How to Hire a Medical Director: The Complete 2026 Guide for Med Spas

You're launching a med spa. You have a business plan, a list of services, and a vision. But there is one hire that will determine the legal and clinical fate of your entire enterprise: your Medical Director.

Hiring a physician is the most critical partnership you will form. It is not just a box to check for compliance; it is the foundation of your practice. A great director is a mentor and a partner. A bad one is a passive liability that exposes you to immense risk. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find and hire the right one.

Step 1: Understand the "Why" (The Role's True Importance)

Before you search, understand what you're hiring for. This person is legally responsible for:

• Compliance: Ensuring your practice adheres to state laws, including the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM).
• Delegation & Supervision: Legally delegating procedures to your team (NPs, PAs, RNs) and providing the required level of supervision.
• Protocols: Developing and signing all of your clinical SOPs, from injectables to laser safety.
• Complication Management: Serving as the expert and guide when an adverse event occurs.

Step 2: Define Your Ideal Candidate (The "Who")

Your needs will dictate your search.

• On-Site vs. Remote? First, check your state's laws. Some states require a specific level of on-site presence.
• The Mentor vs. The Collaborator? Are you a new RN who needs hands-on training? You need a mentor. Are you an experienced NP with 10 years in aesthetics? You need a collaborator who respects your expertise.
• The Brand vs. The Practice? Do you need the brand prestige of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, or the practical expertise of an MD/DO who is passionate about aesthetics and mentorship?

Step 3: The Search (The "Where")

This is where most owners get stuck.

• The Traditional (Hard) Way: This involves weeks of networking, calling local hospital systems, emailing colleagues, and begging pharma reps for a name. It’s slow, uncertain, and you have no idea if the candidate truly understands aesthetics or the director role.
• The Modern (Smart) Way: This is where a dedicated service like MedSpire Health becomes your indispensable partner. Instead of a manual search, you tap into a pre-vetted, national network of physicians who are:
  • Licensed in your state.
  • Experienced in medical aesthetics.
  • Trained on the specific roles and responsibilities of a medical director.
  • Ready to partner with a practice like yours.

This streamlined approach saves you months of time and, more importantly, ensures you are partnering with a qualified professional, not just the first doctor who said "yes."

Step 4: The Interview (The "How to Vet")

Once you have a candidate, you must ask the right questions.

1. "What is your philosophy on supervision and mentorship for our providers?"
2. "Describe your experience in managing common aesthetic complications."
3. "How available are you by phone or text for an urgent clinical question?"
4. "Are you familiar with our state's specific rules on delegation to RNs and NPs?"
5. "What do you see as your primary role in helping this practice succeed?"

Step 5: The Agreement (The "How to Formalize")

Never, ever work on a handshake. You must have a comprehensive Medical Director Agreement drafted by a healthcare attorney. This contract must clearly define roles, responsibilities, compensation (a flat monthly fee is standard to avoid fee-splitting), availability, and termination clauses.

Hiring your medical director is the first and most important "right" decision you can make. Take the time to do it correctly.