Chief Veterinary Officer

About the role

As Chief Veterinary Officer at Veterinary United, you will lead our clinics and teams through our next phase of growth. This dynamic, leadership-driven role focuses on achieving medical excellence and standardization, fostering clinical support and engagement, building university and student relations, and more. You'll collaborate with emerging and experienced veterinarians to ensure our teams deliver the best possible care in a creative, safe, and fun environment.

Veterinary United is an independent, DVM-owned, family-based organization located in Southeastern Michigan with private ownership since 1999. With 22 hospitals (and growing), we form strategic partnerships with like-minded practices emphasizing high-quality medicine and a culture that fosters growth and collaboration. Our vision is to make an impact as changemakers in the world of veterinary medicine. We celebrate what makes each practice special and unique to their community while fostering a culture of trust and support.

Responsibilities

• Define Veterinary United’s medical mission and establish best medical practices and policies.
• Mentor and coach veterinarians, collaborating with recruitment efforts.
• Serve as a liaison with professional liability carriers and strategic partners.
• Lead the advancement of veterinary medicine as a catalyst for positive change.
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop policies emphasizing collaboration and communication.
• Maintain open communication with clinic leadership and veterinary teams, supporting equipment needs and service requests.
• Provide guidance on medical cases, facilitate regular team meetings, and conduct individual check-ins.
• Engage in strategic planning, site visits, and clinical collaboration to ensure high-quality care.
• Serve as a vital link between departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Inventory, and Operations.
• Participate in weekly discussions with C-level executives to enhance experiences for patients, clients, and teams.
• Oversee monthly review of doctor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide feedback.
• Manage 12-week coaching plans for doctors, demonstrating multi-department collaboration.
• Assess the medical quality of new acquisitions and ensure existing practices uphold high standards.
• Drive innovation in exotic animal medicine, mobile care, surgical offerings, and overnight emergency services.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Active Veterinary License in good standing.
• Board certification in a specialty area preferred.
• Advanced degrees (MBA, MPH, or PhD) beneficial for business and research understanding.
• Relevant clinical experience in veterinary medicine.
• Prior leadership experience in the veterinary field.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality assurance in veterinary practices.

Skills

• Leadership and management: Strong leadership skills to manage and inspire veterinary professionals across multiple locations. Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, optimize practice management software, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Clinical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of veterinary medicine, diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care. Ability to oversee complex cases and provide expert clinical guidance.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting, resource allocation, and market trends. Experience scaling operations, managing change, and integrating new treatments and technologies.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with teams, clients, and partners. Proven project management abilities.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with veterinary laws and regulations at local, state, and federal levels.

Benefits

• Signing Bonus & Relocation Options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits, including 401k with company match
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and licensure reimbursements
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and flexible schedule
• AVMA PLIT Coverage
• Discounts on medical, surgical, daycare, and boarding services