Lead Veterinarian

Medical Lead Veterinarian

Monarch Veterinary Hospital, serving Laguna Niguel since 2002, is dedicated to partnering in pet healthcare, treating every patient like our own. You will be joining an established, high-quality practice recognized by the community with an excellent 4.8-star Google rating. Crucially, we maintain American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation, meaning we regularly meet or exceed rigorous standards covering diagnostics, surgery, patient care, and emergency services—a benchmark achieved by only 15% of hospitals nationwide. This is where you can truly do your best work alongside devoted teammates who prioritize clinical excellence. Joining the Monarch team means working alongside veterinarians Dr. Craft, Dr. Alcala, and Dr. Kent, guided by Hospital Manager Natalie Murchison. Our objective is to ensure your experience exceeds expectations every time you walk through the door, fostering a supportive environment where every teammate is positioned to succeed. Teammates here appreciate the commitment to quality service and the cohesive structure that has made Monarch a trusted name in Laguna Niguel for over two decades. Our history and stability provide the platform you need to focus solely on patient care and professional development. As an AAHA accredited facility, you will practice medicine at the highest level, utilizing advanced protocols for patient safety and clinical excellence. Our services are comprehensive, focusing entirely on small animal care, and include full Wellness and Prevention programs, sophisticated Testing and Diagnostics, Advanced Care, and a robust Surgical Procedures lineup. We also provide necessary Urgent Care services, ensuring that you have the resources to manage critical cases and provide thorough, high-quality veterinary medicine every day. Monarch Veterinary Hospital is located in the highly desirable community of Laguna Niguel, California. This region offers an exceptional Southern California lifestyle, placing you in a vibrant environment that balances professional commitment with desirable coastal living opportunities. You will be working in a well-established location with a loyal client base that deeply values the advanced level of care you provide, giving you the best of both a professional career and a fulfilling personal life.

Your Impact as a Medical Lead Veterinarian

As the Medical Lead Veterinarian, you are the champion of medical excellence in your hospital. You will be responsible for mentoring and developing your associate veterinarians, partnering with your Practice Manager to build a healthy and engaged team, and driving the continuous improvement of patient care and client service. This is a key leadership role where you will set the standard for clinical quality and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.

• Lead and Mentor Your DVM Team: You will manage all associate veterinarians, conducting regular performance discussions, coaching them on individual development goals (including production and PCT), and fostering a culture of teamwork and retention.
• Role Model Medical Excellence: You will set the example for the highest quality of medicine, client service, and efficiency, while also practicing as an associate veterinarian and achieving your own production goals.
• Drive Hospital Performance: In partnership with your Practice Manager, you will help develop the annual operating plan, manage hospital financial performance toward an EBITDA goal, and ensure compliance with all medical and DEA regulations.
• Foster a Culture of Growth: You will lead monthly doctor meetings to discuss best practices, new services, and medical standards. You will also supervise externship and mentorship programs and champion a culture of recruitment.
• Be an Ambassador: You will serve as an ambassador for your hospital and Mission Pet Health through community engagement at schools, universities, and local events.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a valid state license in good standing.
• A minimum of 2 years of practical clinical experience.
• A servant leadership mentality with a commitment to our core values and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the financial and operating management of a hospital.
• Proficiency in intermediate computer skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.).
• Enthusiasm and a desire to be part of a progressive, growth-oriented culture.

Responsibilities and Benefits

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you as a leader, so you can focus on your team and your medicine.

Generous Compensation

A competitive annual base salary plus a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual .

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life, and Accident insurance, plus Paid Parental Leave.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance.

Leadership & Clinical Growth

Receive paid continuing education with dedicated days off, plus access to our comprehensive Leadership Training Program and structured mentorship.

Clinical Tracks Program

Access over 50 hours of in-depth, RACE-approved CE in Dentistry, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Cardiology, facilitated by veterinary specialists.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration, support, and to grow your interests.

Peace of Mind

Company-paid professional liability coverage, license fees, and professional dues. Enjoy a flexible schedule, paid time off, and free 24/7 access to Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow . Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.