Program Guidelines

Background

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 is an important step in the veterinary pathologist’s career.

The ACVP Student Engagement Committee (SEC) aims to advance veterinary pathology by supporting and encouraging veterinary student interest and participation. The goal of this committee is to establish mentoring relationships between veterinary pathologists and veterinary students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary pathology. The ACVP Veterinary Student Mentorship Program aims to utilize mentoring to connect veterinary students with diplomates to assist veterinary students in navigating the pathology profession and fostering professional relationships.

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 Veterinary Student Mentorship program aims:

• Provide veterinary student mentees with ACVP Diplomate pathology mentors from outside their institutions

• Provide a basic framework and expectations of mentorship to mentee and mentor participants

• Support veterinary students interested in entering the pathology field in personal and professional development

• Foster a professional network between pathologists and students

This 6-month program (October – April) will focus on mentorship to support veterinary student mentees in their career development and professional pursuits.

Program Eligibility

Pathologist Mentors*

Any ACVP diplomate (including early career) willing to provide support, a sounding board, knowledge, encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback to the veterinary student mentee by developing a relationship that encourages growth. Mentors should provide honest and timely feedback to their mentees. Mentors may take one to three student mentees based on their preference as indicated on the application form.

Veterinary Student Mentees

Any current veterinary student at the time of program start (October) seeking guidance in career and professional development from a pathologist. It is strongly encouraged that mentees take a proactive role within their mentoring relationship, communicating their goals and aspirations to their mentor. Mentees are responsible for their own career and professional development.

*ACVP diplomates participating in the ACVP Mentorship Program (mentor or mentees) are eligible to participate in the ACVP Veterinary Student Mentorship Program

Program Expectations

• Have a genuine interest and commitment to the mentorship program
• Commit to connecting at least six times, virtually or in person, during the program’s 6-month period (suggested 1 meeting / month)
• Establish open and honest communication
• Respect and maintain confidentiality
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions
• Complete the mentorship program Post-Program Evaluation form

Mentor/Mentee Pairing

The program will attempt to link mentors and mentees with suitable interests and areas of expertise based on the enrollment questionnaire.  If either the mentor or mentee is uncomfortable with the pairing at any stage during the Veterinary Student Mentorship Program, or decides the mentorship is not successful, the Early Mentorship Closure process can be initiated.

There may be situations when the mentor/mentee relationship ends prematurely.  It should be noted that not all mentee and mentor relationships work out, whether it be interests, schedule or personalities and it is to be expected that some relationships will need early closure. The relationship can be ended with a “no fault” closure after informing the program coordinators. In all cases, participants will be encouraged to participate in future programs. Early mentorship closure can be initiated by either party, and explaining the reasons for closure is not required. This “no fault” closure attributes no blame on either party. Either party can initiate closure directly or can contact the program coordinator to facilitate this process.  All conversations should be professional and respectful. 

Suggested Meeting Framework

The following are some suggested meeting topic ideas, but they are flexible based on the mentee’s interests and needs.

Meeting 1: Introductions

• Brief introductions
• What is the mentee expecting from this program?
• What is the mentor expecting from the mentee?
• How many sessions would you like to conduct as well as the duration of each session?
• What mode do you prefer the sessions to be in: online, phone, in person (e.g., ACVP annual meeting)?

Meeting 2: Sharing mentor’s career journey

Learning about the mentor’s personal journey can give a mentee insight into how the field has changed over time, how they overcame obstacles, and what secrets lie behind their success. The mentor may share their career journey, by discussing: 

• How they selected the field they are in.
• What steps did they take to reach their current position?
• A time they felt like quitting but bounced back from the situation.
• Something they wish they knew prior to entering the field and/or taking their current position.
• A time they had to handle a conflict with a boss or colleague.
• Any relevant resources they used while on the journey to their current position.
• A lesson they have learned from their own mistakes.
• A step, hurdle, or change in their career they encountered that they did not expect or plan for and how they handled it.
• What is most rewarding or challenging in their career and how this may have altered their journey?

Meeting 3: Discuss mentee career goals and long/short term goals

Discussing goals allows the mentor to understand why the mentee is involved in this program and what they expect to achieve from the mentor/mentee relationship. The following questions may help elucidate the mentee’s goals:

• What does the mentee want to achieve in the next six months?
• How does the mentee wish to achieve those goals?
• How does the mentee measure their success?
• Where does the mentee see themselves right after veterinary school graduation?
• Where does the mentee see themselves five years after veterinary school graduation?

Meeting 4: Work-life balance and well-being

The mentor and mentee can discuss the following topics focused on achieving a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being:

• How do you currently manage the balance between your work and personal life?
• Are there any areas you would like to improve?
• What self-care practices or routines have you found effective in maintaining your well-being?
• How can you effectively manage stress and avoid burnout in a demanding work environment?
• What strategies can you adopt to establish boundaries and manage time effectively?
• What are some small changes or habits that have had a big impact on improving your work-life and well-being balance over time?
• For mentors, what practices or habits do you wish you had adopted earlier to improve your work-life balance?

Meeting 5: Topic of interest to both mentee/mentor

Potential examples of topics include:

• How do you envision the field changing over the next five, ten, or twenty-five years?
• How do you stay up to date with technology, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence?
• What actions can veterinary students take during veterinary school to be prepared for residency and becoming a pathologist?
• What are some important topics to learn or ask about when considering various training programs?
• Do you have a plan or goals for your career? Do you think they will change?
• How have you been most successful in networking?

Meeting 6: Review Outcomes

During your last meeting, ensure to end on a positive note with a celebration commemorating time together.

• Exchange preferred methods of contact (e.g., email, text, phone call) if the mentee would like to stay in touch.

At the conclusion of the program, please complete the emailed ACVP Veterinary Student Mentorship Post-Program Evaluation form. Feedback is crucial to continued improvement of the program.