Mentee #1 – Finding her Home with IndeVets
From Excitement to Uncertainty
Graduating from veterinary school is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of your life. For me, it came with excitement and uncertainty. I graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine last May with original plans to work in England—to combine my veterinary journey with my passion for travel and experiencing new places. Just two weeks before my hooding ceremony, my job offer was rescinded due to unexpected changes in visa laws. Suddenly, I was scrambling to find a new opportunity, feeling a pang of FOMO as I watched my classmates move into their new roles with jobs lined up. My future began to feel like a huge question mark.
A Life-Changing Opportunity in Australia
Amid the new stressors in my life, I came across the chance to teach a pre-veterinary wildlife course in Australia during the summer. Education has always been extremely important to me as the daughter of an educator, and I have always enjoyed teaching. Taking the leap to temporarily work in Australia turned out to be life-changing.
The next thing I knew, I found myself teaching high school and college students about wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine in New South Wales, Australia. I fell in love with the beauty of the environment, the energy of the students, and the camaraderie of my fellow veterinarians. It was beyond special to be in a place where pre-vet high schoolers, pre-vet undergraduates, current vet students, and veterinarians were united. Together, we represented every step to becoming a veterinarian. I learned tons myself about the flora and fauna of Australia and of Aboriginal culture.
Discovering IndeVets
Back home, I began working relief at an exotic animal clinic. During this time, I discovered IndeVets on Instagram. Their GP Mentorship Program stood out to me as it promised mentorship in small animal medicine, which I knew I needed to grow.
After submitting my inquiry form, I heard back from Dr. Cantor from IndeVets. Dr. Cantor walked me through the model of the new mentorship program designed to provide new graduates with a unique experience that guaranteed proper mentorship. The program design was unlike any other opportunities I had previously explored—I almost thought it too good to be true. I decided to take the next steps and commit to the program with IndeVets.
Beginning the IndeVets Mentorship Program
Before my first shift as a mentee, IndeVets scheduled a time for me to meet with my assigned mentors, Dr. Duke and Dr. Heller. At our first lunch together, I knew I had found a home with IndeVets.
At the start of the program, I attended shifts on a shadowing basis. This allowed me to observe my mentors’ communication skills and refresh myself on various medical topics. After appointments, I learned how to properly enter medical records by reviewing those written by my mentors. Additionally, I was enrolled in a General Practice Certification Course by IndeVets and became Fear Free Certified!
Midway through, I started to take on case ownership. I even had the opportunity to travel to Tampa for surgery training and appointment shadowing with Drs. DesJardins and Doenges. The first few shifts with case ownership felt rocky, but over time, I became more comfortable going into each subsequent exam. Starting with wellness appointments was a great way to begin the transition. Now, I have started to see “sick” appointments. Every experience has brought me more confidence, and I am grateful for the compassion and commitment my mentors have provided each step of the way.
The Benefits of Variety and Flexibility
What I’ve come to love most about the IndeVets mentorship program is the ability to see veterinary medicine practiced in a variety of clinics. Some clinics have pharmacy or technology options available that others do not. The need to adapt on a shift-by-shift basis has allowed me to become resourceful in ways I had not anticipated. I also really enjoy meeting technicians and doctors in my community—my overall career network has grown exponentially in a matter of months!
The mentorship program gives me the flexibility to grow both professionally and personally. I have been able to explore life beyond academia and reconnect with my family and friends in South Florida. I am also continuing ongoing research projects with Cornell and with AZA zoos. I still nurture my passion for wildlife and exotics, which began when I volunteered at my local zoo when I was 15.
Embracing the Journey
Looking back, it is evident that each unexpected twist and turn brought me closer to where I was meant to be. From teaching in Australia to becoming part of the IndeVets family, the journey has been anything but linear, but I would not have had it any other way.
To anyone navigating uncertainty in life, trust that the right opportunities will come—sometimes halfway around the world! Be comfortable leaning into the unknown.