If you work in a facility that may not offer formalized training for students, technicians, or new graduates, just dipping your toe into a mentoring role can elevate yourself, your practice, and the mentee.
Do you remember that first time you got to neuter or unblock a cat, or diagnose a dog with Cushing’s? Did you have a pet owner look at you, knowing they understood what was happening with their pet because you had the words and skills to help? Do you remember how scary it was when you did not feel you had those skills? Did you have someone with you who helped you navigate that and pushed you past the face of imposter syndrome?
We will refer to my someone as Dr Sushicat, to protect me after Dr Sushicat reads this. She may have seemed unapproachable at first but was exceedingly kind and filled with the knowledge and experience from a lifetime in the emergency room. Dr Sushicat was always ready with pearls of wisdom that, to this day, 20 years later, I still share because it is as pertinent today as it was then.
This article originally appeared on dvm360.com on Sept. 19, 2023, as part of Thrive Pet Healthcare's Strategic Alliance with dvm360.
