Veterinary Medical Director – Specialty & Emergency Leader

American Veterinary Medical Association; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary $180,000–$275,000

MD stipend

Production model 25%

Sign-on bonus $50,000

Medical, dental, vision, life

401(k) with company match

CE allowance with paid CE time

Parental leave and generous PTO

Professional autonomy with operational

Growth of specialty and emergency care

Job summary

Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Hickory, NC seeks a Medical Director to provide clinical leadership across its growing specialty and emergency services. The role combines hands-on clinical work with dedicated administrative time, shaping medical standards and mentoring a high‑performing team.

The ideal candidate is board-certified or residency-trained with strong leadership, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to evidence‑based medicine, with active licensure in North

Qualifications

• Board-certified specialist or residency-trained with emergency/specialty experience.
• Active NC license or eligibility to obtain licensure.
• Leadership and mentorship cultivated in a fast-paced hospital.
• Commitment to evidence-based medicine and client communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership and oversight across emergency and specialty services.
• Establish and uphold medical standards, protocols, and best practices.
• Mentor veterinarians, interns, and support staff.
• Partner with hospital administration on strategic planning and growth.
• Maintain an active clinical caseload aligned with expertise.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performing hospital culture.

Skills

Board-certified specialist

Residency trained

Leadership experience

Mentorship

Evidence-based medicine

Client communication

Team development

Education

DVM or equivalent veterinary degree

North Carolina veterinary license (or eligibility)

Job description

Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Hickory, NC seeks a Medical Director to provide clinical leadership across its growing specialty and emergency services. The role combines hands-on clinical work with dedicated administrative time, shaping medical standards and mentoring a high‑performing team.

The ideal candidate is board-certified or residency-trained with strong leadership, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to evidence‑based medicine, with active licensure in North