Welcome back to a new season of the  "So You're a Vet, Now What?" podcast. This week, host Dr. Moriah McCauley takes you on a nostalgic journey back to her final year of vet school with her classmate and close friend, Dr. Dani Poll. Together, they revisit their "Scrubbed In" miniseries recorded during their final year at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on their journey through vet school, filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a glimpse into the highs and lows of veterinary education. Whether you're a vet student, a recent graduate, or a mentor, we hope these stories provide inspiration and insight into the rewarding world of veterinary medicine.

Episode Outline

[00:00:37] - Mentorship Models and Guest Insights

[00:01:20] - Guidance for Vet Students and Mentors

[00:03:09] - Entering Clinical Rotations

[00:05:22] - Transition from Lectures to Clinical Practice

[00:06:43] - Early Inspirations and Farm Life

[00:10:35] - Overcoming Adversity and Financial Considerations

[00:17:15] - Differences in Veterinary Practices by Country

[00:23:12] - Mo's Application Challenges and Success

[00:30:13] - First Year Reflections and Adjustments

[00:36:04] - Comparing Vet School to a Marathon

[00:39:32] - Future Episodes and Social Media

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Dani: https://www.loopabroad.com/faculty/danielle-poll-dvm/

Connect with Dr. Dani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-poll-8b86a5159/

Follow Dr. Dani: https://www.instagram.com/poll_dani/

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley/ 

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

On this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley delves into the importance of empathy and nonverbal communication in veterinary and medical professions. Building on last week's discussion, Dr. Moriah explores whether these essential skills can be taught to professionals at any stage in their careers. Drawing from research, she introduces a 2014 study that breaks down the concept of empathy into an acronym, serving as a practical teaching tool for enhancing nonverbal communication. Tune in to discover how subtle differences in clinician posture can significantly impact patient perceptions and learn actionable insights for fostering empathy in practice.

Episode Outline

[00:01:20] Teaching empathy through nonverbal communication.

[00:05:16] Teaching nonverbal communication in veterinary care.

[00:08:18] Facial expressions in communication.

[00:12:55] Nonverbal communication in empathy.

[00:16:40] Tone of voice in communication.

[00:19:40] Hearing the whole patient.

[00:23:19] Nonverbal communication in veterinary care.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley/

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Dr. Josh Rosen for a continuation of their discussion on clinical empathy. After debunking common myths in the previous episode, they now shift focus to the pet parent's perspective. The conversation delves into the roadmap pet parents navigate during their time at the hospital and explores practical ways to implement clinical empathy in daily veterinary practice. Whether you're a final year vet student or a recent graduate, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to patient care. Tune in to learn how to elevate your empathetic interactions in your next appointments.

Dr. Joshua Rosen is an experienced veterinarian and influential voice on social media whose passion lies in sharing the value of clinical empathy in veterinary medicine. Through his content, Dr.Joshua shares not only why clinical empathy is valuable to both veterinarian and pet parent, but how veterinary teams can implement clinical empathy in their daily practice. 

Episode Outline

[00:00:49] Clinical empathy perspective shift

[00:04:26] Clinical empathy benefits everyone.

[00:09:00] Receptionists are the bread.

[00:11:08] Culture of empathy

[00:15:24] Delegation is important

[00:18:22] Recognizing discomfort through body language.

[00:22:25] Trusting vets after bad experiences.

[00:25:59] Signposting in veterinary care

[00:28:00] Showing clinical empathy

Episode Links

Visit DogtorJosh’s website: https://www.dogtorjosh.com/

Follow DogtorJosh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_dogtorjosh

Connect with Dr. Joshua Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-rosen-24030935/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Dr. Joshua Rosen, an experienced veterinarian and advocate for clinical empathy in veterinary medicine. Together, they explore three prevalent myths surrounding clinical empathy and discuss the challenges veterinarians face in implementing it within their daily practice. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned vet, this episode offers valuable insights and tips to enhance your clinical approach. Join them for an engaging conversation that aims to inspire and improve the way veterinary teams connect with pet parents.

Dr. Joshua Rosen is an experienced veterinarian and influential voice on social media whose passion lies in sharing the value of clinical empathy in veterinary medicine. Through his content, Dr. Joshua shares not only why clinical empathy is valuable to both veterinarian and pet parent, but how veterinary teams can implement clinical empathy in their daily practice. 

Episode Outline

[00:01:11] Myths of clinical empathy.

[00:04:32] Clinical empathy in veterinary practice.

[00:09:13] Teaching clinical empathy skills.

