AVA graduate mentoring program update

Since the launch of our national graduate mentoring program in October 2015, we have connected over 1700 final year veterinary students about to transition into the profession with a mentor.

The purpose of our program is to facilitate mentoring relationships so that experienced mentors can share advice, knowledge and individual experiences with a new graduate or mentee. Through our mentoring scheme, we hope to establish a mutually beneficial professional relationship that creates a positive transition to the veterinary profession and highlights the collegiality that is so profound in this industry.

Participants join our twelve-month program voluntarily, and by doing so, agree to connect with their mentoring partner at least once a month. The program is structured to enable both the mentor and the mentee to get the most out of the relationship, however, not everyone wants structure. In some cases, our mentors have developed a more informal relationship with their mentee, and we offer guidance and resources for this scenario as well.

This year, 183 final year students have joined the program which kicked off on 1 September.

The process of finding the best match between mentees (students and new graduates) with a prospective mentor is an intensive one. The team assesses special interests and career needs outlined in each application form and all consideration is given to ensure that the requirements of both the mentee and mentor are met.

What is interesting to note with each new cohort is that there is always a stand-out request for a particular mentor type. In 2022 it was a mentor with avian/exotics experience, this year, the most common request has been for mentors who have worked overseas, particularly the US or UK.

We ask graduands to share their top five career path interests with us, as this helps us to identify who might be the most suitable mentor. This year, the preferences have been quite varied; thankfully we have mentors across Australia with vast career experience to meet these diverse career path pursuits.   

We see our mentoring program as a powerful means to longer-term professional and personal development, a key step towards building a sustainable and effective veterinary workforce. This could not be achieved without the generous support of our mentors who are willing to dedicate their time to support another.

On behalf of the 1700 graduates you have guided through their first year in the profession, thank you!

Monika Cole and Ellen Simpson 

The AVA Graduate Mentoring Program is proudly sponsored by our long-standing supporters, Guild Insurance, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Provet/Covetrus.

If you would like further information about the AVA Graduate Mentoring Program, please visit our website, or contact monika.cole@ava.com.au

Testimonials 

“I would recommend the AVA Mentoring Program to everyone, whether they are future mentees or wanting to become a mentor. It is an important part of improving the transition to practice experience.” – Dr John Anstee - Mentor

_{Dr John Anstee}

I love being a part of the mentoring program and watching our new colleagues grow and blossom. It is a great experience and a way to feel a part of this community.”– Dr Louisa Poutsma – Mentor since 2015.

 _{Dr Louisa Poutsma}

“My first 6 months have been an incredibly steep learning curve not only for my practical skills and knowledge but for how I deal with the emotional challenges of being a vet. My mentor has been with me every step of the way, helping to work through my doubts, grief, anger and confusion. There was more than one moment where speaking to my mentor allowed me to see things in a better light and stop me from leaving the vet profession”. – Dr Cathryn Saunders-Donaldson – Mentee 2021

 _{Dr Cathryn Saunders-Donaldson}

“The AVA mentoring program really helped my transition to practice straight out of uni. I was able to access a known source of valuable information through my mentor. Their guidance on financial aspects, general practice management and expectations as a new grad was so valuable. It was also extremely beneficial to debrief with them after a rough day, gain advice on a complicated case, or generally have a chat about being a vet nowadays. I really think all new grads would benefit from this.” – Dr Sarah Hall – Mentee 2021