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Veterinary Medical Director

J889239 Santa Clarita California USD149K - USD226K / Year

Lead clinical teams and shape standards of care as an Area Chief of Staff Veterinarian in Santa Clarita, CA, with compensation up to $226,000. Step into a high-impact leadership role that blends hands-on medicine with doctor development, quality oversight, and client-centered service.

The Hospital
This established, fast-paced small-animal practice offers a supportive, collaborative environment where veterinarians are backed by experienced technicians, assistants, and on-site leadership. The hospital provides comprehensive general practice services, including preventive care, routine surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine. Clinicians benefit from on-site digital radiology, dental imaging, and in-house laboratory testing for efficient case workups, along with an in-house and online pharmacy for streamlined treatment plans. Client-friendly options such as drop-off appointments, microchipping, and access to professional interpretation services (including ASL via phone/video) help the team serve a diverse community. Operations follow structured workflows with predictable daytime schedules and weekend coverage shared across the team, promoting both consistency and work-life balance. Ongoing training and continuing education resources support career growth.

Location
Set in Santa Clarita, CA, this role offers suburban comfort with easy access to Los Angeles and a wealth of local amenities. The city is known for family-friendly neighborhoods, strong schools and workforce training, and a vibrant mix of outdoor recreation and arts.
- About 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, with multiple Metrolink stations offering rail service to LA.
- Family-oriented community with well-maintained parks, trails, and city services.
- Major local employers in healthcare, higher education, entertainment, and manufacturing support a diversified economy.
- Renowned filming hub with active production facilities and movie ranches.
- Outdoor highlights include canyon parks, extensive trail systems, and nearby Castaic Lake for boating and fishing.
- Old Town Newhall features galleries, theaters, monthly block parties, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
- Frequently noted for safety relative to many large California cities.

Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Continuing education allowance and dedicated CE days
- Professional liability coverage
- Reimbursement for state licensing and DEA registration
- Employee assistance program and wellness resources
- Uniform/scrub allowance
- Pet care discounts
- Predictable daytime scheduling with shared weekend coverage
- Opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and career advancement

The Role
- Provide medical leadership across assigned local sites while serving as a working clinician
- Mentor, coach, and develop associate veterinarians; oversee effective onboarding and skills development
- Uphold medical quality standards through case reviews, medical record audits, and patient safety oversight
- Partner closely with practice leadership to strengthen culture, workflow, and client service
- Support recruitment and retention efforts; serve as a positive ambassador to the local veterinary community
- Guide clinical teams to deliver consistent, high-quality, client-centered care with efficient use of on-site diagnostics
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including controlled substance management and radiation safety
- Collaborate on operational goals, clinical protocols, and equipment needs to meet hospital performance targets
- Maintain a partial clinical caseload, balancing leadership responsibilities with direct patient care

Requirements
- DVM or VMD degree from an accredited institution
- Current California veterinary license (or ability to obtain prior to start)
- DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain)
- Eligibility to work in the United States
- Proven general practice experience, including routine surgery and dentistry
- Demonstrated leadership ability with a record of coaching and developing veterinarians
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shared weekend coverage

Apply
Interested in elevating your leadership impact in a well-supported, client-focused setting in Santa Clarita? Click apply, and one of our team will be in touch shortly.

Benefits

Competitive Salary, Paid Vacations, Medical insurance