[00:12:33] Clinical empathy skills development.

[00:16:25] Empathy and physician burnout.

[00:19:43] Importance of boundaries in empathy.

[00:22:48] Clinical empathy protects against burnout.

Episode Links

Visit DogtorJosh’s website: https://www.dogtorjosh.com/

Follow DogtorJosh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_dogtorjosh

Connect with Dr. Joshua Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-rosen-24030935/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Garth Robillard, a third-year vet student and host of the Veterinary Vibes podcast. Together, they discuss the challenges and potential impacts recent legislation may have on the future of veterinary graduates over the next two to three years. The episode encourages listeners to engage in discussions within their veterinary schools and practices regarding these changes.

Garth Robillard is a podcast host and third-year veterinary student with a deep passion for animals and a strong commitment to promoting excellence in the field. As a student immersed in the world of veterinary care, Garth is excited to lead insightful discussions and interviews with industry experts, and dedicated to delivering engaging and informative content to our audience. As a passionate advocate for animals and their well-being, Garth realized that behind every medical case and every treatment, there are stories of dedication, compassion, and resilience that deserve to be heard. To create a space where veterinary students and professionals can share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs Garth started the Veterinary Vibes Podcast. Ultimately, Garth’s aspiration is twofold: to inspire those considering this remarkable vocation and to bolster the spirits of those who are already an integral part of it.

Episode Outline

[00:00:52] Feedback acceptance in veterinary schools.

[00:04:14] Importance of receiving feedback.

[00:08:31] Proposition 129 and its implications.

[00:12:21] Veterinary technician role expansion.

[00:14:40] Veterinary Professional Associations' Opposition.

[00:20:02] Mentorship in veterinary practice.

[00:22:16] Veterinary technician licensing challenges.

[00:26:05] Voter education and misinformation.

Episode Links

Midlevel practitioner Proposal:

https://www.avma.org/news/midlevel-practitioner-proposal-secures-enough-votes-colorado

Listen to Garth’s podcast, Veterinary Vibes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-vibes/

Connect with Garth Robillard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garth-robillard-23516a174

Follow the Veterinary Vibes podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VeterinaryVibes

Discover more from Garth Robillard: https://linktr.ee/veterinaryvibespodcast

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Garth Robillard, a third-year vet student and host of the Veterinary Vibes podcast. Together, they dive into Garth's experiences as a vet student, focusing on the transition from didactic learning to clinical practice. They discuss how this shift can reignite passion for veterinary medicine and the importance of applying knowledge in real-world settings.

This episode is part one of a two-part series where Dr. Moriah and Garth Robillard cover a lot of ground. Join us next week for part two of their conversation.

Garth Robillard is a podcast host and third-year veterinary student

with a deep passion for animals and a strong commitment to promoting excellence in the field. As a student immersed in the world of veterinary care, Garth is excited to lead insightful discussions and interviews with industry experts, and dedicated to delivering engaging and informative content to our audience. As a passionate advocate for animals and their well-being, Garth realized that behind every medical case and every treatment, there are stories of dedication, compassion, and resilience that deserve to be heard. To create a space where veterinary students and professionals can share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs Garth started the Veterinary Vibes Podcast. Ultimately, Garth’s aspiration is twofold: to inspire those considering this remarkable vocation and to bolster the spirits of those who are already an integral part of it.

Episode Outline

[00:02:06] Clinical year experiences in vet school.

[00:03:46] NAVLI pass rate decline.

[00:09:54] NAVLI exam preparation challenges.

[00:12:10] Critical reasoning in exams.

[00:16:29] Veterinary education and preparedness.

[00:20:27] Learning outside veterinary school.

[00:22:00] Didactic vs. Tactile Learning.

[00:26:11] The importance of feedback.

[00:28:36] Feedback in vet school.

Episode Links

Listen to Garth’s podcast, Veterinary Vibes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-vibes/

Connect with Garth Robillard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garth-robillard-23516a174

Follow the Veterinary Vibes podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VeterinaryVibes

Discover more from Garth Robillard: https://linktr.ee/veterinaryvibespodcast

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by dear friend and fellow Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies graduate, Dr. Dani Poll. Dr. Dani and Dr. Moriah both graduated in 2020, and their friendship has been a cornerstone as they have navigated the ups and downs of their veterinary careers. In this second part of their conversation, they delve into the importance of recognizing personal limits in practice, especially for those just starting out.

This episode is part two of a two-part series where Dr. Moriah and Dr. Dani dive deep into their experiences during vet school and their very first year in practice.

