Mentorship in Veterinary Medicine
By Dr.
Rebecca Stinson, Student Services Representative, AVMA Trust
Finding the
right mentor matters – especially in a field like veterinary medicine. In fact,
gaining a mentor is one of the most commonly cited goals of graduating
veterinarians pursuing their first position in the profession.
Yet, when
you ask what mentorship means to these graduates, you will get a variety of
answers. Some focus on clinical case management, others on clinical decision
making, and some on identifying the “zebras” in veterinary medicine. But is
that all there is to mentorship?
What is the
appropriate role of the mentor? How do you identify a mentor? And what actions
can you take to promote the development of a mentorship relationship?
The role
of a mentor
Providing
guidance on case management is a key role of a mentor. The transition from
veterinary student to veterinarian can be challenging. It can feel overwhelming
to manage patient care while researching bloodwork, ruling out possible
conditions, and looking for the best course of treatment –all while wishing
that a favorite clinician was there to answer your questions.
Colleagues
within a practice can be a great source of mentorship around case management. They
can offer insights on personal experiences with disease processes, share their experience
in working with clientele, and help you acclimate to the practice culture.
But true mentorship
can – and should – go beyond case management to help you develop the knowledge,
skills, and mindset for a successful career. An effective mentor can help you
develop skills that support your growth as a clinician and as a person. They may
provide a listening ear after a difficult day and offer guidance on how to communicate
through difficult conversations. Mentors may help you create a plan for career
growth and development, such as identifying training opportunities, providing
letters of support and recommendation, and introducing you to new colleagues or
opportunities. Mentorship can take on many roles.
How to
identify a mentor
Finding a mentor
can take some effort. And finding the right mentor may mean looking
outside your workplace.
Many
practices will provide mentorship around clinical case management. Don’t
undervalue this resource. But your practice colleagues may not include the
person you can talk to about negotiating a raise, working with a difficult
colleague, or dealing with challenges in your personal life.
Take time to
identify mentors outside your workplace as well. Consider joining professional
or community organizations to increase your opportunity to meet potential
mentors both in and outside the field of veterinary medicine. Making
connections in more than one field can help you connect with mentors who are
able to help you develop as you move through your career and personal life.
Promoting
a mentorship relationship
The
mentorship relationship is a two-way street. You must take an active role in
cultivating and nurturing the relationship. That may mean stepping outside your
comfort zone and inviting someone out for coffee to learn more about them.
When getting
to know a potential mentor, you will want to identify areas where you have
common ground as well as the areas of knowledge the mentor may bring to the
relationship. Do not expect that one person will be able to fulfill all aspects
of mentorship throughout your life. Look for people who can support you in both
your professional and personal life.
I once had a
veterinary student approach me after giving a presentation. The student walked
up to me and said, “You’re going to be my person.” I have been honored to be
their “person” for nearly 10 years. Over those years, we have laughed and cried
together. We have discussed career goals, professional development, balancing
life as a working mom, and so many other things. She has taught me a lot, too!
Successful
mentor relationships require that you are honest and comfortable sharing your
questions and concerns with the individual. Remember, mentors do not have to be
in the same building – or even the same town – to provide mentorship. The
essential piece is the ability to communicate and connect in a way that is
satisfying and comfortable for both of you.