Description

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 Specialty Medical Director (SMD) 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 SMD 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 SMD holds shared responsibility for the financial health of the hospital, directing staff and the overall management of practice operations. The SMD also serves as a staff veterinarian in addition to the administrative and leadership duties of the SMD role. Effective SMDs 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.

Columbia River Veterinary Specialists has been established in the Vancouver/Portland area for over 30 years! Our current specialty services include neurology, surgery, ophthalmology, critical care, and 24/7 emergency care. We are dedicated to working together as a cohesive and collaborative team to make sure our patients receive exceptional care regardless of the complexity and severity of their health issues. Our loyal veterinary referral community and our pet-loving client base will provide you with a varied and ample caseload.

You will be able to provide exemplary patient care in a beautiful 15,000 sq. ft. building that was just remodeled in 2019. Our facility has 14 exam rooms, 3 outpatient procedure rooms, 2 treatment areas each with 4 separate treatment tables, a custom ICU suite plus 2 more dedicated ICU areas, 4 surgery suites, an endoscopy suite, and a dedicated imaging center with workstations. We offer advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies including three GE Logiq ultrasound machines, 1.5 High Field Hallmarq MRI, GE Light Speed CT, C-Arm & fluoroscopy, echocardiography, two Snyder oxygen cage banks, high-flow O2, mechanical ventilators, an Olympus and 2 Stryker towers, and specialized surgical & neurosurgical equipment.

This position is currently offering a base salary starting at $225,000 dependent on experience with a generous production plan, a generous signing/retention bonuses, and relocation assistance if required.

Vancouver, Washington is located in the wonderland that is the Pacific Northwest. The outdoor opportunities are endless! Achieve work/life balance in a beautiful outdoor playground. The Pacific Coast, Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, the Cascade Mountains, and the high desert are all within driving distance. There are 191 area parks within just within Vancouver! So get out your hiking shoes, backpack, snowshoes, kayak, paddle board, fishing pole, snow skis or bike and start exploring! Then after spending all day exploring the great outdoors, visit one of the 12+ breweries in the "next beer town" or visit one of the 9 tasting rooms in downtown or 17 wineries in the surrounding area.

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 or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice).
• Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved specialty in a clinical specialty.
• Achieved board certification in the chosen specialty (ABVP, CCRP, and Acupuncture do not count as they don't require 3-year residencies).
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 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)

• 3-5 years of clinical experience post-residency
• 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
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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

$225,000 — $275,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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