Lead Doctor - Cambridge, MA

About the role

This role guides emergency veterinary care in a 24/7 hospital setting, where decisions directly affect patient outcomes and client trust. The position combines clinical leadership with coaching to uphold consistent standards across a fast-moving team. You will own the strategic direction of the emergency department in your location, translating organizational goals into actionable plans for the clinical team. The role requires you to build an environment where doctors can focus on high-quality medicine while clients feel heard and supported. You will be accountable for both the quality of patient care and the professional development of the doctors around you. Success in this position is defined by your ability to remove barriers, provide clear context, and drive measurable team outcomes. You will partner with the broader organization to ensure the emergency service aligns with the company's standards and long-term vision.

Key facts

What you'll do

You oversee clinical decisions during shifts, answering medical questions by phone and ensuring timely patient evaluations through triage protocols.

You perform immediate patient assessments, create diagnostic and therapeutic plans, and communicate findings clearly to clients.

You deliver treatments and document medical records accurately while explaining the value of tests and addressing client concerns.

You mentor doctors on clinical excellence and the VEG approach, ensuring every case follows team standards and customer expectations.

You support colleagues through individualized growth plans and assist the medical director during coverage gaps or transitions.

You manage doctor scheduling, including leave requests posted at least two months in advance, and address medical-related customer complaints.

In teaching hospital settings, you own the New ER Doctor training program and fulfill all associated medical director responsibilities.

You may serve as interim medical director during coverage needs or hospital openings.

You coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless integration of emergency services with broader hospital operations.

You utilize data and metrics to identify trends, improve processes, and enhance the overall efficiency of the emergency department.

You ensure compliance with all hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols during every shift.

You facilitate difficult conversations with staff, clients, and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and maintain a professional atmosphere.

You contribute to the development and implementation of clinical protocols that improve patient outcomes and team clarity.

You act as a clinical resource for the entire emergency team, providing expert guidance on complex cases.

Requirements

You hold a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.

You bring 2+ years of emergency and critical case management experience.

You are willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment with diverse colleagues and clients.

You must be comfortable in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.

You commit to maintaining top-tier customer satisfaction and hospital revenue production.

You are flexible to perform a mix of clinical and administrative duties.

You are willing to lead and support fellow doctors, including administrative tasks during off hours.

You are authorized to work in the United States and do not require work authorization sponsorship.

You are able to start within 30 days of hire.

You have the right to practice in the state of Massachusetts.

You are able to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

You have current licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.

Nice to have

One year of leadership experience in emergency veterinary medicine.

Training in emergency surgery or endoscopy.

Practical notes

This role requires on-site presence per hospital guidelines.

Travel may be necessary based on hospital needs.

Typical interview steps

Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.

Good to know

Emergency veterinary medicine operates in high-stress, time-sensitive conditions where rapid decisions affect animal welfare.

Teams rely on structured protocols and clear communication to maintain consistent patient care.

Continuous learning is central to this field, with ongoing training in clinical advances and customer experience.

Collaboration across roles ensures smooth operations and alignment between clinical and administrative responsibilities.

Career growth often follows demonstrated leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to mentorship in veterinary settings.

Career growth

Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.