NVA General Practice
Start Strong with NVA
When joining an NVA General Practice hospital as a new graduate, you are eligible to participate in a fully personalized up to 12-month mentorship program, guided by an experienced mentor.
Dedicated New Grad Mentors
Dynamic and personalized program which is able to be customized based on individual DVM needs
Provide up to 12 months of overall guidance and support, building opportunities for growth as a new veterinarian
Augment and reinforce existing in-clinic training and mentoring with experienced DVM support
Focus on foundational skills with in-person, quarterly, one-on-one support
Balanced Curriculum
Build confidence in diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills
Enhance surgical skills through core surgical skills review and repetition of common elective procedures, including increasing dental proficiency
Support transition from classroom to clinic with personal and financial wellness initiatives
Time management feedback and discussions
Community Connection
Build a community of peers and mentors for learning and outreach
Participate in social activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness
Engage in case reviews with peers to focus on collaborative learning and support
Attend larger, cross-regional events to promote networking and team building
More About the GP Mentorship Program
Meet Our Mentors
Dr. Christine Brennan
Supports New Doctors In:
OR, WA
Dr. Megan Brown
Supports New Doctors In:
CO, MD, NY, PA, WV
Dr. Rena Carlson
Supports New Doctors In:
AK, ID, MT, ND, NE, SD, WY
Dr. Lara Davies
Supports New Doctors In:
FL
Dr. Emily Doemland
Supports New Doctors In:
IL
Dr. Sara Goldstein
Supports New Doctors In:
NJ, NY Metro, PA
Dr. Lawrence Hill
DABVP (canine and feline)
Supports New Doctors In:
IN, KY, MI, OH
Dr. Abe Jonatan
Supports New Doctors In:
AL, AR, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS
Dr. Marston Jones
Supports New Doctors In:
IA, IL and WI
Dr. Amy Kafer
Supports New Doctors In:
CA, NV, UT, WA
Dr. Jodi Long, MS
Supports New Doctors In:
NM, OK, TX
Dr. Beth Neuman
Lead Mentor
Supports New Doctors In:
AZ
Dr. Katrina Schimmel
Supports New Doctors In:
MN, NC, SC, VA
Dr. Christine Brennan
Supports New Doctors In:
OR, WA
Dr. Megan Brown
Supports New Doctors In:
CO, MD, NY, PA, WV
Dr. Rena Carlson
Supports New Doctors In:
AK, ID, MT, ND, NE, SD, WY
Dr. Lara Davies
Supports New Doctors In:
FL
Dr. Emily Doemland
Supports New Doctors In:
IL
Dr. Sara Goldstein
Supports New Doctors In:
NJ, NY Metro, PA
Dr. Lawrence Hill
DABVP (canine and feline)
Supports New Doctors In:
IN, KY, MI, OH
Dr. Abe Jonatan
Supports New Doctors In:
AL, AR, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS
Dr. Marston Jones
Supports New Doctors In:
IA, IL and WI
Dr. Amy Kafer
Supports New Doctors In:
CA, NV, UT, WA
Dr. Jodi Long, MS
Supports New Doctors In:
NM, OK, TX
Dr. Beth Neuman
Lead Mentor
Supports New Doctors In:
AZ
Dr. Katrina Schimmel
Supports New Doctors In:
MN, NC, SC, VA
What Our Mentees Are Saying
“Without mentorship our first year would have been really challenging with a lot of struggles to overcome, but with a mentor we were able to discuss our common cases and feel more confident.”
Dr. Nicole Fernous, Mentee
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of topics does the program cover?
Mentorship on Medical Competencies, such as:
Physical exam basics
Anesthesia
Client education on preventatives
Technical skills (e.g., IV catheter placement)
SOAP basics
Physical exam pediatric, geriatric, and orthopedic
Client education on euthanasia
In-house laboratory
Surgery reporting
Physical exam of non-critical sick patients
Client education on refining treatment plans
Reading radiology
Medical records – dental charting and reporting
Surgical skills – spays/neuters + more
Dentistry – including a full day wet lab
Behavior
CPR
Endocrinology
Cardiology fundamentals and emergencies
How to do a thorough neuro exam
Thoracic and abdominal radiology
Dermatology
Urethral obstructions
Wound management
What types of events does the program include?
Wellness / Professional Development Events, such as:
RACE-approved continuing education events
Whole person, perfectionism and your inner critic
Climbing Mt. Debt
You too can survive a liability claim!
Growth mindset
Mental health in the workplace
Crucial conversations (conflict resolutions)
Client interaction coaching
Lunch and learns on various topics
Local speakers
Social events
How do I fit this program into my schedule?
We partner with hospital leadership teams to ensure time to participate is made available to you. Communicating with your HLT and mentor as to any constraints or concerns is key to the success of this program.
What type of commitment does the program involve?
Average of 4-5 hours per month
Two virtual small group case reviews per month
One cohort meeting per month with our Community Team complimenting whole person development
One cohort meeting per month with a medical or surgical focus (topics vary)
Quarterly in-person meeting with mentor (usually your surgery day to allow for coaching/training/other support)
Quarterly social meeting