Career Opportunities

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

Are you a passionate veterinarian ready to lead a dedicated team and build lasting relationships with both patients and clients? Since 1988, Ruckersville Animal Hospital has proudly served our community with compassionate, high-quality care—and now, we’re seeking a Medical Director who is communicative, committed to clinical excellence, and motivated to mentor and grow a thriving team.

If you’re a natural leader who values mentorship, teamwork, and creating strong client bonds, this is your opportunity to shape the future of a well-established, community-loved practice.

Why Lead at Ruckersville Animal Hospital?

• Competitive base salary and Production
• Leadership stipend + production bonus opportunities
• Signing bonus up to $100K, based on experience
• Relocation stipend available
• Generous CE allowance and leadership development support

Why Ruckersville, VA?

Nestled in the scenic foothills of central Virginia, Ruckersville offers small-town charm with easy access to the culture and amenities of nearby Charlottesville—just 20 minutes away. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, local wineries, hiking, and a friendly, close-knit community ideal for work-life balance. It’s a perfect place for outdoor lovers and those seeking a quieter pace without giving up access to city life.

Your Role as Medical Director:

• Lead the team in delivering top-tier veterinary care and client service
• Oversee clinical protocols, case management, and medical standards
• Mentor and support associate veterinarians and technical staff
• Collaborate with practice management on operations and strategy
• Continue to practice hands-on medicine and build client relationships

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
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 3-5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• 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)

• 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

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Hudson Cutshall at hcutshall@petvetcarecenters.com or apply at www.petvetcareers.com

Why Consider Our Ruckersville Hospital?