Medical Director Veterinarian

Job Description

Introduction
An established small animal veterinary hospital in Sacramento, California is seeking a Medical Lead Veterinarian to provide clinical leadership while maintaining an active role in patient care. Serving the local community since 1977, the practice offers comprehensive General Practice services, including preventive medicine, diagnostic investigation, dentistry, surgery and daytime Urgent Care. The hospital has developed longstanding relationships with clients across Midtown, Downtown and East Sacramento, maintaining a strong emphasis on continuity of care and high clinical standards. This position offers an experienced veterinarian the opportunity to lead an established clinical team, contribute to hospital operations and support the continued development of veterinary services within a collaborative, community-focused environment.

Role Description and Responsibilities
The Medical Lead Veterinarian will combine the full scope of GP responsibilities with clinical leadership and operational oversight, maintaining an active medical and surgical caseload while managing and mentoring the hospital’s associate veterinarians. Responsibilities include conducting regular performance reviews, supporting individual professional development, overseeing clinical mentorship and externship programs, and promoting consistent standards of medical care. Working closely with the Practice Manager, the successful candidate will contribute to annual operational planning, financial performance, clinical efficiency and regulatory compliance, including medical and DEA requirements. The role also involves leading monthly veterinary meetings, reviewing clinical protocols, identifying opportunities to introduce or improve services, and supporting recruitment and retention initiatives. Community engagement and professional representation of the hospital form additional aspects of the position. Applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine qualification, possess an active California veterinary license in good standing and have a minimum of two years of practical clinical experience. Strong communication, leadership and organizational skills are essential, alongside an understanding of, or willingness to develop expertise in, veterinary hospital operations. Specific scheduling/doctor hours to be discussed.

Practice Details
The hospital provides comprehensive small animal veterinary services, encompassing preventive healthcare, wellness examinations, vaccinations, diagnostic investigation, medical management, dentistry and surgical procedures. Its clinical capabilities also include Urgent Care during operating hours, supporting the assessment and treatment of acute medical presentations alongside routine and ongoing patient care. The practice is well equipped with modern diagnostic equipment and facilities supporting laboratory testing, medical investigations, dental treatment and surgical procedures. Established in 1977, the hospital serves a longstanding client base and provides a broad caseload across preventive, medical and surgical disciplines. Its full-service approach is supported by an emphasis on high-quality clinical outcomes, efficient patient management and continuity of care.

Team
The hospital has an established team of at least three veterinarians, supported by veterinary technicians, a Practice Manager and additional clinical personnel. The Medical Lead Veterinarian will provide clinical direction to the associate veterinarians, supporting professional development, collaborative case management and consistent medical standards. Close cooperation with the Practice Manager will be central to maintaining effective hospital operations, team engagement and a positive working environment. The practice promotes mentorship, open communication and continuous improvement, offering the incoming clinical leader an opportunity to influence team development and the long-term direction of veterinary care.

Candidate Requirements 

• Must hold the relevant degree(s) and additional qualifications to work as a veterinarian in the United States of America (USA)
• Must hold, be in the process of, or be able to obtain, a state license for the state they are applying to work in
• Must have the right to work in the United States of America (USA), or be able to obtain the required visa to do so

 About Tempus Recruitment

This is a brief overview of the role, therefore we fully appreciate there are always more questions to be asked about the job, the company, and so on. We assure you that Tempus Recruitment are here to help and are more than happy to get those questions answered for you in advance of any potential interviews. We are here to make the recruitment process simple and stress free, working with our clients to ensure that you have all the information you need before formally making an application. 

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