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Veterinary Chief of Emergency Medicine (DACVECC)

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States


Job Description
Chief of ER Services (Specialty ER Medical Leader)

VetMED Emergency & Specialty | Phoenix, AZ

VetMED is seeking a Chief of Emergency Services to help lead, grow, and elevate our emergency service. This is an opportunity for an experienced Criticalist who is ready to step into a leadership role while continuing to practice high-quality, advanced medicine. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about improving patient outcomes, developing doctors, and building a strong, collaborative team culture.

About the Role
As Chief ER Doctor, you will serve as a key clinical leader within the hospital, partnering closely with the Medical Director and Director of Hospital Operations to oversee ER medical services while supporting and developing the ER DVM team. This role blends clinical practice and leadership, with the majority of time spent on the floor and dedicated administrative time to support team and hospital initiatives.

Why This Role
This is more than just a leadership title – it is a chance to shape the ER team, influence hospital culture, and drive medical excellence in a high‑impact, high‑growth environment.

What You’ll Do
Lead & Develop the ER Doctor Team

Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to ER veterinarians

Conduct formal and informal performance feedback, including evaluations and development plans

Lead quarterly review of staff DVM financial performance in collaboration with the director team

Provide opinions and collaborate with hospital managers, directors, and the Medical Director on DVM scheduling, determining the number of DVMs required per shift, and managing relief labor

Foster a positive, accountable, and team‑oriented culture

Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of new doctors

Drive Medical Excellence

Partner with the Medical Director and specialists to ensure high‑quality, evidence‑based medicine

Maintain consistency in protocols, standards of care, and clinical decision‑making

Participate in peer review through chart audits, case reviews, and adverse event tracking

Ensure the highest standards of emergency and critical care are consistently delivered

Collaborate Across Hospital Leadership

Work closely with the DHO, Medical Director, Charge Nurse, and leadership team to improve workflows and hospital efficiency

Align communication and expectations across teams

Identify opportunities for growth and improvement

Lead regular leadership, DVM, and staff meetings

Participate in recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training of doctors along with the HR Generalist, Hospital Director, Medical Director, and other management team members

Stay Hands‑On Clinically

Practice as a Criticalist for much of a full‑time schedule (90 %)

Balance clinical responsibilities with administrative leadership time

Support Client Experience

Resolve client needs, concerns, and complaints in partnership with the Hospital Director and Medical Director

Guide the team in delivering compassionate, high‑quality client interactions—even in high‑stress situations

About VetMED
VetMED is a busy, multi‑specialty emergency and referral hospital with a strong commitment to patient care, team development, and clinical excellence. We work alongside a collaborative group of specialists and experienced ER doctors, creating an environment where medicine and mentorship thrive.

What We’re Looking For

DACVECC board certification or residency trained

Arizona veterinary license (or eligibility) and DEA license

Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred

Strong background in emergency and critical care (24‑hour hospital experience)

Strong communicator with the ability to lead clear, consistent, and compassionate conversations with both clients and team members

Proven leadership skills, including coaching, accountability, and team development

Ability to build trust and foster a collaborative, positive team environment

Comfortable giving and receiving feedback, including navigating difficult conversations

Ability to stay composed and lead effectively in high‑pressure, fast‑paced situations

Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance clinical and administrative responsibilities

What We Offer

Competitive compensation

Sign‑on bonus and relocation assistance

CE stipend and dedicated CE time

Full benefits package and 401 k

Opportunity for leadership growth and development

The ability to make a meaningful impact on a growing ER service

Additional Details

Opportunity to serve as Responsible Veterinarian (premise license)

DEA license required for controlled substance oversight

Must be able to lift up to 50 lb and stand for extended periods

Schedule includes a mix of clinical shifts, weekends, and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

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