NVA
Learn, connect, & grow with our network-wide General Practice mentorship program
When joining an NVA General Practice hospital as a new graduate, you are eligible to participate in a fully personalized up to 12-month mentorship program, guided by an experienced mentor.
The goal of this program is to work in collaboration with any existing on-site mentoring, add another layer of hands-on education and guidance, and offer next-level support and resources beyond what any individual clinic could provide to prepare you to take on the "day-to-day" with confidence.
Overall Program Highlights:
Dedicated New Grad Mentors
Dynamic and personalized program – able to customize based on individual DVM needs
Provide up to 12 months of overall guidance and support, building opportunities for growth as a new vet
Augment and reinforce existing in-clinic training and mentoring with experienced DVM support
Focus on foundational skills with in-person, quarterly, one-on-one support
Balanced Curriculum
Build confidence in diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills
Enhance surgical skills through core surgical skills review and repetition of common elective procedures, including increasing dental proficiency
Support transition from classroom to clinic with personal and financial wellness initiatives
Time management feedback and discussions
Community Connection & Collaboration
Engage with and build a network of other new DVMs and mentors for learning and outreach
Wellness meetings (via Zoom)
Social activities that promote healthy life balance and overall wellness
Case reviews with peers
Networking events
Learn more about the benefits of our GP Mentorship Program
Meet the Mentors
Caitlin Vaughn
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
Christine Brennan
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
OR, WA
Megan Brown
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
CO, MD, NY, PA, WV
Christine Brennan
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
OR, WA
Megan Brown
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
CO, MD, NY, PA, WV
Rena Carlson
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
AK, ID, MT, ND, NE, SD, WY
Lara Davies
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
FL
Emily Doemland
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
IL
Amanda Ensor
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
GA, TN
Sara Goldstein
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
NJ, NY Metro, PA
Lawrence Hill
DVM, DABVP (canine and feline)
Supports New Doctors In:
IN, KY, MI, OH
Abe Jonatan
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
AL, AR, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS
Marston Jones
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
IA, IL and WI
Amy Kafer
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
CA, NV, UT, WA
Michael Lawton
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
AZ and CA
Jodi Long
DVM, MS
Supports New Doctors In:
NM, OK, TX
Beth Neuman
DVM, Lead Mentor
Supports New Doctors In:
AZ
Katrina Schimmel
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
MN, NC, SC, VA
Caitlin Vaughn
DVM
Supports New Doctors In:
CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
“
It was great to have a resource for surgery coming out of a school with little to no surgical experience."
- Nicole Fernous, Associate DVM Mentee
“
It was nice to have someone there to help hold your hand in times that you needed it."
- Melissa Diaz, Associate DVM Mentee
“
I’m so glad to be a part of the new NVA [General Practice] mentorship program. It has given me more tools to use as a new doctor and I even find myself sharing the information with the more seasoned doctors at my practice. There are classes/CE courses that cover a wide array of topics (everything from dermatology to Addisons to oncology) and what I like about them is that they are to the point and so intensely helpful for what I encounter in everyday practice. We also do case reviews every few weeks and it’s really neat to not only learn tips and tricks from our mentor and fellow new doctors, but also to chat about our experiences, whether they be medical in nature or not.
Through this program, I have realized how much more I enjoy learning and discussing cases/disease management now than when I was in vet school. To have my own clinical experiences and then be able to discuss them, tweak my protocols and approaches to certain cases, and see all the different ways there are to get from point A to point B is awesome!
To any new doctor considering the program - stop considering and do it! You WILL learn and you WILL feel so much more confident overall. I’m always happy to chat if you have questions.”
- Dr. Kara Duh, Waterville Veterinary Clinic in Waterville, NY
“
I’m so glad to be a part of the new NVA [General Practice] mentorship program. It has given me more tools to use as a new doctor and I even find myself sharing the information with the more seasoned doctors at my practice. There are classes/CE courses that cover a wide array of topics (everything from dermatology to Addisons to oncology) and what I like about them is that they are to the point and so intensely helpful for what I encounter in everyday practice. We also do case reviews every few weeks and it’s really neat to not only learn tips and tricks from our mentor and fellow new doctors, but also to chat about our experiences, whether they be medical in nature or not.
Through this program, I have realized how much more I enjoy learning and discussing cases/disease management now than when I was in vet school. To have my own clinical experiences and then be able to discuss them, tweak my protocols and approaches to certain cases, and see all the different ways there are to get from point A to point B is awesome!
To any new doctor considering the program - stop considering and do it! You WILL learn and you WILL feel so much more confident overall. I’m always happy to chat if you have questions.”
- Dr. Kara Duh, Waterville Veterinary Clinic in Waterville, NY
“
As a new grad, I am continuously improving my knowledge base as I step out into the practicing Vet Med world. Having graduated in May of 2022, I’ve only been practicing medicine for a short while. As a new grad, we all want the same thing, a space that will support us and allow us to grow into the doctors that we dreamed we would always be. The first few years out of Vet school are the years you build the foundation of the kind of doctor you will be. So it goes without saying that we all look for mentorship to help us starting out. NVA was my perfect fit, their resources and mentorship program is the additional support that I knew I wanted so that I could meet all my goals as a new grad. My favorite part of this mentorship program is that you can add another lifeline to call on when you get some of those tricky and complex cases, especially being a new doctor. The program allows you to have access to some great free virtual CE lecture to brush up on some of the things that can help you manage your day to day in the clinic. From dealing with behavioral cases, to more-in depth feline medicine, and even gaining more comfortability with steroid use in our patients. NVA has just the right amount of support and resources without the restriction of a cookie-cutter application of medicine. I highly recommend NVA to all my fellow new grads, the support, and resources available to you as an NVA doctor is perfect for growing into your own confidence as a new doctor.”
- Dr. Samantha (SJ) Stephens, Strawbridge Animal Care, Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of topics does the program cover?
Mentorship on Medical Competencies, such as:
Physical exam basics
Anesthesia
Client education on preventatives
Technical skills (e.g., IV catheter placement)
SOAP basics
Physical exam pediatric, geriatric, and orthopedic
Client education on euthanasia
In-house laboratory
Surgery reporting
Physical exam of non-critical sick patients
Client education on refining treatment plans
Reading radiology
Medical records – dental charting and reporting
Surgical skills – spays/neuters + more
Dentistry – including a full day wet lab
Behavior
CPR
Endocrinology
Cardiology fundamentals and emergencies
How to do a thorough neuro exam
Thoracic and abdominal radiology
Dermatology
Urethral obstructions
Wound management
What types of events does the program include?
Wellness / Professional Development Events, such as:
RACE-approved continuing education events
Whole person, perfectionism and your inner critic
Climbing Mt. Debt
You too can survive a liability claim!
Growth mindset
Mental health in the workplace
Crucial conversations (conflict resolutions)
Client interaction coaching
Lunch and learns on various topics
Local speakers
Social events
How do I fit this program into my schedule?
We partner with hospital leadership teams to ensure time to participate is made available to you. Communicating with your HLT and mentor as to any constraints or concerns is key to the success of this program.
What type of commitment does the program involve?
Average of 4-5 hours per month
Two virtual small group case reviews per month
One cohort meeting per month with our Community Team complimenting whole person development
One cohort meeting per month with a medical or surgical focus (topics vary)
Quarterly in-person meeting with mentor (usually your surgery day to allow for coaching/training/other support)
Quarterly social meeting
Network-Wide Mentorship
