In the veterinary profession, mentorship is traditionally defined as a relationship between experienced veterinarians and recent graduates who seek to expand their knowledge, confidence, productivity, and clinical skills in a private-practice setting.
Mentorship is essential to retain veterinarians in practices, and lack of mentorship has been cited as the primary reason new graduates leave their places of employment.1 However, mentorship can expand beyond the traditional roles of senior and junior veterinarians and apply to other team members. This may be in the form of a practice owner mentoring a new graduate, a lead surgical veterinary technician mentoring another technician into that role, or even a practice manager mentoring a veterinarian. Mentorship does not need to be a hierarchical relationship. It does need the mentor’s investment into teaching, coaching, and expanding the mentee’s knowledge, confidence, productivity, and clinical skills.
Related Article: Bringing on a New Associate: Is Mentorship the Answer?