Lead DVM- Chicago (South Loop), IL

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Chicago, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

VEG is hiring a Lead Emergency Veterinarian to provide emergency veterinary care and lead the doctors at its South Loop hospital in Chicago. Alongside the hospital’s medical director, the Lead DVM supports clinical excellence, promotes VEG’s medical processes and customer-centered practices, and coaches fellow doctors. The role combines clinical and administrative shifts and includes helping doctors grow through mentorship, learning, and development plans. The Lead DVM may assist with medical director coverage, serve as interim medical director when needed, and handle doctor scheduling and medical customer complaints. The position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis, as well as work in a fast-paced, noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors. VEG operates emergency veterinary hospitals open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its approach emphasizes seeing patients promptly, allowing families to stay with their pets, and providing a customer-focused experience. VEG describes itself as a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work.

Requirements

DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.
At least 2 years of emergency-room experience and critical case management.
Training in emergency surgery/endoscopy.
Flexibility to work a combination of clinical and administrative shifts.
Willingness to lead and support fellow doctors and perform administrative tasks during off hours.
Willingness to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.
Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis based on hospital needs.
Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
Ability to help ensure top-tier customer satisfaction and hospital revenue production.

Nice To Haves

One year of leadership experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Work clinical shifts and perform emergency doctor duties.
Answer medical questions over the phone.
See patients promptly as part of VEG Triage and the VEG Spikes.
Diagnose each pet’s condition and create diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
Communicate diagnoses and treatment options directly to customers.
Provide appropriate treatments for each pet’s condition.
Create and review medical records for accuracy.
Explain the value of tests and treatments to customers and address their concerns.
Coach fellow doctors on medical excellence, the VEG way of doctoring, and customer-focused care.
Support fellow doctors through assigned growth and development plans.
Assist the Medical Director with coverage when callouts or schedule changes occur.
Work as interim Medical Director when the current Medical Director is on leave or opening a new VEG hospital.
Lead monthly doctor meetings and M&M rounds with guidance from the Medical Director.
At teaching hospitals, own the New ER Doctor (NERD) training program and perform all NERD Medical Director duties if needed.
Create doctor schedules, manage leave requests, and post schedules at least two months in advance.
Address customer complaints related to medical concerns.
Support top-tier customer satisfaction and hospital revenue production.
Perform administrative tasks during off hours when needed, such as responding to doctor callouts, addressing customer complaints, and scheduling.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including a 401(k) match.
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits beginning on day one, including QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time, active employment, depending on role.
VEG-created clinical and leadership learning programs.
Unlimited emergency-room continuing education and a travel stipend.
Full-time credentialed employees receive a $2,500 annual travel stipend; full-time uncredentialed employees receive a $1,000 annual travel stipend.
Clinical student loan repayment.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary.
Fertility and family-building care for all types of families.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Comfy scrubs, VEG merchandise, and food in the fridge.