All successful people have had a mentor at some point along their journey who helped shape their career. For veterinarians, mentorship is a critical part of the transition from student to doctor. While mentoring takes additional time and leadership, helping a new veterinarian grow more competent and confident is greatly rewarding. At VCA, we celebrate Mentor Appreciation Week the second week in March to recognize mentors for their commitment and encourage future mentors to play a role in shaping the next generation of veterinary medicine.

We talked with Wendy Deal, DVM, area medical director and mentorship program coordinator at VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital to understand the role and what makes a great veterinary mentor.

Here are some key qualities and practices she shared:

1. Passionate About Teaching and Continuous Learning

A great mentor is passionate about both teaching and learning. They actively seek opportunities to share their knowledge and experience with mentees, while keeping up with the latest developments in veterinary medicine. This enthusiasm for continuous learning encourages mentees to adopt a similar mindset.

2. Shares Medical and Interpersonal Feedback

You’re not helping them grow if you’re not giving feedback–it's a gift. A mentor needs to be able to give constructive feedback. Some mentors are completely focused on the medical side, which is usually where they are more experienced, but you also need to be able to give feedback around interpersonal skills to help mentees better communicate with clients, collaborate with their team and keep up with records.

As a veterinarian and a leader in the hospital, delegation is essential, but there is a fine line between under delegating and over delegating. It’s important to help mentees learn when to delegate and when to take the lead, which can be complicated depending on the mentee’s level of confidence.

3. Models Professionalism

Great mentors exemplify professionalism in all aspects of their work. They demonstrate ethical behavior, maintain high standards and show respect for colleagues, clients and animals. By modeling these behaviors, they set a positive example for mentees to follow.

The fact that you are a doctor means you’re a leader. For new doctors, the hospital environment can be tricky to navigate with team members who are the same age or have more tenure. It’s important that as a leader you understand the roles of the team and your role as a leader in the hospital. Be that leader who steps in when needed! Be a role model for stress management by avoiding venting or complaining in front of mentees and focusing on teaching coping and problem-solving skills instead. One way to manage your own stress—and a great strategy to teach a new doctor—is to communicate scheduling preferences and expectations with the front desk.

4. Encourages Critical Thinking

Challenging mentees to think critically and independently helps them develop problem-solving skills that are essential in veterinary medicine. Guiding them through the diagnostics encourages mentees to analyze situations, ask questions and recommend solutions.

For example:

What are you thinking about this?

What have you learned from the labs?

What are your rule outs? And why?

What are the other symptoms?

What would you recommend next?

Any sentence that starts with what, why, or how can help encourage critical thinking!

5. Adapts to Different Learning Styles

Everyone learns differently and everyone has their own style. Mentors should be proactive and ask their mentees for feedback too. How do you like to learn? What has been most helpful for you? Are you getting enough feedback from me?

6. Committed and Accessible

As a mentor it’s our responsibility to make sure the experience is working for the mentee. It’s a commitment and requires checking in frequently. I recommend setting aside 30-60 minutes a week to share more personal feedback, coaching and offer space for the mentee to give you feedback. Simple questions like, “How you are doing?” or “Do you want to do more?” can be great conversation starters.

I also suggest 10–15-minute daily check-ins where you can encourage critical thinking by asking mentees if they need help with any cases.

Don’t assume they’re doing okay even if they tell you everything is great–observe them, ask the techs for feedback and review their records. And don’t forget to make time to reflect and celebrate their growth!

Summary

Whether you’re guiding a nervous new graduate through their first surgery, offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times or simply sharing a piece of wisdom that resonates for years, your impact as a mentor is immeasurable.

A great veterinary mentor is someone who inspires, guides and empowers their mentees to achieve their full potential in the veterinary field. Through their passion, expertise and supportive approach, they leave a lasting impact on the careers and lives of those they mentor.

Learn more about mentorship at VCA.