‹ Back to search results

Veterinary Medical Director

J861011 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

Apply
If leading a respected Emergency Service while practicing outstanding medicine in a lakeside community sounds like the right next step, click apply and one of our team will be in touch shortly.

Benefits

Competitive Salary, Paid Vacations, Relocation assistance