About this opportunity
PetVet Care Centers lists this Medical Director - Echo Park Veterinary Hospital opportunity in palmdale, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Because life is better with pets.
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.
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 to join our team at Echo Park Animal Hospital. This is the perfect role for you, if you enjoy leading a dynamic team of medical professionals, elevating the standards of Veterinary Medicine, and excel in communication. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients, veterinarians & medical team. You will work fortunate to work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Director.
Becoming a Veterinary Medical Director of a small animal general practice in Los Angeles, California, offers the opportunity to combine clinical medicine with leadership while making a meaningful impact on patients, clients, and the veterinary team. Here are some compelling reasons:
1. Shape the Quality of Medicine
As Medical Director, you set the standard of care for the hospital by:
Implementing evidence-based medical protocols.
Mentoring veterinarians and support staff.
Promoting continuous education and professional growth.
Ensuring high-quality patient outcomes.
2. Lead and Mentor a Team
Coach new graduates and experienced veterinarians.
Foster a collaborative, positive workplace culture.
Help reduce burnout through effective scheduling and support.
Build a team that enjoys coming to work every day.
3. Make a Difference in the Community
Improve access to quality veterinary care.
Develop preventive health programs.
Build lasting relationships with clients and rescue organizations.
Participate in community outreach and education.
4. Influence Hospital Growth
Expand services such as dentistry, surgery, ultrasound, and preventive medicine.
Invest in new medical equipment and technology.
Improve operational efficiency.
Recruit and retain talented veterinary professionals.
5. Continue Practicing Medicine
Performing surgeries.
Diagnosing complex medical cases.
Managing challenging cases alongside colleagues.
Remaining connected to the profession they love.
6. Greater Professional Satisfaction
Influence the future direction of the practice.
Solve problems beyond individual patient care.
Celebrate the success of the entire team.
Leave a lasting legacy within the hospital.
7. Competitive Compensation
Higher base salaries than associate veterinarian positions.
Leadership stipends.
Production bonuses.
Sign-on, relocation, and retention bonuses.
Comprehensive benefits, continuing education allowances, and leadership development opportunities.
8. Work in a Dynamic Veterinary Market
A diverse caseload.
Clients seeking advanced medical care.
Access to veterinary specialists and referral hospitals.
Opportunities to collaborate with rescue organizations, shelters, and specialty practices.
9. Drive Positive Culture
Team members feel respected and supported.
Communication is open and constructive.
Work-life balance is prioritized.
Employees stay with the practice longer, improving continuity of care.
10. Leave a Lasting Legacy
Medical Directors have the opportunity to build a hospital known for
Exceptional patient care.
Outstanding client service.
Professional development.
Ethical leadership.
A reputation as one of the premier veterinary practices in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles offers a unique combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle:
One of the largest pet-owning populations in the country.
High demand for experienced veterinary leaders.
Opportunities to work with a culturally diverse client base.
Access to advanced referral centers and continuing education.
Echo Park Veterinary Hospital
For veterinarians who enjoy both practicing medicine and leading others, serving as a Medical Director in a Los Angeles small animal practice can be a rewarding career path that combines clinical excellence, mentorship, strategic leadership, and the ability to make a lasting impact on both the veterinary profession and the local community.
Why Join Us:
Our team of professionals is not only dedicated to their work but also helpful and hardworking, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care.
We strongly believe in maintaining a supportive culture within our workplace, which helps us work more efficiently and promotes a healthy work-life balance for our staff.
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
Salary $200,000-$250,000 (Negotiable)
Quarterly Production Plan-No Deficit Carryover
Annual Medical Director Stipend for (MD Role)
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
Responsibilities:
Client communication and education
Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
Maintaining accurate medical records
Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
Performs other duties as assigned by Management.
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+ 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)
Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.
Pay Range
$200,000-$250,000 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 400 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.
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
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
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Worksite address
palmdale, CA, 93552, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.