@readyvetgo_ If you haven’t reached out to connect with your local specialists, here’s your reminder to do so! They are a wealth of information, are in service to not only the patients and cases that we share with them, but many of them are there to support us as general practitioners when needed as well. Vet med is a team sport and the specialists play an important role. Get to know your local specialist! And for you specialists out there, if you’ve heard of a new grad being hired at a local clinic, give them a call, let them know you’re available! New grads, what’s been your experience with your local specialists? And specialists, how do you like to be communicated with m by local GPs? #lessonsfromthefloor #readyvetgo #newgradvet #vetspecialist #colleagues ♬ original sound - readyvetgo_
There I was…
Scrubbed in, gowned up, and staring down at an open patient with no idea what to do next.
OK, not no idea.
I asked my scrub nurse to grab the phone and dial the local specialist, whom I’d known for many years.
He answered on the first ring and talked me through my case—right there in real time.
Veterinary specialists aren’t just resources for clients or patients; they’re also invaluable partners for general practitioners. Here’s why every new grad should connect with their local specialists and how to get started building your network.
4 Reasons to engage with your local specialists
Aligning yourself with local specialists provides numerous advantages throughout your career.
#1: Expanded support system
Novel cases, strange results, and moments of doubt are not exclusive to new grads. Having a team of local specialists who are available for more than referral helps you manage unexpected situations with confidence and support.
#2: Better patient care and client trust
Reliable access to expert advice helps you provide better care and ideally improve patient outcomes. When clients know you’re consulting with a specialist, it shows that you’re thorough, collaborative, and committed to finding the best solution for their pet.
#3: Greater learning and professional growth
Specialists can serve as valuable mentors and sounding boards, allowing you to gain exposure to and understanding of advanced cases and techniques. Rather than referring out a case that feels beyond your depth, you gain first-hand experience and understanding that will stay with you.
#4: Stronger professional reputation
The veterinary community is a small one. As specialists become more familiar with you and your work, referrals and collaboration become smoother and more effective. Remember, in addition to being part of good patient care, referrals foster goodwill and reciprocal support, helping you navigate your early years as a veterinarian.
How to connect with local specialists
Reaching out to specialists can feel intimidating, especially as a new grad. Avoid feeling starstruck by remembering that they’re people, just like you and me, and most of them love sharing their expertise.
Start with small, authentic gestures and watch your network grow!
Hello, my name is…
Send a brief email or a handwritten note, or make a quick call whenever you begin a new role or relocate to a new area. Introduce yourself, express your interest in collaboration, and let them know you’re a new or early-career veterinarian.
Leverage referral cases for maximum learning
Take an active approach by calling the specialist directly when referring a case. Be prepared to ask questions to learn from the case, demonstrate your interest, and build rapport.
Ask if they’d be open to providing support
Show respect for professional boundaries and the specialist’s time by asking if they’d be OK with you calling for guidance or support—even when you don’t intend to refer.
Don’t be shy about asking for guidance
Once you have their permission, calling for advice, discussing tricky cases, or asking for recommendations shows specialists that you value their expertise and your relationship. Specialists will remember and appreciate clinicians who engage with them thoughtfully and are eager to learn—even without formal referral.
Attend local CE and professional events
Live events increase your visibility and help you make a strong impression. Join your local veterinary medical association, attend CE events and mixers, stop in at open houses, and participate in workshops. Look for specialist-led opportunities to build personal connections.
Join local online groups
Increase your reach and build or maintain relationships by engaging with local professional groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms. This can be a great way to hear from multiple perspectives and may be the preferred form of communication for busy specialists.
Maintain relationships with regular communication
Brief check-ins help support professional relationships, express gratitude, foster collegiality, and ensure mutual benefit. This step is easier if you take the time to get to know the specialist, beyond what they can do for you. Don’t forget to check in periodically, even when you don’t have a referral or need support!
Breaking through common barriers to build lasting connections
Reaching out to accomplished board-certified veterinary specialists can seem daunting, especially as a new grad. If the thought of cold calling a specialist to introduce yourself sends your imposter syndrome into overdrive, silence your inner voice with these realities:
- Feeling intimidated? — Specialists may be highly skilled and educated, but they’re people, just like us, and very approachable. Most importantly, they were once new grads, too!
- Worried about time? — Everyone is busy—including you—but small gestures can be the start of strong bonds.
- Don’t want to “bother” them? — Most veterinary specialists love and welcome collaboration. Many enjoy teaching and see it as part of their role.
May you always need help—and know where to find it
As the founder of a mentorship program, it might be strange to say I hope you always need help. But the reality is, recognizing our need for more information, insight, or expertise is where growth begins. Building a rapport with local specialists is more than knowing who to call when you need to refer a case or follow up. It’s about having a supportive resource in your corner when the path is unclear, a sounding board to help you refine your clinical judgement, and a professional ally to help you grow.
Reach out to your local specialists this week and let me know how it goes!
Need help building a strong foundation for your career? Ready, Vet, Go Veterinary Mentorship is an innovative online program and community that helps new and early career veterinarians build confidence, gain independence, and experience greater joy. Visit our FAQ page to learn more about what we offer or get in touch with our team.