Dr. Dani grew up in northern Utah. She grew up on a farm which was part of her inspiration to pursue veterinary medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Utah State, and then attended veterinary school in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dr. Dani took full advantage of living abroad and travelled as much as she could. She spent some time in South Africa working with wildlife, especially rhino’s. She also spent some time rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles in the Maldives who had been victims of ghost nets. She has also participated in spay and neuter programs to help to decrease wild cat and dog populations.

After finishing vet school, she came back to Utah to work in a small animal general practice that focuses on teaching vet technicians as well as future and current vet students. It’s here she found a love for teaching and helping others grow. Dr. Dani also volunteers at her local shelter to help neuter animals before they are sent out for adoption. She takes vet students with her to help them build their surgical skills.

Dr. Dani recently left general practice and is doing relief work while she builds a new vet practice in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Moose and Nala. She also enjoys playing piano, travelling to new places, and loving any animals she comes in contact with.

Episode Outline

[00:02:17] Pushing your limits in practice.

[00:03:33] Imposter syndrome and growth opportunities.

[00:07:34] Mentorship experiences in veterinary practice.

[00:10:19] Mentorship and individual growth.

[00:15:48] Lean into the hard.

[00:17:03] Supporting veterinary technicians' growth.

[00:20:34] Teaching and Trust in Growth.

[00:24:08] Encouragement for new graduates.

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Dani: https://www.loopabroad.com/faculty/danielle-poll-dvm/

Connect with Dr. Dani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-poll-8b86a5159/

Follow Dr. Dani: https://www.instagram.com/poll_dani/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by dear friend and fellow Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies graduate, Dr. Dani Poll. Dr. Dani and Dr. Moriah both graduated in 2020, and their friendship has been a cornerstone as they have navigated the ups and downs of their veterinary careers. In this episode they relive the not-so-glory-days of vet school and their first year in practice, sharing everything they wish they’d known when they first graduated.

This episode is part one of a two-part series where Dr. Moriah and Dr. Dani dive deep into their experiences during vet school and their very first year in practice.

Dr. Dani grew up in northern Utah. She grew up on a farm which was part of her inspiration to pursue veterinary medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Utah State, and then attended veterinary school in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dr. Dani took full advantage of living abroad and travelled as much as she could. She spent some time in South Africa working with wildlife, especially rhinos. She also spent some time rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles in the Maldives who had been victims of ghost nets. She has also participated in spay and neuter programs to help to decrease wild cat and dog populations.

After finishing vet school, she came back to Utah to work in a small animal general practice that focuses on teaching vet technicians as well as future and current vet students. It’s here she found a love for teaching and helping others grow. Dr. Dani also volunteers at her local shelter to help neuter animals before they are sent out for adoption. She takes vet students with her to help them build their surgical skills.

Dr. Dani recently left general practice and is doing relief work while she builds a new vet practice in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, Moose and Nala. She also enjoys playing piano, travelling to new places, and loving any animals she comes in contact with.

Episode Outline

00:00:48 - Vet School Memories

00:01:45 - Transition from Vet School to Practice

00:02:21 - Reflecting on the First Year

00:03:11 - Expectations vs. Reality

00:04:23 - Decision Fatigue and Imposter Syndrome

00:06:05 - Opening a Practice

00:07:38 - Vet School Preparation

00:09:25 - Real-World Challenges

00:11:18 - Mile Wide, Inch Deep Education

00:12:07 - Spectrum of Care and Communication Skills

00:13:00 - Are We Selecting the Right People for Vet School?

00:16:05 - Vet School Interview Process

00:21:00 - Trust and Performance in Vet Med

00:23:42 - Honesty with Clients

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Dani: https://www.loopabroad.com/faculty/danielle-poll-dvm/

Connect with Dr. Dani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-poll-8b86a5159/

Follow Dr. Dani: https://www.instagram.com/poll_dani/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley continues her conversation with Dr. Lindsey Hedges, Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners, diving deeper into the theme of mentorship in veterinary medicine.

They reflect on the importance of intentional mentorship, discussing how regular check-ins and open communication can significantly enhance the mentoring experience for both mentors and mentees. Dr. Hedges shares insights on the challenges mentors face, particularly around providing surgical time and appropriate scheduling, and emphasizes the need for mentors to actively engage with their mentees to understand their needs. This episode is a valuable resource for both current and aspiring mentors looking to improve their mentoring skills and create a more supportive environment for veterinary professionals. Tune in to gain practical tips and learn how to foster effective mentorship in your practice.

