Veterinary Medical Director – San Diego, California
Location: San Diego, California
Salary: $170,000–$220,000 base salary plus production
Schedule: Full-time
Benefits: Performance bonuses, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, continuing education support, paid professional fees, professional liability coverage, and relocation assistance
About the Role
A veterinary practice is seeking an experienced Veterinary Medical Director to lead its clinical team in San Diego, California.
Offering a competitive $170,000–$220,000 base salary plus production and performance bonus opportunities, this senior position combines hands-on veterinary medicine with clinical leadership, mentorship, strategic development, and practice growth.
The Medical Director will help shape the clinical direction of the practice, establish medical protocols, develop veterinary professionals, and work closely with operational leadership to maintain exceptional standards of patient care.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced veterinarian looking to progress their leadership career while continuing to practise high-quality small animal medicine.
About the Practice
This is a modern small animal veterinary practice focused on providing compassionate, low-stress veterinary care in a progressive clinical environment.
The practice follows a Fear Free approach, with clinical protocols and thoughtfully designed spaces intended to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for patients.
Modern facilities include five spacious examination rooms and comprehensive in-house laboratory capabilities, supporting efficient diagnostics and high-quality patient care.
The clinical team provides comprehensive medical, surgical, diagnostic, and preventive veterinary services, alongside a strong emphasis on client education.
The Medical Director will join a collaborative team that values clinical excellence, compassionate care, professional development, mentorship, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
The Veterinary Medical Director will:
Provide high-quality clinical veterinary care while establishing and maintaining medical standards across the practice.
Develop, review, and implement clinical protocols and veterinary best practices.
Promote compassionate, low-stress approaches to veterinary medicine and patient handling.
Mentor, coach, and develop veterinarians and other clinical team members.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable working environment.
Monitor clinical outcomes and identify opportunities to improve standards of patient care.
Provide constructive clinical feedback and support continuing professional development.
Collaborate with practice management and wider operational leadership on strategic initiatives.
Identify opportunities for practice growth, improved efficiency, and clinical development.
Support strategic decisions relating to patient care, team performance, and practice operations.
Maintain high standards of client communication and help manage complex cases or concerns.
Promote preventive healthcare and effective client education.
Represent the veterinary team in appropriate professional and regulatory matters.
Candidate Profile
Applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent and possess a current California veterinary licence in good standing.
Appropriate DEA registration is also required.
The ideal candidate will bring:
3–5 years of clinical veterinary experience preferred
Previous veterinary leadership, mentoring, or team development experience
Strong clinical knowledge across small animal veterinary medicine
Excellent leadership and people-development capabilities
Sound clinical judgement and confident decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
An understanding of veterinary practice operations and commercial performance
Strategic thinking and the ability to identify opportunities for growth and improvement
Confidence managing complex situations and competing priorities
A collaborative approach to working with clinical and operational leadership
A commitment to compassionate, low-stress veterinary care
Genuine dedication to maintaining high standards of patient welfare and veterinary medicine
Previous experience with practice management and veterinary team development would be advantageous.
Compensation & Benefits
The position provides a comprehensive senior-level compensation and benefits package, including:
$170,000–$220,000 base salary
Production-based compensation
Performance bonus opportunities
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off
Continuing education support and reimbursement
Paid veterinary licence fees
Professional veterinary resource memberships
Professional liability insurance
Employee referral programme
Financial wellness support
Relocation assistance available
Apply Today
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced veterinarian seeking a Veterinary Medical Director job in San Diego, California, offering strong earning potential, clinical leadership responsibilities, modern facilities, and the opportunity to influence the continued development of a progressive small animal practice.
Veterinarians with a passion for clinical excellence, leadership, mentorship, low-stress patient care, and team development are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
Matt Doyle – Associate Talent Partner
T: (213) 258-1399
E: matt@supreme-ss.com