Helping Indigenous communities access veterinary care
September 28, 2023
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How our DVMs pay it forward by mentoring restricted vets
July 26, 2024
Learn about what motivates our DVMs to teach and mentor their peers
- Welcome to the final part of our three-part series!
- If you missed the earlier articles, catch up on the first piece here, and the second feature here.
- In the final leg of our Restricted DVMs journey, we’re learning about the mentorship process. To obtain their Canadian license, restricted DVMs must practice under the supervision of a Canadian-trained veterinarian until they complete the NEB process. In this 3-minute read, hear from two DVMs from our network who mentored individuals at their clinics, and the great benefits the mentorship brought to their clinic.
Mentorship Stories
Meet our interviewees!
- Dr. Istvan Deak mentored Dr. Vanessa Richa during her time at Hôpital vétérinaire Anima-Plus Gatineau. Dr. Richa, originally from Lebanon, is also now fully licensed in Canada.
- Dr. Rachael Spence mentored Dr. Chandini Shetty during her placement at Sechelt Animal Hospital. Originally from India, Dr. Shetty has since obtained her full Canadian license to practice.
What inspired you to take on this mentorship role?
Dr. Deak: “I am originally from Romania and practiced veterinary medicine there before arriving in Canada 15 years ago. Back then, there was no such thing as a restricted license and there was very little support for newcomers. You couldn’t work in a clinic until you passed all your exams and received your Canadian license. Fortunately, some veterinarians were kind enough to let me observe them in practice occasionally. I worked in a research lab until I obtained my Canadian license to practice. I’ve gone through what they are going through, and I know what it’s like to be in their shoes.”
Dr. Spence: “I had wonderful mentors when I was a student and new grad who supported me. I had friends and colleagues who did not have that mentorship and I saw how quickly they burned out because they didn’t have as much support. I never wanted anyone to feel that way. Also, I just love teaching people and I love learning from others. It’s incredibly gratifying. Whether it’s a newcomer to Canada or a new grad, I’m a firm believer of helping those who are striving for in-practice experience. I have worked with other restricted DVMs before and they were also just as phenomenal as Dr. Shetty.”
What did you learn from being a mentor?
Dr. Deak: “I learned to always have an open mind and be accepting of new perspectives. Personally, I learned a lot from my mentee, Dr. Richa. She was mentoring me too, especially with ultrasound because she has lots of experience and expertise in that area from her previous practice in Dubai. We learned from each other.”
Why do restricted vets play an important role in our network?
Dr. Spence: “There is a shortage of veterinarians in Canada, and we need restricted DVMs to enter our workforce. They have a lot to offer, not just medically but cultuerally as well. They bring different perspectives, skills, and knowledge that can elevate the level of care we provide to our patients.”
What advice do you have for DVMs interested in becoming a mentor?
Dr. Spence: “It takes a lot of time and commitment. For example, here in British Columbia, the CVBC requires the primary supervisor to be around the restricted DVM at least 75% of the time. They must be invested in and prepared for that. It takes passion and a willingness to teach others. They should be open-minded to also learn from their mentee.”
Final thoughts
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the restricted DVMs in our network.
Here are some key takeaways from series:
- Restricted DVMs bring valuable skills, perspectives, and cultural diversity that enhance patient care.
- Mentorship us mutually beneficial, providing growth opportunities for both mentors and mentees
- Supporting restricted DVMs is crucial for addressing the veterinarian shortage in Canada.
- Although there may be different perceptions surrounding veterinarians from regions of the world where medical practices and standards may differ from Canada, DVMs who take on this process display resilience and determination. They prove time and time again their ability to provide gold-standard care for our patients and clients. To learn more about how to welcome a restricted DVM to your clinic or to how to become a mentor DVM, send your inquiries to careers@vetstrategy.com.