THE BUSINESS OF PRACTICE: SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
need help with then I reach out immediately to whom I deem the most appropriate. How did these people become mentors? As I
stated earlier, I try to surround myself with people who have more knowledge and experience than me. I actively look for people who I feel would be helpful or inspirational to me. Some of these relationships have evolved over many years and started back when I was a kid. But others have come through acquaintances or people I have come into contact with through my everyday business. My advice is to always look around for people who might inspire you and/or become possible mentors. What can a mentor offer? Especially for those of us who are in mid career or even late in our career?
2. Inspiration How many of us have felt like quitting or felt burn- out later in our careers? A mentor can inspire you to become focused and possibly help you to remem- ber why you chose veterinary medicine.
3. Experience
As we mature in our practice lives we start to face different problems. It might be more employees, more veterinarians, and more paperwork. A good mentor is someone who has the experience and re- sources to help you navigate through the different things you encounter.
4. Retirement Advice
Who do we talk to about retirement advice? What if you are the first person retiring in the practice?
Conflict of Interest The Author declares no conflicts of interest.
Someone who has been there and done that would probably have some very good advice.
5. A Pat on the Back
As I walk into my practice every morning as I have done for over 20 years, I try to come up with ways to motivate myself and keep everybody else motivated in the practice. As each year goes by I think to myself why do I do this and how do I keep a positive attitude and continue to try to make my practice flourish, change, and grow. I seek out one of my mentors and they help me realize how fortunate I am and how great a career veterinary medicine can be and what a good job I’m doing. Sometimes it is just that little pat on the back from someone you respect and trust who makes you realize what a great job you really have. There are many reasons to have mentors and I
have touched on just a few of them. But don’t be afraid to seek someone else’s help and don’t be afraid to tap into someone else’s knowledge and talent. It doesn’t matter what stage of practice you are in, it is always nice to have a mentor.
Acknowledgments
Declaration of Ethics The Author has adhered to the Principles of the Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA.
