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General Information

Ref #
4193
Department
Veterinarian
Job Site
Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital
Date Published
10-24-2025
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 1200000
Base Max.
$ 160000

Description & Requirements

Company Overview
Welcome to Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital, where our mission is delivering gold-standard small animal care. We proudly hold AAHA accreditation, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality medicine and operational excellence that ensures we meet the highest standards of veterinary practice. The community agrees, reflected in our excellent 4.5-star Google rating. We believe that when you feel fully supported, you can focus entirely on patient outcomes. This is your opportunity to join a dedicated group of teammates committed to helping you succeed.

As part of a larger network of hospitals, we prioritize your professional development and actively invest in the future of veterinary medicine. We ensure that all teammates have the resources needed to achieve their career goals, whether that means pursuing specialization, moving into a leadership role, or becoming a credentialed technician. We understand the power of education and provide ongoing mentorship and support programs, ensuring you are always learning and growing alongside your colleagues.

Cedar Ridge focuses exclusively on high-quality small animal medicine, backed by the robust clinical resources of our network. Our veterinarians have access to internal specialty consultations, giving you confidence and support when managing complex cases. We emphasize protocols that streamline your workflow, freeing you up to concentrate on delivering personalized patient care. This comprehensive support structure ensures you have the facilities and tools available to do your best work every day.

Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital is located in Independence, Missouri. This community provides a welcoming setting that is ideal for veterinary professionals looking to establish long-term roots. You will find that the surrounding area offers a stable and supportive environment conducive to both professional fulfillment and personal growth.
Job Description

Additional Hospital Information & Who We are Looking For: 

Lead Veterinarian Opportunity – High Autonomy | Established Caseload | Build the Practice Your Way

• Interest In: Small-animal general practice including wellness exams, preventative care, diagnostics, dental and surgical procedures, soft tissue surgery, pain management, client education, senior wellness, and chronic/complex case management. Cedar Ridge Loves Pets also offers advanced diagnostics and in-house lab capabilities to support a comprehensive approach to patient care. 

 

• Medical Lead / Experienced Veterinarian: We are seeking a seasoned veterinarian to step into a Medical Lead role as the current Medical Director transitions out. This position gives you the chance to take medical ownership of a well-established practice, absorb the existing caseload, and lead clinical standards while continuing to practice medicine predominantly. You will have the autonomy to elevate care, set medical protocols, and shape the future clinical identity of the hospital.

 

• Supportive, Experienced Technical & Support Staff: Cedar Ridge has a dedicated support team experienced in assisting with diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, imaging, treatments, and client communication — giving you the operational support you need while you focus on medicine and leadership.

 

• Layout Specifics: Full-service facility equipped with exam rooms, treatment areas, surgical and dental suites, digital radiology, in-house laboratory equipment, and workflow designed to support efficient, high-quality patient care. These tools allow you to practice broad-scope medicine with confidence.

 

Why This Is a Unique Solo Medical Lead Opportunity

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced veterinarian who is energized by autonomy, ownership of medicine, and leading independently.

 

As the current Medical Director transitions out, this position offers the chance to step in as the primary—and initially sole—veterinarian, inheriting an established, active caseload with strong client relationships already in place. Rather than stepping into an overbuilt or crowded doctor team, you’ll have the ability to lead intentionally, set the medical tone, and shape how care is delivered from day one.

 

Why veterinarians love starting as a solo Medical Lead:

  • Full medical autonomy – You are the clear leader of medicine, with no competing clinical voices
  • Immediate impact – Absorb an existing caseload and community trust rather than building from scratch
  • Control your pace and standards – Set protocols, workflows, and clinical expectations that align with your values
  • Ownership without ownership risk – Lead like an owner without the financial or administrative burden
  • Intentional growth – Participate in decisions around future doctor hiring and growth on your timeline
  • Deep connection to the practice – Build strong relationships with staff and clients as the trusted medical authority

This role is ideal for a confident, experienced clinician who prefers to lead by doing, values independence, and is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a practice personally before growing the team further.

You won’t be doing this alone — you’ll have operational and leadership support — but the medicine is yours to lead.

 

• Patient Mix: A rewarding small-animal caseload primarily comprised of dogs and cats across wellness, preventative, acute, and chronic care needs — providing clinical variety and opportunities for advanced case management.

 

Medical Lead Role Snapshot

Clinical Responsibilities (80–90%)

  • Deliver high-quality, compassionate small-animal medicine across general practice, surgery, dentistry, and diagnostics
  • Independently manage routine, complex, and chronic cases with confidence
  • Provide clear, thoughtful communication with clients regarding treatment planning and outcomes
  • Lead by clinical example on the floor, modeling excellent medicine, decision-making, and patient care standards

Medical Lead / Leader of Medicine Responsibilities (10–20%)

  • Serve as the primary clinical authority at the hospital, guiding medical standards and protocols
  • Evaluate and refine clinical workflows to support optimal patient outcomes
  • Provide clinical feedback and direction to support staff, ensuring consistency in medical delivery
  • Collaborate with leadership on equipment, diagnostics, and medical resource decisions
  • Support a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and quality care

 

Website: https://www.cedarridgelovespets.com/
Location: 1102 E 23rd Street , Independence, Missouri 64055

 

Apply today for immediate consideration!

 

If you are an experienced veterinarian ready to lead clinical medicine with autonomy and influence, we’d love to meet you.


For confidential consideration, please send your resume to Katie Shaffer at: katie.shaffer@mvetpartners.com

 

All applications and conversations are upheld with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

 

Why Independence, MO (Greater Kansas City)?

 

Located just east of downtown Kansas City, Independence offers a unique blend of historic charm, suburban comfort, and easy access to big-city amenities. Known for its strong sense of community and rich history, Independence provides an affordable cost of living, shorter commute times, and a variety of neighborhoods making it an attractive place for professionals and families alike.

 

Residents enjoy local parks, trails, and outdoor recreation, along with a revitalizing downtown area featuring locally owned shops, restaurants, and community events. Independence is also just minutes from everything the Kansas City metro has to offer including professional sports, live music, arts and culture, top-rated dining, and entertainment giving you the best of both worlds without the congestion or cost of living of larger cities.

Whether you’re looking for space to settle in, proximity to a major metro, or a community where you can truly put down roots, Independence offers a balanced lifestyle that supports both career growth and life outside of work.

 

What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like

  • Build Lasting Relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
  • Practice Your Best Medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
  • Educate and Empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
  • Collaborate and Grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.

Who We're Looking For

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
  • A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
  • A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude.

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, so you can focus on what you love.

Generous Compensation

Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.

Commitment to Growth

Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.

The Power of a Network

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

Peace of Mind

Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.

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.

#AVMA

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