Dr. Hedges is the Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners. A 2011 graduate of Purdue University CVM, she worked as an associate veterinarian for three years before opening her own denovo small animal clinic. In creating her practice, she was guided by her passions for fostering leadership in all employees, promoting Fear Free practices, and forming strong bonds in the community.

She has facilitated the Indiana VMA Power of 10 Leadership program since 2015 and currently sits on the IVMA Executive Board. Dr. Hedges is an avid board game geek and hosts monthly Dungeons and Dragons sessions with her friends. She lives in Lebanon, IN with her husband, two cats, and two dogs.

Episode Outline

[00:01:46] Mentor skills development.

[00:05:19] Mentorship and feedback dynamics.

[00:09:06] Safe words for feedback conversations.

[00:11:36] Surgical experience through mentorship.

[00:17:07] Surgical skills development.

[00:20:02] Mentorship in veterinary careers.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Hedges:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlindseyhedges/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Lindsey Hedges, Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners.

Following a recent survey on veterinary mentorship, many new grad vets revealed they didn’t get the mentorship they were promised when they entered the industry. Breaking down this alarming feedback, Dr. Moriah and Dr. Lindsey explore how mentorship is not just about providing answers; it's about fostering an environment where new graduates can learn, grow, and develop their own professional identities. Ultimately, it is about lighting a fire within both mentors and mentees, ensuring that the cycle of learning and support continues for future generations of veterinarians. Together, they dive into these unmet mentorship expectations, the current state of mentorship, and explore what mentors and mentees can both do to fix it.

Dr. Lindsey Hedges is the Senior Director of Veterinary Mentorship at Mission Veterinary Partners. A 2011 graduate of Purdue University CVM, she worked as an associate veterinarian for three years before opening her own denovo small animal clinic. In creating her practice, she was guided by her passions for fostering leadership in all employees, promoting Fear Free practices, and forming strong bonds in the community.

She has facilitated the Indiana VMA Power of 10 Leadership program since 2015 and currently sits on the IVMA Executive Board. Lindsey is an avid board game geek and hosts monthly Dungeons and Dragons sessions with her friends. She lives in Lebanon, IN with her husband, two cats, and two dogs.

Episode Outline

[00:01:32] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.

[00:04:11] Mentorship challenges for new grads.

[00:08:29] Mentorship expectations in practice.

[00:14:25] SMART goals for veterinary surgery.

[00:18:00] Mentorship and professional development.

[00:20:43] Feedback and mentor relationships.

[00:23:58] Emotional intelligence in communication.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Hedges:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlindseyhedges/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley revisits her favorite conversation with Dr. Tannetje Crocker, an esteemed veterinarian, friend, and mentor. Dr. Crocker shares her inspiring mentorship journey, detailing her transition from an equine-focused background to her current role in small animal practice. As she reflects on her experiences since graduating from vet school ten years ago, she emphasizes the importance of not only clinical knowledge but also the human connection in veterinary care. This episode serves as a valuable resource for vet students and recent graduates seeking guidance and insight into building a successful career in veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Tannetje Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER Veterinarian for Veterinary Emergency Group in Dallas, TX. Recently she was excited to purchase Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. She plans to continue her support of fellow veterinary professionals, both virtually and in person through her various endeavors.

Dr. Crocker Pet Vet is dedicated to nurturing the future of veterinary professionals. Their unwavering mission is to empower veterinary students and young veterinarians, instilling them with passion and dedication for their chosen path. Their core belief is that being a veterinarian is not merely a job but a profound calling. With this belief, they’ve crafted a unique approach that prioritizes creating an environment conducive to growth, success, and personal fulfillment. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and a supportive community, they pave the way for the next generation to flourish in their veterinary careers and positively impact the lives of animals and their owners.

Episode Outline

[00:01:45] Career transition from equine to small animal.

[00:06:39] Client communication in veterinary medicine.

[00:08:50] Connection with pet owners.

[00:11:21] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.

[00:17:19] Mentorship in veterinary school.

[00:19:24] Mentorship without explicit agreements.

[00:24:27] Levels of mentorship in veterinary.

[00:28:18] Networking in veterinary medicine.

[00:35:26] Mentorship for veterinary students.

[00:39:34] Mentorship matchmaker concept.

Episode Links

Learn more about Dr. Crooker: https://drcrockerpetvet.com/dr-crocker-pet-vet-educating/

Follow Dr. Crooker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tannetje.crocker/

Follow Dr. Crooker on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.tannetje.crocker/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.