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| Veterinary problems are always less confronting when discussed with a mentor over morning tea... |
When I was a new graduate, I was struggling to
intubate a dog with airway problems. Flustered, concerned about the patient, terrified
I was making things worse, I called a neighbouring practice and the vet there –
her name was Sue – dropped everything, drove over, showed me what to do and gave
me a hug.
“You couldn’t pay me a million dollars to relive my
first six months out”.
she said.
Her words – although alluding to the stress of
being a new-grad – were an instant balm. Knowing this incredible, generous
woman had been through what I was going through and survived – but acknowledged
it had been stressful to her – made me suddenly feel not alone. She didn’t make
me feel bad for interrupting her day. She didn’t make me feel like I was out of
my depth in this job because I couldn’t do something simple. She acknowledged
it was tough and offered her support.
Sue drove away again and I’ve not seen her since.
She was not a formal mentor, but that is a moment of kindness, that informal
mentoring moment, is one I will never forget and certainly one which gave me
confidence to reach out to colleagues. It also taught me the importance of
being there for others.
I’ve learned there are dozens, even hundreds of
people like Sue in our profession. Vets, nurses, technicians, specialists – so many
are so willing to help if asked. Which brings me to mentoring.
Have you ever considered participating in a formal
mentoring program? Mentoring is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to provide
support to other colleagues. It’s not about being a counsellor or psychologist,
rather it’s about acting as a sounding board, sharing experiences and it’s
really a two-way development process.
Most of us mentor colleagues, and are mentored,
informally. But participating in a formal program is fantastic as you receive
training and support. Both the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary
Science and the Australian Veterinary Association are seeking volunteer mentors
to match with students and new graduates. The University of Sydney program was established by veterinarian and counsellor David Foote (read more about his work here).
I am Director of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science
mentoring program at the University of Sydney, so I think it’s safe to say I am
sold on the benefits of mentoring. But I thought I’d ask some other mentors
about their experiences. Drs Cathy Warbuton, Bill Howey and Kim Lim were happy
to share their thoughts and some lessons learned along the way.
Dr Cathy Warburton
Why did you become a mentor?
I did not have a great time in my first job and my
determination to succeed made me stay longer than was healthy. A wise mentor
may have helped me to choose a different practice to start in, brain-stormed
coping strategies with me so that I could better survive the experience and/or
helped me to see that the problem was not all mine and I might be better to cut
my losses and leave. I find it very rewarding to be that objective person
easing somebody elses’ transition to practice. The happiness that comes from
helping others is my other main motivation. The veterinary industry can be
amazing – and it can be tough. I want people to see more of the amazing and avoid
the unnecessary tough stuff.
Did you have informal mentors?
I have never been part of a formal mentoring
program. During my 25 year career I have had some excellent and supportive
bosses who have been informal mentors. The downside of mentor bosses is that
they have a vested interest in the outcome of your work, introducing potential
bias in to the interaction. The best informal mentors for me were those that
acted like a sounding board and then left you to make your decision.
What was the best advice or support you ever had from an informal mentor?
The two best pieces of advice were; 1. Do the right
thing by the pets and clients and the money will come. 2. You have to be
healthy to look after others. Do what you need to do to stay healthy.
When in your professional life would you have liked a mentor?
All through my career - although I may not have
thought that I needed one in the early days. I am your typical high achieving,
competitive vet (I like to think I only compete against myself – but maybe I am
delusional). I have been through burnout and back more than once (you would
think I would have learnt the first time!). It has taken me a long time to
realise that just because I could, doesn’t mean I should. A mentor may have
helped provide an alternative perspective on the life I was leading and
decisions I was making.
What can mentees offer in the relationship?
Enthusiasm, fresh eyes on old problems, youth,
different life experiences sometimes in other industries. A mentor-mentee
relationships is definitely a two way exchange of information and ideas – just
as any effective communication should be.
Dr Bill Howey
Why did you become a mentor?
Naively I thought I could help. Now I know my
limitations!
Did you have informal mentors?
My ‘informal mentors’ were actually my first
two employers. They were both tough; but kind. Lucky me!
What was the best advice or support you ever had from an informal mentor?
‘Common things commonly occur’. ‘When you
eliminate the common diseases there’s nothing very much left’. ‘Be positive
even if you don’t feel confident’. ‘If you can’t be sterile at least be
scrupulously clean’.
When in your professional life would you have liked a mentor?
Almost always; even after all these years!
What can mentees offer in the relationship?
I am greatly stimulated and encouraged by the
attitude and application of my mentee; this is enough. I wish I could do more!
Dr Kim Lim
Why did you become a mentor?
Having known a couple of vets that have taken their own lives, my immediate reaction was, “Why didn't they talk to someone? I felt guilty that I didn't notice”.
While
having Asian vet students on work experience, I also noticed that I had useful
skills in understanding cultural etiquette that I could pass onto them.
Did you have informal mentors?
I was lucky that my first boss was a good role
model on how to deal with clients. He also supported me during adverse
situations. The rest of it I learnt over the years talking to colleagues,
clients and other complementary practitioners.
What was the best advice or support you ever had from an informal mentor?
It doesn't matter if you come on a bike or in a
flash car, just don't be ordinary.
I put a dog down for an elderly client in my early
career and asked her if she would be alright. She replied that she had buried
her husband and her son so she would be alright with this death. I was in my
early twenties and had never buried anyone. It made me really humble and value
life lessons, not just veterinary knowledge.
When in your professional life would you have liked a mentor?
From when I was a student. I think if you are
lucky, you get some of it when doing work experience.
What can mentees offer in the relationship?
My mentee is a little older than my kids and may
become a bit of a mentor to them because what would mum know! The
satisfaction of seeing my mentee stand on more solid ground and deal with
challenges while having someone to check in with is enough for me. I am by
nature a fixer so enjoy seeing pieces of the puzzle come together.
The only 'downside' is that you feel responsible
for another young person, like having another child, you feel anxious when they
are applying for their first job, elated when they get it , anxious when they
look for accommodation etc, it is probably partly an Asian thing or maybe just
my fixing tendencies.
Thank
you Cathy, Bill and Kim.
If you’ve
thought about being a mentor but not sure how to go about it, or want to sign
up please see below. Your profession needs more mentors.
If you’d
like to sign up to mentor a new veterinary graduate, please contact Monika Cole
at the Australian Veterinary Association at monika.cole [AT] ava.com.au NB you need to retype this address with the "@" symbol.
If you’d
like to sign up to mentor a veterinary student in final year or in the DVM
program at Sydney University, please contact frances.roqueza[AT]sydney.edu.au
