Veterinary Medical Director: Lead & Mentor in Emergency Care

Thrive Pet Care; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan in Rockville, MD is seeking an experienced Veterinary Medical Director to lead the emergency and specialty medical team. The role blends clinical leadership with hands-on medicine to set high standards for patient care and mentorship of veterinarians and staff.

The ideal candidate has a DVM/VMD with an active license and 5+ years of clinical veterinary experience, plus a proven ability to develop colleagues and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Must hold a DVM/VMD with an active veterinary license.
• 5+ years of clinical veterinary experience.
• Proven passion for mentorship, coaching, and colleague development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence skills.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to inspire and influence others.
• Commitment to high medical standards and compassionate care.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the medical leader and clinical mentor for our veterinary team.
• Champion excellent medicine, patient care, and medical standards.
• Coach, develop, and empower veterinarians and support staff at all stages of their careers.
• Create a culture of learning, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with hospital leadership on strategic decisions, protocols, and growth initiatives.
• Balance a primarily leadership-focused role with hands-on medicine: approximately 75% administrative/leadership responsibilities and 25% clinical practice.
• Lead by example—combining strategic oversight with clinical credibility.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Collaboration

Education

DVM/VMD

Active veterinary license

Job description

Metropolitan in Rockville, MD is seeking an experienced Veterinary Medical Director to lead the emergency and specialty medical team. The role blends clinical leadership with hands-on medicine to set high standards for patient care and mentorship of veterinarians and staff.

The ideal candidate has a DVM/VMD with an active license and 5+ years of clinical veterinary experience, plus a proven ability to develop colleagues and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced hospital setting.