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
The Medical Director (MD) is responsible for providing strong leadership for the hospital, managing and mentoring associate veterinarians, and assuring regulatory compliance relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. The MD is also responsible for maintaining an environment of teamwork in which the highest quality veterinary medicine is delivered. In partnership with the hospital leadership team, the MD holds shared responsibility for the financial health of the hospital, directing staff and the overall management of practice operations. 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. They are part of the foundation upon which successful veterinary practices are built and directly impact and influence hospital culture and morale.
Hospital Overview
American Pet Clinic has been providing families and their beloved pets with compassionate veterinary care since 2012. As a full‑service veterinary clinic , we offer a wide range of comprehensive veterinary services to keep your pets in great health, from wellness exams and vaccinations to dental care, internal medicine and geriatric care. We also offer pain management and hospice & end of life care.
Ceres, CA is an affordable, family‑friendly Central Valley city with 11 parks, including the 76‑acre River Bluff Regional Park, and a busy rec center offering programs for all ages. Its small‑town charm shines through farmers’ markets, festivals, and community events, while good schools, nearby amenities, and growing transit access make it a practical place to call home.
Compensation and Benefits Overview
- Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000
- Up to $100,000 Sign‑On Bonus for a 3‑year commitment
- Medical Director stipend
- No negative accrual and no non‑compete!
- Paid time off and holidays
- Generous sign‑on bonus
- Relocation assistance
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining a high quality of progressive veterinary care
- Oversees and gives directives regarding medical standards and quality of care
- Sets policies as they pertain to the practice of medicine
- Works toward making various services work as one team
- In conjunction with appropriate leadership team members, recommends additions to the hospital inventory
- Budgets for new equipment and provides a reasonable cost estimate and return on investment
- Sees patients and handles clinical practice
- Ensures positive communication with clients and between doctors, including the proper transfer of patient care responsibilities
- Reviews patient records for completeness and accuracy and uses them to promote medical excellence
- Appropriately manages controlled drugs
- Reviews and approves requests for alternatives to additional drugs and medical supplies
- Conducts regular doctor meetings
- Performs other duties as assigned by Manager
- Handles patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues
- Manages veterinary, client, and board complaints and recommends resolutions
- Develops medical policies
- Assists in ensuring practice compliance with the State Veterinary Medical Practice Act, OSHA, and AAHA standards
- Monitors DVM performance and production, provides coaching when appropriate
- Serves as a mentor and role model for all staff veterinarians
- Leads candidate interviews of potential DVMs
- Identifies new service opportunities that do not currently exist in the hospital
- Holds ownership for the revenue and success of the practice through monitoring key performance indicators and works with the Hospital Manager to make adjustments to achieve positive results
- Helps identify and plan for upcoming challenges in maintaining hospital operations and possible temporary solutions (locum)
Qualifications (Required)
- Veterinarian degree (DVM) 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
- 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
$160,000 — $180,000 USD
Why Consider Our Ceres Hospital?
At American Pet Clinic, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.
Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.
We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.
We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with American Pet Clinic, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.
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