Medical Director DVM

VCA Animal Hospitals•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

VCA Ark Animal Hospital in Chicago, Illinois is seeking a Medical Director to practice veterinary medicine while guiding the hospital’s medical direction, quality, and standards of care. The role combines clinical work with medical leadership in a collaborative, supportive hospital, with operational support from teams in Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Payroll, and other areas. The Medical Director will work with credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and client service representatives. The hospital reports a two-to-one technician-to-doctor ratio on each shift and is a recently renovated, AAHA-certified facility with doctor stations, electronic medical records, ultrasound, cold/therapeutic lasers, and separate surgical and dental suites. The role includes fostering continuous learning and collaboration, championing patient care and client education, building trusted relationships, and mentoring veterinarians and the wider care team. This is a full-time opportunity with schedule flexibility to support work-life balance. Hospital hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, and the hospital is closed Sundays. The position offers a salary range of $140,000–$160,000, negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and credentials, plus a Medical Director stipend of $18,000 paid biweekly and an annual Medical Director bonus. Sign-on, relocation, and longevity bonuses are available; other variable pay programs may also apply. VCA describes itself as a network of 1,000 animal hospitals with 35,000 Associates, providing care to more than 4.5 million pets annually. VCA is part of Mars Veterinary Health and states that it works toward “A Better World for Pets.”

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university or equivalent.
Licensure in good standing to practice in Illinois, or the ability to obtain it.
Commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
Demonstrated interest in medical leadership, mentorship, and supporting others’ professional development.

Responsibilities

Practice veterinary medicine while establishing the hospital’s medical direction, medical quality, and standards of care.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and exceptional patient care.
Lead the medical team with support from partners in Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Payroll, and other functions.
Champion exceptional patient care, client education, and transparent service recommendations.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients and Associates.
Mentor veterinarians and support the professional development of the broader care team through knowledge sharing.
Provide comprehensive veterinary care, including wellness exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, preventive care, advanced diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and therapeutic services, as appropriate.

Benefits

Medical Director stipend of $18,000, paid biweekly, in addition to base salary.
Annual Medical Director bonus.
Sign-on, relocation, and longevity bonuses available.
Potential eligibility for other variable pay programs.
Associate health and well-being resources, including Headspace, financial wellness tools, and additional mental health resources.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Infertility and gender affirmation benefits.
Paid parental, vacation, and sick leave.
Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days.
WOOF University continuing education opportunities for Doctors and the care team.
Opportunities to participate in a Clinical Studies program.
Employee pet discounts.
Competitive compensation.