Mentorship Program
Mentorship is recognized as a key component of personal and professional development in the health care professions, including the veterinary field. ACVP members: Learn more about ACVP’s Mentorship Program as a Mentee or Mentor and enroll by April 15!
Mentorship Program Overview
ACVP is pleased to offer this unique members-only opportunity. The Mentorship Program is open to Diplomate, Trainee, and Allied Professional members.
Mentorship is recognized as a key component of personal and professional development in the health care professions, including the veterinary field. Finding an effective mentor thus represents an important step in the veterinary pathologist’s career. However, establishing and maintaining a productive mentorship relationship is challenging for veterinary pathologists for several reasons, including the fact that many work in relatively small divisions comprising only a few to no pathology colleagues.
A mentor provides support, a sounding board, knowledge, encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback to the mentee by developing a relationship that encourages growth.
A mentee seeks guidance in career and professional development from a more experienced individual. Mentees are responsible for their own career and professional development.
Program Goals
The ACVP mentorship program aims: (1) to provide veterinary pathologist mentees with mentors from outside of their organizations; (2) to provide a basic framework of mentorship training to mentee and mentor participants; (3) to help ACVP members develop professionally.
This 12-month program (beginning annually on May 15) will focus on developmental mentorship (ie, not training of any specific kind) to support veterinary pathologist mentees in their career development and professional pursuits.
The ACVP Mentorship Program is not affiliated with any training or residency program, and operates independently of any training institute.
Program Resources
Apply by April 15 to participate in the 2026-27 program
Applications for ACVP Diplomate, Trainee, and Allied Professional members to enroll as a mentor or mentee for the 5/1/5-26-5/14/27 Mentorship Program are being accepted now through April 15.
Please note, while the Lifelong Learning Committee aims to ensure successful pairing of all interested members, a perfect match is not guaranteed and, on rare occasion, a suitable mentor or mentee may not be available for every enrollee. All individuals who apply will be notified of pairing by May 15.
What mentees are saying about the ACVP Mentorship Program
“The mentor-mentee pairing was excellent. I feel like I’ve known my mentor all my life and feel very comfortable talking with her.”
“My mentor is amazing and exactly what I needed for this point in my career. Having recently started a new job herself, she had a lot of feedback throughout my job search and was hugely supportive. Thank you for connecting us!”
“It was wonderful. I hope everyone who might benefit from this program hears about it and signs up!”
“I’ve gained small tips that have resulted in big positive life changes and gotten great career advice!”
What mentors are saying about the ACVP Mentorship Program
“I was really happy with my match and think we both benefitted from the relationship. I hope ACVP continues and expands this program!”
“The volunteer nature of the program is ideal in that the mentees have to show some interest in the process from the start. It is really driven by the mentee.”
“My match was a perfect fit.”
“The program has allowed me to get to know the next generation of pathologists and how they see the profession evolving.”
Hear from Participants: Path Chat with Mentees
Learn more about the program from this April 2022 Path Chat: “A Year in the ACVP Mentorship Program, Mentees Share All.”