Mentorship
The primary purpose of our mentorship programs is to provide veterinary professionals of all experience levels with exposure to emergency medicine in a controlled environment that allows them to learn and grow the skills needed to succeed in ER medicine. Our programs provide mentored, experiential, and clinical training for veterinary professionals seeking to advance their clinical and technical competence within ER medicine.
"During my journey I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians and assistants that have the same goals and passion. This passion lead me to join the educational team at AEH, and assist in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. What I love most about this program is that everyone has different learning styles and the program can be tailored to each person's individual needs"
- Kristina
Read more of our AEH mentorships stories below
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Amber “I have been passionate about animal health and welfare for as long as I can remember, and I knew from a very young age that I was going to spend my life working with and advocating for animals. After I graduated from college, I needed to fill my gap year with a job that was going to further my experience and knowledge with animals, and prepare me for the rigors of veterinary school. I applied to several jobs, but many of them had certain skill set requirements that I did not meet. Animal Emergency Hospital, however, immediately stood out to me as they explained that they are a teaching hospital that hires at any experience level and offers a mentorship program.
This program has drastically changed my life, and reassured me that I couldn’t have dedicated my life to a more perfect profession for myself. I dedicated so much of my time and effort into studying for program tests, watching educational youtube videos, and reading papers all so that I could continue to grow and progress in both the program. I genuinely love learning about anything that involves veterinary medicine, and the mentorship program has allowed me to become comfortable and confident in my skills and knowledge by combining them into practice. |
I absolutely cannot forget to give a huge thank you to my amazing friend and mentor, Annie. She put so much time and effort into teaching me, and she always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. In August, I will be leaving Animal Emergency Hospital to attend veterinary school with highly developed skills and knowledge that will benefit me for the rest of my career. My heart is shattering at the thought of leaving the place and people that not only gave me so many amazing educational opportunities, but also helped me grow stronger and more confident overall. I will be forever thankful to Animal Emergency Hospital, Annie, and the rest of my work family for uplifting, supporting, and helping me begin my ultimate dream of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.”
Annie
“I came to Animal Emergency hospital a little over two years ago with a fairly basic but proficient skill set from my previous five years of emergency veterinary experience. They explained their mentorship program to me, and I instantly felt more comfortable and excited to start growing here. Although I started as a Tier 4 in the program, I can honestly say I learn something new every day that I work. I was paired with a senior lead to teach me all of their protocols and procedures, and make sure I felt comfortable in my position.
Once I was, I was asked if I was ready to have a mentee to teach and train. I was eager and said yes, and they paired me with Amber. Watching her progress from a Tier 1 all the way to a Tier 4 now has been unbelievably rewarding. Being able to work so closely with a specific person for training is beyond beneficial. We were able to quickly identify her strengths as well as areas for improvement, and were able to better personalize her training to exactly what she needed to help her grow and be successful so quickly. It’s truly humbling to see how much she has learned from me as her mentor, and to see her passion and excitement for veterinary medicine continuing to her life-long goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Animal Emergency Hospital is very supportive and accommodating to all kinds of opportunities to further their employees education, no matter what skill level they’re currently at. They go above and beyond to not only provide resources to access at your convenience, but also to provide hands-on classes in the hospital. I have learned so much in my time here at AEH so far, and I am so excited to see how much more I can further my education, and continue to share my knowledge and experience with other mentees in the program.”
Once I was, I was asked if I was ready to have a mentee to teach and train. I was eager and said yes, and they paired me with Amber. Watching her progress from a Tier 1 all the way to a Tier 4 now has been unbelievably rewarding. Being able to work so closely with a specific person for training is beyond beneficial. We were able to quickly identify her strengths as well as areas for improvement, and were able to better personalize her training to exactly what she needed to help her grow and be successful so quickly. It’s truly humbling to see how much she has learned from me as her mentor, and to see her passion and excitement for veterinary medicine continuing to her life-long goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Animal Emergency Hospital is very supportive and accommodating to all kinds of opportunities to further their employees education, no matter what skill level they’re currently at. They go above and beyond to not only provide resources to access at your convenience, but also to provide hands-on classes in the hospital. I have learned so much in my time here at AEH so far, and I am so excited to see how much more I can further my education, and continue to share my knowledge and experience with other mentees in the program.”
Kyla "Since I was 6 years old, I told everyone I wanted to be a veterinarian. As soon as I was old enough to work with animals, I started gathering as much experience as I could. I started at Animal Emergency Hospital almost three years ago with baseline veterinary receptionist knowledge. Without much hands-on experience, this hospital took a chance hiring me knowing they would have to teach me so many things.
