Mentorship: Make it personal to keep it professional

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It’s been 2 decades since I first stepped foot in the veterinary world. From the over-eager assistant who thought they knew it all, to an experienced certified veterinary technician helping to shape new professionals—it’s been a wild ride. I went from being trained to leading training sessions, and along the way, I learned that this field is as rewarding as it is relentless.

Throughout this journey, I’ve crossed paths with countless people in roles such as supervisors, senior technicians, directors, coworkers, teammates, and friends. However, among them, a select few stepped up and wore the badge of mentor. There was the brilliant, borderline intimidating surgeon who not only changed my career path but, quite literally, altered the course of my life. A clinician with a heart as big as her skills stood by me in moments that I didn’t even realize I needed a hand with, pushing me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Then there was the academic who taught me that words could wield as much power as a scalpel when used with intention. These mentors walked with me through different chapters of my journey, leaving permanent imprints on who I am today.

Why mentorship matters—and why it’s not just a buzzword

Mentorship isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s critical in a field like veterinary medicine where burnout rates are high, and compassion fatigue is real. Did you know that nearly 50% of veterinary professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers?¹ Having a mentor who can guide, uplift, and challenge you to keep going can make the difference between staying in the field or burning out.

For me, mentorship goes beyond textbook definitions. It’s not about a “sage on a stage” spouting wisdom. Real mentors see your potential even when you’re doubting it. They dig in with you, guide you through the messes, and remind you why you started when the going gets tough. This isn’t just anecdotal—studies show that employees with mentors are 5 times more likely to be promoted and 22% more likely to stay with their current organization.² Mentorship cultivates loyalty and growth, not just for mentees but for entire teams.

What real mentorship looks like

The best mentors I’ve known were strong, fearless, and fiercely committed to seeing others succeed. They didn’t just hand out “pearls of wisdom” from behind a podium; they got down in the trenches. They opened doors, held up mirrors, and sometimes, when I needed it most, pushed me out of my comfort zone. They made me uncomfortable. They made me dig deeper, question more, and become a better, healthier version of myself.

In recent years, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into the role of mentor myself—training and coaching some truly incredible people. I tried my best to channel what my mentors instilled in me, but with my own spin. Did I get it right every time? Definitely not. There were moments of failure, but those failures taught me more than success ever could. There were days when I ended up covered in fur, sweat, and exhaustion. But every step, every lesson, was worth it.

Paying it forward

My thanks will always go to those who lifted me up when I needed it, and to those who refused to let me quit when things got rough. They’ve shaped me, and I hope to keep passing that gift on to others. Mentorship in vet med is at its best when we lift each other up.

To those wondering if mentorship is worth the effort, I say this: 88% of professionals with mentors report greater job satisfaction,³ and in a field as demanding as ours, we need every ounce of support we can get. Let’s keep opening doors, building each other up, and remembering why we started this journey.

Because in the end, mentorship isn’t just about teaching. It’s about walking side-by-side, through every triumph and every mess, making sure no one has to go it alone. So, let’s connect, grow, and mentor like we’re meant to—boldly and authentically.

References

1. Steffey MA, Griffon DJ, Risselada M, et al. Veterinarian burnout demographics and organizational impacts: a narrative review. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1184526. Published 2023 Jul 4. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1184526
2. Mentorink. Mentoring Statistics 2025: Tomorrow’s Blueprint. Mentorink. Published November 14, 2024. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.mentorink.com/blog/mentoring-statistics/
3. Moore M. Promoting manager success. twomentor. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.twomentor.com/want-an-88-boost-in-productivity-say-yes-to-mentoring-your-managers/