AAHA releases 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines

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The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) announced the release of its 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines. This resource will help empower veterinary professionals to develop and foster beneficial professional relationships with other professionals.

“We are incredibly excited about the work of this A-list task force of dedicated professionals who live and breathe this topic. These guidelines provide a roadmap to creating effective mentoring relationships by encouraging self-reflection, preparation, connection, and open dialogue,” expressed Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, AAHA chief medical officer, in an organizational release.¹ “With the Mentoring Guidelines, veterinary teams can simplify their practice from the ground up by investing time and energy in the hardworking team who makes it all happen.”

The guidelines were created by a task force made up of veterinarians and technicians who want to help raise the bar of the veterinary industry, according to the release.¹ The guidelines provide insights and strategies that veterinary professionals can implement in mentorship programs to help the industry with recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, and diversity in practices.

“Mentorship is vital for every member of the veterinary profession at every stage of their career, particularly in an inherently stressful profession. I am so proud of all the individuals on the task force that put forward so much time and energy to ensure that these guidelines were practical and relevant in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, cochair of the AAHA Mentoring Guidelines Task Force.

If done right, mentorship can help reduce burnout and improve the well-being of the entire veterinary profession. Through these new guidelines, veterinary teams can take an approach to mentorship that works best for them. The guideline, supported by Merck, are available on the AAHA website.

Reference

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Aims to Elevate Veterinary Profession Through New Mentoring Guidelines. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. June 28, 2023. Accessed June 29, 2023.