Goals/Key Takeaway:
While multiple veterinarians and other team members may serve in a mentoring capacity in an in-clinic mentorship program, a primary mentor should be identified.
The Primary Mentor is responsible for coordinating the mentoring relationship(s) within the clinic to ensure the Mentoring Agreement is upheld and serves as the point person for feedback, questions, or concerns.
A primary mentor for an in-clinic mentoring program should be identified before offering mentorship in the clinic. This individual should be in the same position as the mentee (i.e., a veterinarian for a new graduate veterinarian and technician for a new graduate technician, etc). The most important aspect of selecting a primary mentor is that they be available and willing to mentor and be provided with the necessary resources. This does not necessarily mean they are the most experienced person on staff in a given position.
Key characteristics of a primary mentor:
Experienced – while there is no specific amount of experience a primary mentor needs to have, they should be competent in their role and comfortable enough with their own skills to teach others
Available – this may mean that other responsibilities, such as number of appointments, need to be lessened in the short term to create time for mentorship
Willing/Interested – the primary mentor must have a genuine interest in mentoring, teaching, and supporting others.
High emotional intelligence – the primary mentor must demonstrate positive/responsive behaviors that support a nurturing, supportive, and safe environment.
Strong communication skills – the mentor must be able to provide constructive coaching and feedback that helps the mentee learn and grow from the experience (see Topic 4).
Exceptional listening skills – while demonstrating strong communication skills, the mentor must also listen, not interrupt, and respond with presence (see Topic 4).
Patience – growing people takes patience, and finding new ways to stimulate learning to create the best environment for the mentee.
Suggested resources/training for primary mentors:
Communication skills training
Training on providing effective feedback
QPR training
Time and support from clinic management
Responsibilities of a primary mentor:
Provide medical and surgical case support
Review cases and medical records as needed
Provide feedback
Model communication and leadership skills
Advocate with leadership
Act as a liaison between mentee and the team
Support mental health and wellbeing
