Empowering Our Mentors: Highlights from the Mentor Training Summit in Kansas City
October 31, 2024This month, we gathered in vibrant Kansas City for our annual Mentor Training Summit, bringing together over 30 dedicated mentors from the ABVP, internship, residency, and ER Immerse programs. The event was a powerful reminder of the vital role mentorship plays at Ethos, as we celebrated our accomplishments and set the stage for future growth.
Building Connections
We kicked off the summit with a welcome reception, providing a perfect opportunity for attendees to connect and network before diving into two days of enriching sessions. The atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm and camaraderie, laying the groundwork for an inspiring experience.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Day two commenced with a thoughtful reflection on our mentorship journey, led by ER Mentorship Program Lead Annie Wayne, DVM, DACVECC, and colleagues Gareth Buckley, VetMB, DACVECC, DECVECC, and Matt Booth, DVM, DAVBP. This session set an engaging tone for a day filled with discussions and interactive activities aimed at enhancing our mentorship skills.
The Power of Accountability
One of the summit’s highlights was a presentation on Accountability Partners presented by network mentors. They shared their personal stories of mutual accountability as they developed training programs in their respective hospitals. Their friendship, which blossomed from their meeting at last year’s summit, exemplifies the lasting connections that mentorship can foster.
Empowering Conversations
Our Chief Community Officer, Turpin Mott, led a session on “The Empowerment Dynamic,” equipping mentors with tools to foster a culture of collaboration. Working with a veterinary improv group, participants practiced empowerment conversations, experiencing firsthand the impact of effective communication in mentorship.
Reflecting and Connecting
An off-site dinner offered attendees a chance to reflect on the day’s learnings while connecting with peers and Ethos leadership. It also provided a unique opportunity to translate expert knowledge into teachable moments through a fun and engaging card game.
Looking to the Future
Day three was packed with insights into the future of veterinary medicine at Ethos. President Ryan Buck, Chief Medical Officer Stacy Burdick, DVM, MBA, DACVIM, and Head of Innovation and Clinical Learning & Development Patrick Welch shared their vision for the future and emphasized the ongoing importance of mentorship in our mission.
Turpin returned for another insightful session, “Changing Mindsets,” encouraging mentors to embrace new perspectives to inspire their teams. We wrapped up the summit with a session on practical tools to align culture with feedback conversations.
A Shared Mission
The summit served as a powerful platform for growth, reaffirming our commitment to mentorship and community. As one participant put it: “I love this event. I really feel that Ethos cares about its people. It’s truly amazing what we are doing for the industry.”
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, Zoetis and Hills, for their invaluable support in making this event a success. Together, we’re shaping the future of veterinary medicine—one mentor at a time!
