EP 174: I Was Promised Mentorship, But Didn't Get It... Now What?

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

Welcome to another insightful episode of "So You're a Vet. Now What?" This week, Dr. Mariah McCauley is joined by Dr. Addie Reinhard, founder, and CEO of MentorVet, an external mentorship program for new veterinary graduates. The discussion centers around the challenges that arise when promised mentorship doesn't meet expectations and how to address them effectively.

Starting a new job as a veterinarian can be exciting, but when the mentorship promised during the hiring process falls short, it can be disheartening. Dr. Reinhard shares valuable insights on how to handle such situations and take charge of shaping your own mentorship. Communication is key, and Dr. McCauley and Dr. Reinhard explore ways to have open discussions with mentors or practice managers to express your needs and expectations.

Recognizing that mentorship is a personalized experience, they discuss the importance of creating individualized mentorship agreements at the start of your career, setting clear goals, and being open to adapting as circumstances change. They also highlight the significance of seeking support outside of the practice, such as peer support and external mentorship programs.

Dr. Reinhard emphasizes that it's normal to encounter challenges and moments of cynicism in one's veterinary journey, but rather than giving up, she encourages new graduates to engage in candid conversations and work towards fostering positive change in their practice environments. By taking initiative and being assertive, young veterinarians can actively shape their mentorship experiences and ultimately contribute to a healthier veterinary profession.

Whether you're a recent graduate or a final-year vet student, this episode provides practical tips and strategies to overcome mentorship challenges and thrive in veterinary medicine. So tune in, take notes, and embark on your journey with confidence and purpose! If you want more support in your early career, be sure to check out MentorVet and discover the power of external mentorship in your professional growth.

Remember, success in veterinary medicine is not about avoiding challenges, but how you face them and grow from the experience. Stay tuned for the next episode of "So You're a Vet. Now What?" and don't forget to take care of yourselves along the way!

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode intro
• [01:35] Dr Mariah McCauley welcomes Dr. Reinhard
• [02:50] What to do if you do not get the expected mentorship
• [05:05] Structuring the mentorship dilemma
• [07:06] Seeking external mentorship
• [09:02] Mentorship agreements
• [11:59] Preventing the development of cynicism in mentorship
• [14:35] Episode wrap up
• [16:11] The end

Show Links

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/product-page/the-yellow-pages-are-dead-digital-marketing-for-vets

Connect with Dr. Addie Reinhard

• Website
• LinkedIn