In veterinary medicine, we often talk about the importance of mentorship. The right mentor can shape a young doctor’s career, provide guidance when decisions feel heavy, and remind us why we chose this path in the first place. But what happens when a fresh graduate can’t seem to find that guiding hand?
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I recently received a message from a young colleague. She graduated last year, is preparing for the boards, and is currently working in a non-veterinary job to make ends meet. She admitted how difficult it has been to find the right mentor in our field. And then she said something that moved me deeply:
“Doc, reading your posts makes me feel like I have one.”
It reminded me that mentorship is not always formal. Sometimes it’s not about being inside the same clinic, shadowing during surgeries, or sitting down for long case discussions. Sometimes mentorship can be found in words—consistent reminders, shared lessons, and honest reflections that reach people even from afar.
Mentorship does not always arrive in the way you expect.
To every young veterinarian who feels lost, please know this: mentorship does not always arrive in the way you expect. It might not be a senior vet in your hometown, or a professor you admired in school. Sometimes it comes in the form of stories you read, communities you join, or even a simple post that speaks to your heart when you need it most.
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And to my fellow senior vets: never underestimate the power of what you share. Your experiences, struggles, and even short reminders can become a lifeline to someone quietly searching for direction. What feels ordinary to you may be extraordinary to them.
Mentorship is not just about teaching skills.
In the end, mentorship is not just about teaching skills. It’s about making someone feel that they are not alone in this journey.
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Sharing this helps others understand what it really means to be a vet. Like and follow if you’re with us.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