The mentorship program, to me, has been a way for me to not only grow as a veterinary assistant but to learn a lot about myself as a person. From being placed in the mentor program, I was able to learn new skills with a one-on-one mentor. Kristina has taught me so much of what I know, but also gave me confidence in myself and my abilities. I have not only had an amazing teacher but have also made a great friend through this experience. The mentorship program of course has general skills to learn, but this is extremely customizable to what I felt I needed and wanted to learn most. From my hard work and Kristina’s wonderful guidance I have been blessed with the opportunity of becoming a Tier 4 assistant and now have the opportunity to be a mentor to someone like me when the time arises. |
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Due to my experience from Animal Emergency Hospital, I have been able to get multiple internships ranging from lab jobs to the National Aquarium. These are skills that I can take with me to veterinary school and have for life. Everyone at this hospital has continued to support my dreams and I am so excited to apply for veterinary school in the near future."
Kristina
"I first started at Animal Emergency Hospital in 2009. Even at a young age, I always knew my passion in life was Emergency Medicine. I applied to AEH with no emergency experience and was given the chance to grow and become a Lead Assistant that eventually led to a Technician/ Assistant Manager. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity that I received.
Animal Emergency Hospital is a very fast paced environment and we see a high level of critical patients. As a technician, you get many opportunities to help an animal in crisis and a great sense of accomplishment when that patient is treated. I have always been dedicated in providing the compassionate care we are known for to every patient and their families. Personally, this job has been very fulfilling and after each day I really feel like I’ve made a difference.
During my journey I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians and assistants that have the same goals and passion. This passion lead me to join the educational team at AEH, and assist in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. What I love most about this program is that everyone has different learning styles and the program can be tailored to each person's individual needs.
Every day at AEH is a new learning adventure and no two shifts are ever the same. I am honored to have Kyla as one of my mentees. She has accomplished so much over the past few years and has been an inspiration to many staff members. She truly cares about each patient with her entire heart. It’s been a joy to teach her because she shares the same passion for emergency medicine and teaching the next generation. Throughout her mentorship, Kyla was always eager to learn and went above and beyond to further her education including attending many classes, volunteer opportunities including the zoo and aquarium. Even though she has completed the mentee program I still plan to help support her every step she takes. I am so proud of her for following her dreams and I know she will make a great veterinarian one day. "
Animal Emergency Hospital is a very fast paced environment and we see a high level of critical patients. As a technician, you get many opportunities to help an animal in crisis and a great sense of accomplishment when that patient is treated. I have always been dedicated in providing the compassionate care we are known for to every patient and their families. Personally, this job has been very fulfilling and after each day I really feel like I’ve made a difference.
During my journey I knew that I wanted to pass along my knowledge and help train other technicians and assistants that have the same goals and passion. This passion lead me to join the educational team at AEH, and assist in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. What I love most about this program is that everyone has different learning styles and the program can be tailored to each person's individual needs.
Every day at AEH is a new learning adventure and no two shifts are ever the same. I am honored to have Kyla as one of my mentees. She has accomplished so much over the past few years and has been an inspiration to many staff members. She truly cares about each patient with her entire heart. It’s been a joy to teach her because she shares the same passion for emergency medicine and teaching the next generation. Throughout her mentorship, Kyla was always eager to learn and went above and beyond to further her education including attending many classes, volunteer opportunities including the zoo and aquarium. Even though she has completed the mentee program I still plan to help support her every step she takes. I am so proud of her for following her dreams and I know she will make a great veterinarian one day. "
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Elvin"I have worked at Animal Emergency Hospital for almost 2 years and in those 2 years I have learned so much from all the people around me including my wonderful mentor, Nicky. Not only have I learned important skills like how to properly administer medications and how to monitor patients under anesthesia from the mentorship program, but also how to treat each patient with compassion and care and how to stay so dedicated to each and every patient and their families. Most importantly the mentorship program has been a safe space for me to learn skills and information that will help me further my career.
All of these things also fall in line with the reason I started in veterinary medicine. Animals do not have a way to communicate and advocate for themselves. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to help be that advocate they need and get them the care they deserve. Thanks to Animal Emergency Hospital and the mentorship program, I have been given the opportunity to do that in a safe environment where I can learn and continue to develop new skills every day." |
Nicky
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"I’ve loved animals since I was a little girl. I was always bringing home stray animals in need of some love and TLC. From dogs to ducks and injured wildlife. My parents are big animal lovers too. I believe having this type of environment as a kid allowed me to find my calling in life. They nurtured that side of me and fostered a love for animals that would grow and thrive for years to come. As I got older, I realized that having a job that allowed me to work with animals wouldn’t be a job at all but a passion. I started my first job at a Vet clinic in California 15 years ago as a receptionist and slowly started learning more about what it really meant to be a Veterinary assistant, and I was hooked! I truly believe that every choice I have made in my career and each path I’ve taken has led me to Animal Emergency Hospital. Here the real work began!
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I started at Animal Emergency Hospital 3 years ago as a Tier 3 assistant. Having a background in shelter med I knew seeing the ER side of veterinary medicine would be different but ultimately make me a better assistant and improve my knowledge base. Learning and growing through my mentor and with so many classes available to me through AEH I was able to become a Tier 4 assistant. Not only has the experience taught me new skills, but also given me the confidence to teach others what I know and how to adapt and think on their toes in critical situations. There is an enormous sense of happiness that goes along with watching pets go home with their families at the end of the day, knowing that this amazing group of people all did their best to make that happen. That compassion is what makes me so proud to work at AEH where I can continue to learn and at the same time, teach and guide others like Elvin!
