Ep 210: The Role of Mentorship in Veterinary Student Success, with Garth Robillard - Part 1

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of "So You're a Vet... Now What?" host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Garth Robillard, a second-year vet student and host of the Veterinary Vibes podcast. Together they discussed the significance of mentorship in bridging the gap between academia and real-world practice. Garth highlights that mentorship is often overlooked in veterinary school curriculums, requiring students to actively seek out mentorship opportunities to enhance their learning and professional development.Garth discussed the challenges students encounter in finding mentors and the disconnect between academic teachings and practical application. He stressed the need for mentorship to be a formalized part of the curriculum, akin to subjects like anatomy and physiology. By incorporating mentorship into the educational framework, students can gain valuable insights, guidance, and support from experienced professionals in the field.The conversation also delved into the value of informal mentorship, where students can seek advice and support from various sources, including peers, family members, and social media platforms like Vetstagram. This informal mentorship can provide students with diverse perspectives and help them navigate the complexities of veterinary medicine.Furthermore, the discussion underscored the importance of academia adapting to the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine. While traditional teachings provide a foundational knowledge base, real-life experiences and mentorship play a crucial role in applying that knowledge in practical settings. By integrating mentorship into the curriculum, students can develop a well-rounded skill set that combines theoretical knowledge with practical expertise.In conclusion, mentorship should be acknowledged as a fundamental component of veterinary education. By fostering mentorship relationships and creating opportunities for students to learn from experienced professionals, veterinary schools can better prepare future veterinarians for the challenges and opportunities in the field. Mentorship not only enhances clinical skills but also cultivates a supportive network that promotes growth, learning, and success in the veterinary profession.Stay tuned for part two of their conversation next week!Episode Outline[00:01:16] Mentorship in veterinary academia.[00:03:42] Building connections through podcasting.[00:09:33] Balancing podcasting with life commitments.[00:11:23] Time as a key to happiness.[00:13:55] Mentorship in veterinary school.[00:19:42] The importance of mental health.[00:20:24] The importance of mentorship.[00:26:35] Real life vs ivory tower.Episode LinksListen to Garth’s podcast, Veterinary Vibes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-vibes/Connect with Garth Robillard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garth-robillard-23516a174Follow the Veterinary Vibes podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VeterinaryVibesDiscover more from Garth Robillard: https://linktr.ee/veterinaryvibespodcastMentioned in this episode:So You're a Vet, Now What? - The CourseAre you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career...