Description

Lead the Future of Veterinary Medicine as Medical Director at South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) in Asheville, NC! 

Are you a visionary veterinary leader ready to make a lasting impact? At SAVES, we are seeking a Medical Director to guide our collaborative, expert-driven, and patient-focused hospital into its next chapter of excellence. 

Experience the charm of Asheville, a vibrant mountain city with a resilient spirit and a thriving community. Following recent challenges, Asheville has showcased its strength and determination and is well on the way to rebuilding stronger than ever. The city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has revitalized its neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses, making it an even more welcoming and dynamic place to live and work. 

Nestled just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find breathtaking hiking trails, a foodie paradise with 12 James Beard-nominated restaurants, and a bustling dog-friendly brewery scene. Asheville continues to flourish, combining its rich Appalachian heritage with modern amenities and attractions. 

Why SAVES?
Our newly expanded, AAHA accredited, 28,369 sq. ft. state-of-the-art hospital allows us to meet the growing needs of our loyal referral community. At SAVES, you'll collaborate with a well-rounded team of 7 emergency doctors and specialists in critical care, surgery, and internal medicine. Our well-trained and cohesively utilized support staff includes two technicians who are VTS credentialed in ECC! We pride ourselves on fostering a collegial, team-oriented environment that values your input, sense of humor, and dedication. Our team values support from a dedicated referral relationship manager and marketing manager to enhance awareness of the SAVES brand within the referral and pet-owner communities. 

Advanced Technology at Your Fingertips:

• Advanced imaging technology, including the Optima CT520 and GE 1.5T MRI.
• Three Phillips EPIQ5 ultrasound machines with exams conducted by a human-trained Ultrasound Sonographer, supported by Board-Certified Radiologist Review.
• I-Stat point-of-care blood analyzers for immediate diagnostics.
• Two digital radiography systems for precision imaging.
• Comprehensive benchtop in-hospital lab systems and access to Lacuna Digital Cytology for fast and accurate diagnostic support.
• Olympus 180 gastroscopes, including one scope dedicated exclusively to emergency use.
• Dedicated spaces for chemotherapy preparation and administration in a USP 800-compliant facility. 

Why Choose SAVES? 

For years, SAVES has been a trusted leader in specialty and emergency veterinary care. Our Medical Director will work alongside and support a talented team that includes:

• Board-certified specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurology & Cardiology
• A robust 24/7 Emergency team
• Highly trained and dedicated technicians and support staff
• A modern, spacious clinical setting designed for top-tier care and efficiency

As Medical Director, you’ll play a key role in shaping medical standards, mentoring clinicians, fostering a positive culture, and driving clinical excellence across departments. 

About the Role: 

As Medical Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing medical leadership and strategic direction for the hospital
• Collaborating with the Hospital Director to ensure operational excellence
• Mentoring and developing a team of doctors to uphold best practices
• Leading medical quality assurance and continuing education efforts
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding, and retention of top-tier clinicians
• Championing a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement

MEDICAL INITIATIVES

• Responsible for development and maintenance of medical policies and medical SOP’s that champion the highest quality, evidence-based medicine.
• Provides feedback and coaching to DVM team to ensure a quality client experience
• Responsible for quality of medicine provided by the DVM team. Provides feedback and coaching to DVM’s to drive the highest level of care for clients and patients.
• Coordinates teaching rounds for DVM’s.
• Participates in CE events provided to internal DVM team and referring community.
• Partners with the Hospital Director to investigate patient safety concerns.
• Supports HD for medical and equipment innovation. Performs research for new medications and equipment when requested by HD.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Collaborates with Hospital Director for the strategic vision of the hospital. Provides recommendations for services to add or remove.
• Organizes and oversees quarterly or more frequent department and/or all DVM team meetings.
• Provides feedback to HD for annual DVM performance reviews. Participates in annual reviews and quarterly check-ins for DVM’s along with HR and/or HD.
• Provides recommendations to HD for DVM merit increases.
• Manages DVM clinical schedule. Oversight or approval of PTO/CE time off.
• Oversees clinical operation and procedures for each department in the hospital. Advises HD on support staff efficiencies, scheduling and training opportunities.
• Reviews Engagement Survey with HD. Participates in team engagement initiatives as designed by HD
• Monitors DVM retention rates with assistance of HR/HD. Collaborates with HD to establish goals for retention and provides feedback to HD regarding initiatives to retain high caliber talent.
• Provides and coordinates mentorship and training of staff DVM’s.
• Communicate opportunities for team to participate in clinical trials through Ethos Science and Discovery.

RECRUITING

• Meets regularly alongside HD with the recruiting team to guide recruiting efforts.
• Encourage and promotes internal referrals for DVM recruiting.
• Participates in the initial interview of DVM candidates. Coordinates hospital visit to provide exceptional candidate experience.
• Works with HLT to determine candidate of choice. Supports HD in contract negotiations.

OWNING BUSINESS

• Reviews monthly P&L with HD and DL. Provides input on areas of opportunity for margin improvement.
• Participates with HD and DL to establish annual budget.
• Participates in price increases to determine strategy for meeting overall price increase goal while maintaining competitive position in the local market.
• Recommends and participates in renovation, expansion and DiNovo projects.
• Manages rDVM relations. Performs outreach. Teams with HD in regard to field marketing. Attend HD and RRM marketing meetings.

COMMUNICATION

• Reviews medically related client complaints and provides feedback to HD. Participates in direct communication with the client when needed to find resolution to complaint.
• Reviews rDVM complaints and communicates with the referring hospital to find resolution and maintain a positive relationship for the hospital.
• Participates in and supports hospital/DVM team regarding board complaints and lawsuits.
• Coaches DVM team to achieve superior client communication
• Monitors Medical Record writing to confirm appropriate content and drive compliance with State Board regulations

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

• Maintains DEA hospital license. Establishes and assures compliance with controlled drug policy.
• Participates with HD to maintain OSHA compliance
• Ensures medicine is provided in compliance with Federal, State and local regulatory requirements.
• Oversees confirmation of DVM team licensure and credentialing. 

You’ll also maintain a partial clinical caseload, allowing you to stay close to patient care while shaping the future of the hospital.  

Ready to Make a Difference? 

If you’re a dynamic leader looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact while working with a phenomenal team, we’d love to hear from you! 

Send your CV to Sarah Harvey, LVT at [email protected]. We can’t wait to meet you!