Introducing dvm360 and Chewy Health’s August Innovator of the Month: Dr. Addie Reinhard, Founder of MentorVet

Sponsored by Chewy Health

The Innovator of the Month series, sponsored by Chewy Health, spotlights veterinary professionals who are driving positive change and inspiring their peers. By recognizing outstanding clinicians, technicians, and paraprofessionals, Chewy aims to highlight impactful initiatives and promote a brighter future for veterinary medicine.

It’s no secret that burnout is a significant problem in the veterinary profession. One study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that approximately 82% of veterinarians report experiencing low to medium levels of burnout, while 18% face high levels of burnout.¹ The combination of high-stress job demands, long working hours, and emotional strain contribute significantly to the mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals​. As a profession that might better be described as a calling, veterinary medicine attracts caretakers who so often put their heart on the line for others even if it impacts their own mental well-being in the process. In such an emotionally taxing field, who then, takes care of the caretakers?

That is the question Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, is looking to tackle with MentorVet. Reinhard is a 2015 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and after practicing full-time for 4 years in the Lexington, Kentucky region and experiencing severe burnout, she realized the profound impact of mentorship in her career—and the impact it could have on others. This seed of an idea lead to the founding of the MentorVet in 2021, which is designed to equip veterinary professionals with the tools and support they need to thrive both professionally and personally. She sat down with dvm360® to discuss MentorVet and how the industry can work together to address this increasingly challenging mental health crisis.

Note: The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

dvm360: How did MentorVet come about?

Reinhard: During my early career, I experienced severe burnout a couple of times. Fortunately, I had fantastic mentors both in and out of my practice, which made a significant difference in my ability to stay in the profession. Recognizing the importance of good mentorship, I felt a calling to give back to others who might be feeling similar feelings of burnout or to prevent it in the first place.

In 2019, I left my full-time job and went back to school at the University of Kentucky with the goal of developing a national mentorship program. I conducted 2 years of research, collaborating with veterinary social workers, extension specialists, and leadership specialists. This led to the development of the first iteration of the MentorVet Leap program, which combined professional skills training, online learning, and peer support meetings. The program showed promising results, and in the spring of 2021, MentorVet was founded with Merck Animal Health as the founding sponsor.

dvm360: What inspired you to create MentorVet?

Reinhard: The inspiration came from my personal experiences with burnout and the realization that others were silently struggling with similar issues. In 2018, mental health wasn’t widely discussed in our profession. When I started talking openly about my burnout, I heard from many others who were experiencing the same but kept it in the shadows. I wanted to provide tools and resources for those silently struggling and to prevent burnout from happening in the first place.

Additionally, seeing the positive impact my mentors had on my career and well-being motivated me to create a structured mentorship program. Good mentorship can make a significant difference in a veterinarian's ability to navigate the challenges of their career, and I wanted to make this accessible to as many people as possible. MentorVet aims to provide the support and resources needed to help veterinary professionals thrive, not just survive, in their careers.

dvm360: How has MentorVet grown since its inception?

Reinhard: MentorVet has seen significant growth since its inception. Our flagship program, MentorVet Leap, has had close to 1,000 individuals complete it. We've seen significant improvements in mental health measures, including reductions in burnout and improvements in stress and well-being. We've expanded our offerings to include programs for veterinary technicians, mid-career veterinarians, and specialized certificate programs for mentors. Our growth has been fueled by collaboration across the industry and the support of the veterinary profession.

We have also built a strong network of partnerships and supporters who share our vision for a healthier veterinary profession. This collaborative approach has allowed us to develop and refine our programs based on feedback and emerging research. By continuously evolving and expanding our offerings, we aim to meet the diverse needs of veterinary professionals at all stages of their careers.

dvm360: Can you share some specific success stories from MentorVet?

Reinhard: One success story that stands out is an early-career veterinarian who didn’t recognize she was experiencing burnout until she went through our program. She spoke with her employer, made changes to her working conditions, and was able to get to the other side of burnout without leaving her practice. This transformation was significant because it showed how awareness and support can lead to positive changes in both personal well-being and professional satisfaction.

Another story involves a veterinarian who was considering leaving clinical practice. After going through our program, she decided to stay and found fulfillment in her work again. These stories exemplify what success looks like for me: helping individuals have sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Seeing these personal transformations and the ripple effect they have on the wider veterinary community reinforces the importance and impact of our work.

dvm360: What are your goals for MentorVet moving forward?

Reinhard: My ultimate goal is to help the entire veterinary profession by providing evidence-based solutions and resources at all career stages. We want to create a healthier veterinary profession where individuals have the skills to help themselves and others. Our programs aim to reduce burnout, improve well-being, and provide the necessary support and education for a sustainable career. We envision a profession where everyone can find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work despite the inherent stress.

To achieve this, we plan to continue expanding our programs and partnerships, ensuring we reach more veterinary professionals across different roles and career stages. We also aim to stay at the forefront of research and best practices in mental health and professional development. By continuously adapting and innovating, we can provide the most effective support and resources to our community.

dvm360: What does success look like for you in terms of MentorVet’s impact on the profession?

Reinhard: Success for me is seeing a reduction in the high percentages of burnout within the profession. For early career vets, the burnout rate is around 75%, and for the profession as a whole, it’s 50-60%. While we may not eliminate burnout entirely, reducing it substantially would be a significant achievement. Ultimately, success is helping individuals navigate the challenges of their careers and creating a supportive community within the profession.

Moreover, success means fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. We want veterinary professionals to feel empowered to seek help and support when needed and to build resilient and fulfilling careers. By creating a strong, supportive network and providing the right tools and resources, we hope to transform the veterinary profession into one where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

Do you know a colleague who has advanced the veterinary profession through innovation? Nominations are now open for this prestigious award program!

dvm360® is proud to partner with Chewy Health in recognizing an outstanding veterinarian and paraprofessional who are true change agents, both passionate and compassionate, all to help pets live longer, healthier and happier lives. Click here to nominate an innovator today!

Reference

1. Volk JO, Schimmack U, Strand EB, et al. Work-life balance is essential to reducing burnout, improving well-being. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024;262(7):950-957. Published 2024 May 10. doi:10.2460/javma.24.02.0135