Lead a thriving small-animal team as Medical Director in San Diego with salary up to $200,000. Guide clinical standards in a modern, well-reviewed hospital supported by experienced staff and robust in-house capabilities.
The Hospital
- Full-service small-animal practice offering wellness care, vaccinations, dentistry, soft-tissue surgery, and comprehensive diagnostics.
- Modern on-site diagnostics including digital radiography, dental imaging, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory testing.
- Dedicated dental and surgical suites, with laser therapy available.
- Highly capable RVTs, veterinary assistants, and client care professionals who support efficient, high-quality medicine.
- Collaborative, mentorship-focused culture committed to continuous improvement and excellent client communication.
- Well-established reputation in the local community, with strong client loyalty and positive reviews.
- Thoughtful scheduling and operational support designed to maintain work-life balance and medical quality.
Location
San Diego blends year-round sunshine with exceptional outdoor access and a dynamic cultural scene, offering a standout lifestyle alongside professional opportunity.
- Year-round mild climate for beaches, surfing, hiking, and outdoor living.
- Balboa Park, the world-renowned zoo, museums, gardens, and performing arts venues.
- Proximity to leading universities such as UC San Diego and San Diego State University for collaboration and continuing education.
- A major innovation hub spanning biotech, software, defense, and cybersecurity.
- Easy travel via San Diego International Airport with numerous nonstop routes.
- Renowned food culture, from fresh seafood and fish tacos to a celebrated craft beer scene.
- Waterfront recreation across Mission Bay, Coronado, and La Jolla, plus trails at Torrey Pines.
- Rich binational influence with nearby Tijuana contributing to arts, cuisine, and culture.
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus available and relocation assistance.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Continuing education allowance with paid CE days.
- Reimbursement for professional licenses, DEA registration, and association dues.
- Professional liability coverage.
- Flexible scheduling and strong work-life balance.
- Leadership stipend for Medical Director responsibilities.
- Mentorship, coaching, and career development programs.
- Transparent metrics and administrative support to help focus on medicine.
The Role
- Serve as the clinical leader, setting and upholding medical quality standards across the hospital.
- Provide hands-on patient care for the majority of the schedule, including wellness, dentistry, surgery, and diagnostics.
- Mentor and develop veterinarians through coaching, case reviews, and feedback to elevate consistency and outcomes.
- Cultivate a positive, team-first culture where patient safety, communication, and client experience are central.
- Lead doctor meetings, align medical protocols, and promote accurate, timely medical records and compliant charging.
- Partner with hospital leadership to optimize scheduling, clinical workflows, inventory, and team utilization.
- Oversee the safe use and maintenance of medical equipment and support regulatory compliance.
- Engage with the local community through education and outreach to strengthen the practice’s impact.
- Collaborate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding veterinary talent.
- Serve as the Responsible Veterinarian for controlled substances and radiation safety programs, as required.
Requirements
- DVM/VMD (or equivalent) and eligibility to practice veterinary medicine.
- Active, unrestricted California veterinary license (or ability to obtain).
- DEA registration and applicable controlled substance permits (or eligibility).
- 3-5 years of clinical experience; prior leadership experience preferred.
- Strong communication, clinical judgment, and time-management skills.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
- Availability for a full-time schedule.
Apply
Ready to lead and make a lasting impact in San Diego? Click apply and one of our team will be in touch shortly.