Innovetive Petcare
Veterinary Medical Director – Specialty & Emergency Hospital
1050 US Route 321, Hickory, NC 28601
On-site · Full-time · $225k–$275k (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
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📍 Hickory, North Carolina
Lead Medicine. Shape Strategy. Elevate Specialty & Emergency Care.
Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking an accomplished Medical Director to provide clinical leadership for our growing specialty and emergency hospital in Hickory, North Carolina.
This opportunity is ideal for a board-certified specialist or residency trained veterinarian with a strong background in specialty and/or emergency medicine and a passion for leadership. Whether you're looking to take the next step into hospital leadership or continue building on an established leadership career, you'll have the opportunity to influence medical excellence, mentor an exceptional team, and help shape the future of our hospital while maintaining an active clinical role.
The Medical Director serves as the clinical leader of the hospital, setting medical standards, supporting a collaborative culture, and partnering with hospital leadership to drive excellence in patient care, team development, and operational success. This is a hands-on leadership role with dedicated administrative time built into the schedule.
Qualifications
- DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
- Board-certified specialist or residency trained veterinarian with demonstrated expertise in specialty and/or emergency medicine will be considered
- Active North Carolina veterinary license (or eligibility for licensure)
- Previous leadership experience preferred, or a strong desire to grow into a medical leadership role
- Commitment to evidence-based medicine and exceptional client communication
- Passion for mentorship, collaboration, and developing high-performing teams
Key Responsibilities
- Provide medical leadership and oversight across emergency and specialty services
- Establish and uphold medical standards, protocols, and best practices
- Mentor and support veterinarians, interns, and support staff
- Partner with hospital administration on strategic planning, recruiting, and growth initiatives
- Maintain an active clinical caseload aligned with your expertise
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing hospital culture
What We Offer
- Base salary range of $225,000–$275,000, commensurate with specialty, experience, and clinical production, plus an additional Medical Director stipend
- 25% production model, no negative accrual
- $100,000 Sign-on bonus
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- CE allowance with paid CE time
- Paid parental leave and generous PTO
- Professional autonomy with strong operational support
- The opportunity to shape and grow specialty and emergency services in a key regional hospital
Why Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital?
- Established referral and emergency hospital serving western North Carolina
- Advanced diagnostic equipment and modern facilities
- Collaborative team of specialists, emergency clinicians, highly skilled technicians, and dedicated support staff
- Strong leadership committed to high-quality medicine and sustainable practice
- Located in Hickory, NC, with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Norman, Asheville, and Charlotte
Ready to Lead?
Whether you're a board-certified specialist or a residency-trained specialist with the leadership skills to guide a multidisciplinary team, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing specialty and emergency hospital.Apply today or reach out for a confidential conversation.