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Ranchovillagevet

Medical Director & Associate Veterinarian

Ranchovillagevet, La Mesa, California, United States, 91942

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Medical Director & Associate Veterinarian At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

Local autonomy with national support

Career mobility and development opportunities

A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Medical Director & Associate Veterinarian to join our team at Rancho Village Veterinary Hospital in La Mesa, CA (Just 9 miles east of Downtown San Diego). The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high‑quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

The Medical Director (MD) is responsible for providing strong leadership for the hospital, managing and mentoring associate veterinarians, and ensuring regulatory compliance relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. The MD also serves as a staff veterinarian in addition to the administrative and leadership duties of the MD role. Effective MDs demonstrate strong work and professional ethics, a positive attitude, and uphold a high standard of patient care.

About the Hospital

Seeking an experienced Veterinarian comfortable with performing surgeries and some shelter medicine.

Ideal candidate should have solid clinical experience and be ready to contribute to a dynamic, modern practice.

Full‑service animal hospital using the latest technological advances and state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

Provides a lifetime health care plan for clients and their special companions.

Facilities include:

Complete surgical and dental suites

In‑house laboratories

Digital radiology (including dental imaging)

Ultrasound capabilities

Our Compensation Package Includes

Competitive Salary $175K‑$200K

Quarterly Production No Deficit Carryover Plan

Medical Director Stipend Available $10,000K

Generous relocation assistance

Medical Director opportunity available with annual stipend ($10,000) paid in monthly installments

Attractive signing/retention bonus available, up to $50,000.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain a high quality of progressive veterinary care

Oversee and give directives regarding medical standards and quality of care

Set policies as they pertain to the practice of medicine

Work toward making various services work as one team

In conjunction with appropriate leadership team members, recommend additions to the hospital inventory

Budget for new equipment and provide a reasonable cost estimate and return on investment

See patients and handle clinical practice

Ensure positive communication with clients and between doctors, including the proper transfer of patient care responsibilities

Review patient records for completeness and accuracy and use them to promote medical excellence

Appropriately manage controlled drugs

Review and approve requests for alternatives to additional drugs and medical supplies

Conduct regular doctor meetings

Perform other duties as assigned by Manager

Handle patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues

Manage veterinary, client, and board complaints and recommend resolutions

Develop medical policies

Assist in ensuring practice compliance with the State Veterinary Medical Practice Act, OSHA, and AAHA standards

Monitor DVM performance and production, provide coaching when appropriate

Serve as a mentor and role model for all staff veterinarians

Lead candidate interviews of potential DVMs

Identify new service opportunities that do not currently exist in the hospital

Hold ownership for the revenue and success of the practice through monitoring key performance indicators and work with the Hospital Manager to make adjustments to achieve positive results

Help identify and plan for upcoming challenges in maintaining hospital operations and possible temporary solutions (locum)

Qualifications (Required)

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university

Current State Veterinary License

DEA registration must be obtained and maintained

3–5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care

Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff

Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners

Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain

May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling

Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work

Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal

Excellent time‑management and delegation abilities

Exercises sound judgment and demonstrates exemplary decision‑making skills

Professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with others

Well‑developed interpersonal skills

What We Offer

Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster)

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP

CE stipends and career development resources

Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship

Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range: $175,000 — $200,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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