Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Hospital Manager and Field Management Team, the Medical Director is responsible for overseeing a range of administrative and operational activities to support high-quality patient care, excellent client service, effective staffing, and overall business operations within the hospital. This role requires strong leadership skills to manage and develop emergency clinicians and support staff while ensuring adherence to VCA standards and guidelines. The Medical Director serves as a mentor and role model, promoting a collaborative and positive work environment. Additionally, this position actively promotes the hospital's emergency services within the referral community, establishing and maintaining medical excellence, and acts as a key problem solver within the hospital. This position will work closely with all hospital departments to promote communication and knowledge sharing within the Hospital.
Work Schedule:
Approximately 40-50 hours per week, with 0-25% devoted to primary patient care and 25-100% to administrative duties, depending on the week.
Knowledge, Skills , and Abilities:
Exceptional Clinical Skills in veterinary specialty medicine.
Strong Leadership Abilities to manage, mentor, and develop specialty veterinarians and support staff.
Excellent Communication Skills, both written and oral, for effective interaction with clients, staff, and referring veterinarians.
Strategic Mindset with goal-oriented planning capabilities.
Proven Management Experience in specialty veterinary services.
Effective Planning and Organizational Skills to present ideas and implement protocols.
Ability to Multitask and Manage Stress in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving Skills to address issues promptly and effectively.
Commitment to Continuous Learning and fostering a culture of professional growth, including a dedication to ongoing continuing education (CE).
Proficiency with Veterinary Software and Equipment used in specialty practices.
Financial Acumen to understand financial reports, control expenses, and contribute to revenue growth.
Education and Experience:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited institution.
Licensure: Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of California.
Experience: Experience practicing as a emergency veterinarian
Prior leadership and supervisory experience within a veterinary or healthcare setting is preferred.
Continuing Education Requirement: Commitment to fulfilling all state and professional requirements for continuing education, including attending CE programs and workshops to maintain licensure and stay current with advancements in veterinary medicine.
Physical Requirements:
Dependable Attendance is required.
Work Hours: Ability to work long or irregular hours under pressure, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Physical Activity: Requires consistent ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach during a minimum 8-hour shift.
Visual Acuity sufficient for accurate record-keeping and reading medical instruments.
Communication Skills sufficient to effectively convey information in person and over the phone.
Fine Motor Skills adequate for using medical equipment and performing procedures.
Controllable Animal Allergies through medication, if applicable.
Duties:
The following is a list of essential job requirements. This list may be revised at any time, and additional duties not listed here may be assigned as needed. Job functions and responsibilities include ensuring the following occur within the hospital:
Staff Management - Emergency Veterinarians and Support Staff Patient Management Client and Referring Veterinarian Management Department Operations Management Financial Management Continuing Education and Professional Development Meetings and Communication
Management & Operations (Approx. 25-100% of Time)
Leadership and Department Management:
Establish and promote core values of exceptional patient care, client service, continuous learning, and mutual respect within the hospital
Foster a positive and supportive working environment, encouraging collaboration between specialty services and emergency and general practice services.
Lead and supervise the emergency services team using collaborative management techniques to achieve high-performance standards.
Build and maintain respectful, positive working relationships with associates, leadership teams, support offices, and the public.
Foster a positive and supportive working environment that encourages collaboration and mutual respect.
Scheduling and Staffing:
Manage the schedule for Emergency service clinicians, completing monthly schedules 60 days in advance.
Monitor sick leave and vacation schedules, ensuring adequate service coverage.
Evaluate staffing needs and make recommendations to the management team.
Performance Evaluation and Development:
Evaluate associate emergency veterinarians' performance, providing regular feedback.
Conduct annual performance reviews in conjunction with the Hospital Manager.
Assist in designing and participating in training programs for technicians, interns, externs, and specialty veterinarians.
Recruitment and Onboarding:
Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding process of emergency clinicians and support staff.
Actively contribute to recruiting new emergency clinicians and ensure new hires are assigned a mentor to support retention and engagement.
Mentor and guide emergency clinicians and new support staff, ensuring new hires are supported for retention and engagement.
Operational Excellence:
Monitor skill levels, efficiency, and effectiveness of staff; develop plans to address issues with the Hospital Manager.
Collaborate with leadership and supervisors to plan and implement training programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of veterinary and Tech staff.
Oversee medical record keeping within the emergency department, ensuring compliance with legal and hospital standards.
Monitor patient census, treatment sheets, documentation, and the timeliness of referring veterinarian communication.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, safety, and hazardous materials.