Elvin has always been so eager to learn something new each day and steps in to help with the most critical patients and their care. From checking in with his coworkers when they may need a helping hand, to taking point during CPR and being as supportive as possible during surgical procedures. He continues to show everyone around him how dedicated he is. Never wavering, and always giving the most caring attitude to our clients and their pets. Elvin has come so far and I know he will continue to grow and thrive within the mentorship program. The AEH team is lucky to have you!"
Elvin has always been so eager to learn something new each day and steps in to help with the most critical patients and their care. From checking in with his coworkers when they may need a helping hand, to taking point during CPR and being as supportive as possible during surgical procedures. He continues to show everyone around him how dedicated he is. Never wavering, and always giving the most caring attitude to our clients and their pets. Elvin has come so far and I know he will continue to grow and thrive within the mentorship program. The AEH team is lucky to have you!"
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Olivia "After I graduated with my Bachelors in Animal Science. I felt like there was a world of options to choose from: agriculture, research, shelter work. I felt lost. I applied for a job at Animal Emergency Hospital and as soon as I came for my interview, I felt that this was the place for me. Even though I was hired as a receptionist, they told me all about the mentor program and I was so impressed. I felt supported already, knowing that at any time, I could make the choice to switch paths and there would be someone to guide me, answer questions and teach me skills hands-on.
When I made the switch from reception to assistant, everything I still had to learn felt daunting. I wasn’t sure how to apply the knowledge I had from my degree and I felt that I was lacking technical skills. Having a mentor made the transition so much easier because they knew what skills I already had so we were able to tailor a plan to fit my learning needs and work on them together every time we worked. |
With Stacie’s help, I’ve gained so much knowledge, confidence, and the desire to continue learning every day. Whether she’s there to walk me through a new skill step-by-step or just to observe while I try something new on my own, I know I can always count on her for guidance or support without judgment -- which makes learning and trying new things so much easier! Not only that, but I also have fun working with Stacie. No matter if we have 30 patients or 3, our shifts go by smoothly, quickly, and we’re always able to find something to laugh about together.
I feel extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of the mentorship program and to have such an awesome mentor teaching me along the way. I know that I will be able to use everything I’ve learned here for the rest of my life, no matter where I end up. I’ve tried internships/volunteer opportunities/shadow shifts in zoos, general practice vets, and research labs but thanks to the amazing learning opportunities I’ve had at AEH, emergency medicine has captured my heart."
I feel extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of the mentorship program and to have such an awesome mentor teaching me along the way. I know that I will be able to use everything I’ve learned here for the rest of my life, no matter where I end up. I’ve tried internships/volunteer opportunities/shadow shifts in zoos, general practice vets, and research labs but thanks to the amazing learning opportunities I’ve had at AEH, emergency medicine has captured my heart."
Stacie
"I started out as a volunteer at Animal Emergency Hospital almost ten years ago. Animal Emergency Hospital has helped me advance and grow into the vet tech I am today. Without the experiences and all the great teachers I've had over the years I would never of gotten into the program at CCBC and passed my boards to be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). When I heard the idea of starting a mentorship program, I knew I wanted to be involved and help others like I had been helped in the past. This led me to join the educational team at AEH, where I assisted in the creation and growth of the mentorship program. The mentorship program helps new staff have guidance and sets them up for success in emergency medicine. It is organized in a way to help staff reach obtainable goals for their skill and experience level.
I am honored to have a mentee as caring and dedicated as Olivia. I know with her passion and eagerness to learn she will succeed in whatever path she takes in veterinary medicine. She is constantly asking questions to better her knowledge and move forward in the program, going above and beyond everyday to learn new information, She attends CE classes that the hospital offers on her days off and creates tests for herself and her fellow mentees so they can give the best patient care.
Most people think that mentees are the only ones who gain value from mentorship, but my biggest joy is seeing someone else grow in their career, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain confidence while teaching as a result of my support. It's also an opportunity to learn about myself, the way I do things and areas I may still need to develop and improve on. I have created authentic relationships with all my mentees and look forward to continuing to grow with them!"
I am honored to have a mentee as caring and dedicated as Olivia. I know with her passion and eagerness to learn she will succeed in whatever path she takes in veterinary medicine. She is constantly asking questions to better her knowledge and move forward in the program, going above and beyond everyday to learn new information, She attends CE classes that the hospital offers on her days off and creates tests for herself and her fellow mentees so they can give the best patient care.
Most people think that mentees are the only ones who gain value from mentorship, but my biggest joy is seeing someone else grow in their career, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain confidence while teaching as a result of my support. It's also an opportunity to learn about myself, the way I do things and areas I may still need to develop and improve on. I have created authentic relationships with all my mentees and look forward to continuing to grow with them!"