The Impact of Near Peer Mentorship
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July 10, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the official launch of our Near Peer Mentorship Program for 2024! This initiative is about giving our New Grad hires the social and emotional support they need as they start their journey with us. This initiative is supported by VetLife and has continued to grow for over three years. The positive impact of this connection is felt by both mentors and mentees.
Last year Dr. Alexis Payette, Spring Harbor Animal Hospital, was a mentee who leaned on the connections her mentor provided to help guide her, “My experience with the Near Peer Mentor Program was incredibly positive. When there was unexpected turnover at my home clinic, it was really great to be able to have help from other veterinarians in the area. Even when my mentor wasn't able to help, she posed my questions or forwarded my emails to her coworkers. My questions always were thoughtfully answered and that was so valuable. My mentor vet even connected me with one of her coworkers who took relief shifts at my clinic so I was able to get in-person mentorship and advice. It is great to have a Near Peer mentor as a resource because you just may need help from beyond your own clinic. I did not expect to need help, but when I did, reaching out was a great first step.” This year Dr. Payette is volunteering to be a Near Peer Mentor herself.
As a two-time mentor in the Near Peer Program, Dr. Sandhya Arya, Troy Animal Hospital, encourages anyone thinking of becoming a Near Peer Mentor to take the leap. She shares her insight after being a part of the program in 2023, “All you really need to become a peer mentor is a willingness to help (and a little bit of extra time). You don't have to be in your tenth year of practice or have completed several courses on mentorship—and I think that's part of the point in enlisting recent grads to mentor new grads. My biggest concern about being a peer mentor was the ever-present sense of impostor syndrome; I barely feel like a functioning vet most days, what makes me qualified to "mentor" anyone else? My first year as a Near Peer Mentor showed me that this position is less about my knowledge of veterinary medicine specifically and more about my personal experiences in transitioning from school to work life. I was able to empathize and share in common experiences, which was far more empowering than I expected. I felt just as validated by my mentees as I hope they felt by me. And if there was ever anything I couldn't answer or help with directly, Vetcor allows me access to incredible resources that support me to in turn support my mentees.”
A special shout out to all of our incredible Near Peer Mentors for 2024, whose dedication and generosity make this program possible. These mentors are volunteering their time to listen, support, and inspire our new team members. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the impact they will contribute.
- Dr. Erika Aamodt, Rose City Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Sandhya Arya, Troy Animal Hospital
- Dr. Brianna Boone, University Place Vet
- Dr. Lakin Bronkar, Inwood Animal Center
- Dr. Robert Butler, Brookside Veterinary Clinic
- Dr. Julia Christman, Riverside Animal Hospital
- Dr. Jessica Contenza, Douds Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Jessica Dobbs, Tara Animal Hospital
- Dr. Katie Eckart, Sheffield Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Alexandria Elizeus, St. Francis Animal Hospital
- Dr. Gabby Fry, Jennings Vets
- Dr. Brittany Gagliardi, Pet Shield Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Amanda Gold, San Clemente Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Kristin Judy, Airway Animal Clinic
- Dr. Tatyana Kalani, Littleton Animal Hospital
- Dr. Katelyn Keenen, Ashburn Village Animal Hospital
- Dr. Niloufar Keramat, Princeton Vet Clinic, Oakridge Vet Clinic
- Dr. Calvin Kidd, Karns Animal Clinic
- Dr. Katrina Larkin, Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic
- Dr. Stephen Levert, ABC Animal and Bird Clinic
- Dr. Morgan Lewis, Atrium Animal Hospital
- Dr. Zoe Maglaris, Animal Medical Center - Skokie
- Dr. Shannon Millikin, Grace Animal Hospital
- Dr. Ana Pantin, Ashburn Village Animal Hospital
- Dr. Alexis Payette, Spring Harbor Animal Hospital
- Dr. Alejandra Robles, Golden Oaks Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Shelby Silvia, Bethel Animal Hospital
- Dr. Sydney Simmons, All Animals Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Bryanna Snipes, Rock Hill Animal Hospital
- Dr. Bryanna Souza, All Animals Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Erika Stafford, Heritage Animal Hospital
- Dr. Sara Stevens, Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park
- Dr. Matthew Tanhauser, Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital
- Dr. Taylor Thomson, Kiel Vet Clinic
- Dr. Stephany Vasquez-Perez, Alpine Animal Hospital
- Dr. Margaret Virnich, Portage Veterinary Clinic
- Dr. Brittany Weicht, Inwood Animal Center
- Dr. Nicole Wilson, Cinnaminson Animal Hospital
- Dr. Jonathan Young, Veremedy Pet Hospitals
Thank you to all our Near Peer Mentors for your unwavering support and for making a positive impact on the lives of our New Grads. If you are on Team Vetcor, graduated in 2023, 2022, or 2021, and are interested in supporting your colleagues as a 2024 Near Peer Mentor, please contact Keanna Sandoval at ksandoval@vetcor.com. Read more about VetLife and discover our other programs designed to support our veterinarians.
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