Veterinary Medical Director - Premium Facility, Progressive Medicine - Fountain Hills, AZ

Veterinary Medical Director - Premium Facility, Progressive Medicine - Fountain Hills, AZ

El Dorado Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Medical Director (DVM/VMD) to lead our established, AAHA-accredited small animal practice in beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Medical Director, Lead Veterinarian, Chief of Staff, or accomplished Associate Veterinarian ready to step into hospital leadership while continuing to practice high-quality companion animal medicine.

As part of a planned leadership succession, you'll have the unique opportunity to build upon an already strong medical foundation while helping shape the next chapter of an impressive, modern veterinary hospital. You'll work alongside a collaborative team of doctors with diverse interests and skillsets who genuinely enjoy mentoring, teaching, and supporting one another.

If you're passionate about progressive medicine, advanced surgery and dentistry, mentorship, and creating an outstanding experience for both clients and team members, we'd love to meet you.

Why This Veterinary Medical Director Opportunity Stands Out

At El Dorado Animal Hospital, we believe leadership starts with excellent medicine, strong communication, and a commitment to helping both people and pets thrive.

We serve a clientele that actively seeks gold-standard veterinary care and values thorough diagnostics, advanced treatment options, and strong relationships with their veterinary team. Our doctors are supported by skilled technicians, modern equipment, and hospital systems designed to allow them to practice medicine at a high level.

As Medical Director, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a highly respected AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital
• Mentor and support fellow veterinarians
• Help guide medical protocols and standards of care
• Influence hospital culture and professional development
• Continue practicing medicine, surgery, and dentistry
• Collaborate with an experienced leadership team
• Shape the future vision of a beautiful, growing facility

This is an ideal opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys leadership but doesn't want to step away from patient care.

Practice Highlights

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice
• Certified Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) through the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
• Established small animal general practice
• Drop-off appointments and urgent care services
• Occasional emergency triage during regular business hours
• Internal medicine and dermatology services
• Advanced dentistry program
• Comprehensive companion animal medicine
• Strong surgical caseload
• Loyal, engaged client base seeking high-quality care
• Positive, collaborative hospital culture

A Planned Leadership Transition

This position is available as part of a thoughtful succession plan for the current Medical Director, creating a unique opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to step into an established leadership role with support and continuity.

You'll work alongside doctors with a variety of interests and expertise who value collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. The hospital itself is modern, expansive, and well-equipped, offering plenty of room for future growth and innovation.

Surgery & Dentistry

Our doctors enjoy a diverse and rewarding surgical caseload that includes:

• Spays and neuters
• Mass removals and biopsies
• Intestinal, lymph node, liver, and tissue biopsies
• Foreign body surgeries
• Splenectomies
• Cystotomies
• Eyelid surgeries
• Enucleations
• Wound repair procedures

Dentistry is an important part of our practice, with strong client demand for both preventive and advanced dental procedures. Our dental program is supported by trained team members with specific expertise in dental anesthesia and patient care, allowing doctors to perform procedures efficiently and confidently.

What Kind of Veterinary Leader Will Thrive Here?

We're seeking a veterinarian who leads through collaboration, mentorship, accountability, and clinical excellence.

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys coaching and developing fellow veterinarians
• Leads by example and earns trust through action
• Values teamwork and open communication
• Practices high-quality, evidence-based veterinary medicine
• Enjoys surgery, dentistry, and complex medical cases
• Builds strong client relationships
• Brings a positive, solution-oriented leadership style
• Supports professional growth and continuous learning
• Wants to help shape hospital culture and medical standards

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys helping people succeed while delivering exceptional patient care.

Clinic, Equipment & Support Team

Our hospital is designed to support efficient, progressive veterinary medicine with access to advanced equipment and an experienced support team.

Facility & Equipment

• Three sparkling clean exam rooms
• Dedicated modern surgical suite
• Advanced anesthetic machines and multiparameter monitoring equipment
• Digital dental radiography
• Whole-body digital radiography
• Philips CX50 ultrasound
• Full in-house diagnostic laboratory capabilities
• Electrolyte and coagulation testing
• Cloud-based medical record system integrated with IDEXX diagnostics and imaging
• AI-assisted medical notes

Support Team

• High staff-to-doctor ratio of approximately 3:1
• Four Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs)
• Experienced support staff committed to exceptional patient care
• Collaborative and highly engaged team culture

Schedule

• Four-day work week
• Three consecutive days off each week
• Rotating Saturdays (approximately two per month)
• Hospital open Monday through Saturday

We believe veterinary leaders perform at their best when they have time to recharge and enjoy life outside the hospital.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree from an accredited veterinary school
• Active Arizona veterinary license in good standing, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date
• Successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
• Several years of experience in companion animal medicine
• Strong skills in surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and medical case management
• Commitment to practicing high-quality, evidence-based veterinary medicine
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to mentor, coach, and support fellow veterinarians
• Passion for leadership, collaboration, and professional development

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Medical Director, Chief of Staff, Lead Veterinarian, or Medical Lead
• Experience in AAHA-accredited hospitals
• Interest in hospital operations, medical quality initiatives, and practice growth
• Experience with ultrasound, digital radiography, dental radiography, and advanced diagnostics
• Interest in developing clinical protocols and advancing medical standards

Compensation & Benefits

Our doctors are productive, efficient, and exceptionally well-supported to do their best work. Compensation is tailored to experience, leadership responsibilities, and schedule preferences.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive salary plus production bonus
• Leadership compensation opportunities
• Additional bonus opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance
• Professional dues and license reimbursement
• Comprehensive medical insurance options
• Leadership development support
• Career growth opportunities

Life in Fountain Hills, Arizona

Nestled against the McDowell Mountains, Fountain Hills offers stunning desert scenery, abundant outdoor recreation, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Residents enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golf, and year-round sunshine while remaining just minutes from Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metropolitan