The MentorVet Connect program, brought to you by the AVMA, builds on an established platform that has been proven to provide successful mentorship structure for new veterinarians and mentors.

Both mentors and mentees receive training at the outset, before any pairings are suggested. Once a mentorship relationship is established, MentorVet Connect provides a structured program to help make the pairing successful:

• Mentees and mentors complete profiles and receive virtual training.
• The platform suggests possible pairings to the mentee.
• The mentee contacts potential mentors.
• Pairs interested in pursuing a possible mentoring relationship hold a one-hour virtual meeting to get started and to determine goals for the relationship and preferred methods of communication.
• The platform sends periodic reminders to both mentee and mentor to connect.
• After six months, the mentee and mentor decide whether to extend the mentorship relationship or discontinue it.
• Mentors and mentees can get engaged with the MentorVet Connect community and participate in webinars and ongoing development.

The entire mentorship relationship takes place remotely, using digital meeting software or phone conversations. Mentors and mentees control their own experience, deciding together whether to establish a relationship and how often to connect. While the platform suggests connections, the mentor and mentee decide together whether the pairing is right for them.

Any AVMA member who is licensed and has at least one year of experience can apply to become a mentor through MentorVet Connect. Volunteering as a mentor is a rewarding and practical way to give back to the profession we love, and the program makes it simple and provides you with tools to be an effective mentor.

To get started, all you have to do is fill out the registration application. If the MentorVet team finds that you would make a great mentor, you will then complete a five-hour mentor orientation, eligible for 5 hours of RACE-approved CE, and create your mentor profile. Then, just sit back and wait for the platform to pair you with potential mentees.

Become a mentor

Any AVMA member who graduated from veterinary school in the Class of 2018 or later can sign up to be paired with a mentor free of charge though MentorVet Connect. For new graduates, if you graduated as a member in good standing of your campus SAVMA chapter, you qualify automatically for AVMA membership—including mentoring. 

To get a mentor, here’s all you need to do:

• Fill out the mentee registration form and mentee profile.
• Participate in a one- to two-hour virtual training on how to be a successful mentee.
• When the platform suggests potential mentors beginning in July, choose one or more to reach out to and connect.

Get a mentor