(Reprinted from the Maryland Veterinarian)
"Driving home from Blacksburg, VA, after completing my second year serving the Virginia Maryland Regional College as a mentor at a college I did not attend, I thought about my alma mater. I wish they had a similar program and that I lived close enough to participate. Then I thought about all the Maryland and Virginia graduates who either are unaware of the program, or are not involved, and the experience they are missing."

What is a mentor and what can a mentor do?

Mentor (mìn-tôr) n: a trusted adviser whose experience and wisdom help guide the personal and professional development of another individual. As a mentor, you will develop a relationship with your students based on open and honest communication. You will establish a trusting partnership and share your experiences with them. You want to be a motivator and build your student's confidence. This is your chance to inspire, guide and build a lasting relationship for a future colleague and have an opportunity to glean new ideas and information from the students. This mentor program is a "Two Way Street" of sharing experiences and knowledge.

Who can sign-up to be a mentor?

Any veterinarian can be a mentor. It does not matter where or when you graduated from veterinary school, your professional and personal experiences can and will help guide current veterinary students. You do not have to be a member of one of the 3 VMAs, (Virginia, Maryland, or West Virginia) but it is encouraged to be a part of YOUR professional association.

How does the Mentor program work?

The members of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland Veterinary Medical Association and West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association volunteer their time to become mentors to students at VMCVM. When you sign-up to be a mentor, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association will assign you with one or more students based on the following information:

Area of practice interest
Home state and city
Other requests

How does the Mentee program work?

Veterinarians who are members of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland Veterinary Medical Association or West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association volunteer their time to become mentors. When the student signs up for the Mentor Program, you will be partnered with a veterinarian based on the following information:

Area of practice interest
Home state and city
Other requests