Think remote mentorship can’t replace in-person mentorship?
We agree.
We can’t correct a new grad’s surgical technique or show them how to differentiate organomegaly from obesity on abdominal palpation. And while we can’t stand beside them or place our hands over theirs, we can equip them with skills that will underlie everything they do.
Skills that make the other stuff possible.
Skills that make the difference between an independent, productive, and satisfied associate with a responsive and invested clientele and one who burns out early with a sense of isolation and frustration.
Let’s explore how Ready, Vet, Go Veterinary Mentorship works alongside on-site mentorship programs—including a few examples from recent mentees—to help you bring out the best in your newest hires.
In-house mentorship—essential, but not always enough
The value of in-person mentorship can’t be overstated. Whether it’s part of a formal training program or just a thoughtful, hands-on effort by the team, having someone to offer guidance, real-time feedback, and support helps new veterinarians build their clinical skills and confidence.
But in the day-to-day reality of a busy clinic, this kind of mentorship isn’t always consistent—or even possible. More often than not, it ends up focused on the immediate, practical tasks needed to get through the day.
As a result, big picture concepts and skills, such as navigating tough client conversations, owning one’s growth, maintaining well-being, and contributing positively to the practice, are overlooked—potentially reducing the new graduate’s potential, production, and profitability.
Remote mentorship: The secret to sustainable success
Remote mentorship provides the time, focus, and expert guidance to address these gaps. In a flexible yet structured setting designed for thoughtful learning, collaboration, and reflection, mentees can slow down, talk through real-life struggles, ask questions without fear of judgment, and build the kind of professional confidence that’s hard to develop in a fast-paced clinical setting.
With guidance from experienced mentors and the encouragement of a peer community, remote mentees are not just learning new skills—they’re stepping into their roles with clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Virtual learning: Real-world results
In a short seven months, Ready, Vet, Go mentees illustrate the invaluable ways that remote mentorship enhances in-person learning and equips new veterinarians—and their practices—for long-term growth.
Here are a few examples:
Dr. Jordan
“[I’ve been] using ultrasound to diagnose so many things,” said recent RVG graduate, Dr. Jordan. “I performed a splenectomy yesterday after using ultrasound to diagnose a splenic mass.”
While this win may seem diagnostic or surgical, it hinged on clear, confident, and effective client communication. Dr. Jordan’s ability to propose an appropriate workup, followed by a daunting diagnosis and treatment plan, in a way that helped them feel informed, supported, and cared for helped them secure the “Yes.”
That yes led to greater confidence for this early career veterinarian, and a positive outcome for the pet, client, and practice by keeping these services in-house.
Dr. Alison
“I spoke with my manager about adjusting my work hours,” said Dr. Alison. “I was granted Friday nights off, which was my request!”
Many new veterinarians are reluctant to speak up, even when they’re struggling. But when matters go unaddressed, they can lead to serious well-being issues and drive promising professionals from your practice or even out of the field.
By providing the language and tools to voice their concerns, advocate for themselves, and propose logical solutions that benefit the practice and themselves, remote mentorship can not only help keep new veterinarians in their roles but also help them thrive. As a result, these early career veterinarians gain confidence, know how to build positive working relationships with leadership, and view workplace challenges as an opportunity for increased communication, not less.
Dr. Lauren
“I achieved successful diabetic management on a 16-year-old cat!”
A proud milestone at any stage of practice, Dr. Lauren’s accomplishment highlights how using remote and in-person mentorship together can lead to stronger outcomes.
Every veterinarian knows a clinical understanding of diabetes isn’t enough to reach this stage. Building trust with the client through clear, consistent communication and support is equally important. Dr. Lauren applied skills she learned as a Ready, Vet, Go mentee, such as active listening, empathy, personalized follow-up, and tailoring recommendations to fit the pet and caregiver’s lifestyle, to help the cat’s owner feel informed, supported, and capable.
The result? Greater compliance and a meaningful and trusting partnership with Dr. Lauren that made ongoing care—and greater self-confidence about similar future cases—possible.
Confidence changes everything: Equipping early career veterinarians for success
When remote and in-person mentorship work together, the impact is clear. New veterinarians gain the confidence and communication skills they need to connect with clients, advocate for their needs, build trust, and deliver better patient outcomes.
Veterinarians benefitting from comprehensive support are less likely to burn out, more likely to stay, and contribute to stronger, more collaborative teams. For practices, this means fewer open positions, better retention, and a more profitable and stable clinic environment. By combining the consistency of remote mentorship with hands-on, in-clinic support, practices set their new grads—and their teams—up for long-term success and limitless growth.
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 FAQs page to learn more about what we offer or get in touch with our team.