Set safety performance goals and address safety concerns promptly.
Client Services and Quality Assurance:
Assist with client service issues, including handling client complaints, reviewing medical records, and contacting clients to resolve concerns.
Ensure quality client and referring veterinarian communications are maintained.
Work with Leadership to follow up and resolve customer service issues appropriately.
Financial Management:
Budgeting and Financial Planning:
Work with the Hospital Manager to prepare and submit the annual budget and capital expenditures
Monitor and control expenses to meet budgetary goals.
Understand and utilize financial reports (e.g., SPOT, QMR, P&L) to inform decision-making and improve financial performance.
Implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and productivity within the hospital
Develop and execute plans to grow emergency services revenue.
Financial Education, Accountability & Strategic Financial Initiatives:
Collaborate with the Hospital Manager and leadership team on financial goals and strategies.
Identify opportunities for financial improvement and propose innovative solutions.
Provide education and training to staff on financial processes and the impact of their roles on the hospital's financial health.
Encourage a culture of financial responsibility and awareness among all team members.
Monitor individual and team productivity, providing feedback and guidance to achieve financial objectives.
Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
Continuing Education and Professional Development:
Commitment to Professional Growth, Staff Development and CE Planning:
Stay current with advancements in veterinary medicine by regularly attending CE programs, workshops, and conferences to maintain licensure and specialty certification.
Encourage and support emergency clinicians and support staff in pursuing CE and professional development opportunities.
Assist in planning and organizing in-house CE events and training sessions.
Share knowledge and updates from external CE activities with the team.
Ensure all staff are aware of and comply with hospital policies regarding CE requirements.
Mentorship and Training:
Provide mentorship to emergency clinicians and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Participate in the training and mentorship of interns, externs, and residents, collaborating with program directors.
Client & Referring Veterinarian Management:
Client Service Excellence:
Ensure that all staff perform in accordance with the VCA Mission Statement, Three Steps of Service, and VCA Standards of Client Service.
Oversee client flow, ensuring clients and patients are seen and treated professionally, promptly, and competently.
Communication:
Ensure timely and effective communications with clients and referring veterinarians regarding patient care.
Assist with client service issues, including handling client complaints, reviewing medical records, and contacting clients to resolve concerns.
Referring Veterinarian Relations:
Maintain strong relationships with referring veterinarians, ensuring satisfaction with services provided.
Monitor DVM referral letters and timeliness for the service.
Office Management:
Continuously review and improve systems and procedures to enhance service to clients, patients, and Associates.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and safety standards, keeping hospital practices in line with safety regulations.
Meetings:
Team Meetings:
Plan and facilitate regular Emergency clinician meetings.
Participate in hospital leadership meetings to stay informed of hospital and organizational updates.
Communication:
Respond to all communications promptly and effectively.
Ensure that VCA policies, guidelines, and recommendations are communicated quickly to hospital staff, providing appropriate training.
Staff Development:
Assist with performance reviews and support staff development.
Communication:
Respond to all communications promptly and effectively.
Ensure that VCA policies, guidelines, and recommendations are communicated quickly to hospital staff, with appropriate training provided
Patient Care (Approximately 0-25% of Time):
Provide Medical Services:
Deliver emergency veterinary care in line with current standards.
Clinical Oversight:
Oversee patient admissions, hospitalization, and discharge processes to maintain high standards of care and efficiency.
Ensure all patient medical and surgical records are complete, accurate, and current.
Collaboration and Communication:
Ensure timely and effective communication with clients and referring veterinarians regarding patient care.
Lead and participate in daily morning patient rounds when on duty, leading rounds at least once a week.
Provide expertise to clinicians on emergency cases as needed.
Mentorship:
Provide guidance on emergency case management decisions.
Mentor and guide emergency clinicians and support staff.
Advancement of Veterinary Medicine:
Engage in research activities and promote innovative practices within the hospital
Contribute to veterinary literature and present findings at professional conferences.
Conclusion
The Medical Director plays a critical role in ensuring medical excellence, fostering a positive work environment, and driving the growth and success of the hospital's specialty services. This position requires a dedicated professional with strong leadership abilities, financial acumen, a commitment to high standards of patient care, ongoing professional development, and the ability to work collaboratively with all members of the hospital team. The Medical Director will be instrumental in shaping the future of the hospital's services, strengthening relationships within the veterinary community, and enhancing the overall quality of care provided to patients and clients.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Medical Director's position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
