difference in pets' lives, you'll be living in one of the most desirable cities in the country. Asheville offers easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, breathtaking hiking trails, a thriving culinary scene, featuring 12 James Beard-nominated restaurants and a vibrant, dog-friendly brewery and bar culture-perfect for unwinding after work.

Perks & Benefits

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance

• Competitive compensation
• Sign-on or relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Employee assistance programs

In your day-to-day, you will:

• Provide strategic medical leadership for a high-volume, multi-specialty and emergency hospital
• Oversee medical standards, protocols, quality initiatives, and clinical best practices
• Partner closely with the Hospital Director on hospital operations, recruitment, retention, and long-term planning
• Work alongside the Assistant Medical Director to guide and support ER and specialty doctors
• Help establish and develop new house officer and ER Immerse mentorship programs
• Foster a collaborative, accountable culture where clinicians and support teams can thrive
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, patient care, and the overall clinician experience
• Support physician development through mentorship, coaching, and professional development
• Help drive initiatives that strengthen communication and collaboration across specialties, emergency medicine, and hospital leadership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with referring veterinarians and the local veterinary community
• Represent SAVES and Ethos as a leader within the broader veterinary community
• Partner with Ethos regional leadership on strategic initiatives and hospital growth
• Help guide the hospital through its upcoming renovation and expansion, including increased CCU and ER capacity
• Maintain a clinical caseload one day per week, allowing you to remain connected to patients, clients, and the medical team
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture built on collaboration, compassion, innovation, and clinical excellence

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure
• At least 5 years of clinical experience in a multi-specialty or emergency/specialty hospital environment
• At least 2 years of veterinary leadership experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and navigate complex organizational challenges
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• A passion for mentorship, professional development, and medical excellence
• Confidence making difficult decisions while maintaining a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive, accountable, and supportive hospital culture
• An interest in advancing veterinary medicine and developing the next generation of veterinary professionals

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world‑class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.