We plan our professional careers logically and methodically, setting goals and marking milestones along the way, but the coolest opportunities always seem to be complete and utter surprises.
After months of waiting, I’m ready to announce my latest unexpected adventure in veterinary mentorship: a book!
A book [deal] is born
As my vet school friend and I trekked through the Dolomite mountain range this summer, finding peace and balance—along with an abundance of sweat and a few aches and pains—an email quietly slipped into my inbox. The sender, none other than the editor at Wiley, received an immediate response—my out-of-office reply.
Only after our Italian expedition, seated at the gate in the Venice airport, did I return to the online world and find that little email waiting for me.
Would you like to edit or write a book on veterinary mentorship?
Upon first reading, I thought I was experiencing some kind of delayed altitude sickness. I closed my eyes, but when I opened them, I was still staring into the face of opportunity.
Would you like to edit or write a book on veterinary mentorship?
I pursed my lips to suppress a celebratory scream. This was really happening!
Advice and decisions
This was big—and I knew I needed to lean on the wisdom of others before making a decision. I reached out to several industry friends who had been in the same situation. Some told me that it was a terrible idea, that it would demand so much of my time and provide so little payoff. As a business owner, mentor, speaker, and practicing veterinarian, this was definitely worth considering. Others were equally honest but encouraged me to pursue it, and helped me weigh the pros and cons of being either the editor or the writer. My deep love and appreciation for collaboration helped me realize that an editorial role would be the most rewarding—and practical—fit for me. I was ready to say yes.
Come together: Collaboration begins
Collaboration is my love language. There is nothing like being in a space where ideas and emotions are shared, then strengthened, sharpened, and synergized through the lens of other perspectives, reactions, and suggestions. However, unlike past collaborations where participants brought their specialized knowledge or diverse viewpoints to the table, this project would require each contributor to share their information and insights alongside what many would perceive as their direct competitors in the industry.
In print.
In the same veterinary mentorship book.
What happened next was my second surprise.
When I reached out to my 20+ contributors with this enormous ask, they all responded with a resounding ‘yes.’ Their unanimous support and sense of collegiality highlights their deep belief in the value of mentorship and its vital role in advancing veterinary medicine.
We had ourselves a book!
Contributor sneak peek!
Books are long-range projects. While the work is already underway, it will be at least 12–18 months before we see a printed copy of our veterinary mentorship book. In the meantime, I’d love to introduce two amazing contributors who will be sharing their time and knowledge for the greater good of veterinary mentorship.
Kate Boatright, VMD
Kate is a veterinarian, author, speaker, mentor, and a dear friend. I’ve been honored to share the stage with Kate for various talks on mentorship for new grads and mentors. Kate recently authored The Veterinary Mentorship Manual, a comprehensive guide to creating an in-house mentorship program for new and early-career veterinarians. Kate’s chapter will include certain aspects of this content, including how to structure a successful and supportive mentorship program and create mentorship agreements to ensure mutual benefit for both parties.
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn or visit her website for more information or to purchase her book.
Sonja Olson, DVM
Sonja is an accomplished veterinarian, educator, author, speaker, coach, and mentor. After 25 years in clinical small animal and exotic emergency medicine, Sonja’s focus shifted to well-being for veterinary professionals. Her recent work includes a well-being platform, Heartstorming Wellness, and her beautiful and important book, Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life. Sonja’s chapter will focus on building and maintaining trust in the mentor-mentee relationship.
Connect with Sonja on LinkedIn or visit her website to view her previous publications and upcoming events.
This unexpected book opportunity is only beginning, and it’s already more than I could have imagined. I am so excited and honored to help orchestrate such a timely and important book and take my mission and passion for veterinary mentorship to the next level.
To the mountain top, if you will.
In the coming months, I’ll share more veterinary mentorship book updates and contributor highlights, so stay tuned to the Ready, Vet, Go blog. Sign up for our newsletter to ensure you never miss a post!
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