Veterinary Medical Director

Veterinary Medical Director

J Cornelius North Carolina USD200K- USD235K / Year

Lead a high-performing Emergency Service in Cornelius, NC, with salary up to $235,000. This senior role blends hands-on emergency medicine with meaningful medical leadership in a thriving, 24/7 environment.

The Hospital

This advanced, 24/7 emergency and specialty referral hospital is known for collaborative medicine and a supportive, team-first culture. A strong group of emergency veterinarians works alongside on-site board-certified specialists, including surgery, with a dedicated exotics service. A large, skilled technician and assistant team delivers round-the-clock support, enabling doctors to focus on excellent patient care and client communication. Medical leaders here value clinical autonomy, accountability, and continuous improvement, and offer a mentorship program for doctors who enjoy coaching and being coached. The incoming leader will have the opportunity to shape protocols, guide growth, and elevate an already well-regarded service.

Location

Set on the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius offers lakeside living with quick access to big-city amenities. Evenings and weekends can be spent on the water, in expansive parks, or exploring a lively dining and brewery scene, all within a welcoming, family-oriented community about 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte.

• Lake access and large waterfront parks, including popular Jetton Park with trails, picnic areas, courts, and a beach area
• Approximately a 20-30 mile drive to Uptown Charlotte for professional sports, concerts, museums, and major employers
• Strong local demographics with stable neighborhoods and above-average household incomes
• Growing arts and cultural offerings, including a modern community arts center and performance venue
• Lively waterfront restaurants, craft breweries, festivals, and regular community events
• Easy access to regional travel via Charlotte-area airports and highways
• Abundant outdoor recreation on Lake Norman, plus nearby trails and greenways

Benefits

• Up to $100,000 in combined signing, retention, and relocation incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Continuing education allowance and dedicated CE time
• Reimbursement for state license, DEA, and professional dues
• Employee pet care discounts
• Wellbeing resources, including a mindfulness app and a 24/7 employee assistance program
• Employee hardship relief fund
• Leadership stipend and production incentives
• Flexible scheduling within a 24/7 service and generous paid time off

The Role

• Lead the Emergency Service while maintaining a clinical caseload
• Mentor, coach, and develop emergency veterinarians; oversee onboarding and ongoing training
• Set and uphold medical standards, clinical protocols, and quality benchmarks
• Champion case reviews, medical rounds, and continuous quality improvement
• Partner with hospital leadership on scheduling, recruitment, retention, and engagement
• Foster cross-service collaboration with specialty and exotics teams
• Guide complex client communications and coach clinicians through challenging conversations
• Ensure accurate medical records, controlled drug management, and regulatory compliance
• Recommend budgets and priorities for medical equipment and supplies
• Conduct regular doctor meetings and help maintain a positive, accountable culture

Requirements

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
• License to practice in North Carolina (or ability to obtain)
• DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain)
• Minimum three years of emergency medicine experience preferred
• Prior leadership and mentorship experience strongly preferred
• Excellent clinical judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Eligibility to work in the United States