• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald: Be a real mentor

February 17, 2009
Kevin Fitzgerald, PhD, DVM, DABVP

Dr. Fitzgerald explains why we should all be real mentors.

Untitled Document

Be a real mentor

Each generation finds the one that follows it to be spoiled, talentless, and tremendously unmotivated. We all remember our parents and grandparents iconic tales of walking to school barefoot, Depression era heroics, and the pride of the self-made man. It appears natural that every generation finds the next one to be pampered and lazy. The reality is that this is never true. Each generation has its own trials and challenges. Each generation has to face its own unique problems, threats, and moments of truth.

How do you view members of the next generation? With skepticism or with confidence? What are you doing to help them meet their trials? People throw the word mentor about too easily these days. Real mentors do more than just give advice, hint, or moralize. Real mentors lead by their own example. Real mentors show their charges how to live and are their most vocal advocates. Real mentors instill confidence but also admonish any nonconstructive behavior. Real mentors build a solid framework by which young people can succeed. Real mentors nurture character and are compasses for success. Real mentors make time for their charges and give of their talents unselfishly. They provide wise counsel and instill confidence, but they also encourage the young to try the waters on their own. Real mentors are simply training wheels, off soon enough so the bicycle can move and balance on its own.

Advertisement

Do you know a young person that you can nurture? Is there someone at your practice that you can help to succeed? Someone to encourage and counsel? If you are up to the task, undoubtedly, you already know someone that would benefit from your attention. I am constantly amazed at how motivated many of today's young people are. Amazed at how they view world challenges, at how aware they are of the problems that they are going to have to face, and at how much they want to learn. Are you ready to invest in a young life? Take a chance with some deserving young person you know. You won't be sorry. What do we ever lose by helping others? The front desk staff, technicians, young veterinarians, and the children of clients all look up to you. Whether you know it or not, you have a huge responsibility to teach, encourage, and mentor.

Many people made time for you and helped you to succeed. Can you do any less? Let your impact on the next generation be positive. Let your investment in the future start with the next eager, bright young face quietly watching you for direction.

See you next week, Kev

Related Content:

Career DevelopmentLeadership & Personal Growth
The significance of Women's History Month
The significance of Women's History Month
3 generations of inspiration
3 generations of inspiration
Female veterinary surgeon spotlights women who inspire her
Female veterinary surgeon spotlights women who inspire her

Advertisement

Latest News

CE: Why tapeworms matter

Freshpet and Petco partner launch fresh pet food subscription

AAHA Con heads to San Diego

VHMA announces latest class of CVPMs

View More Latest News
Advertisement