Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, Vol 32, Issue 2, 264-271
Copyright © 2005 by Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION REPORTS
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Mentoring within the veterinary medical profession: veterinarians' experiences as proteges in mentoring relationships
BP Niehoff,
P Chenoweth,
and
R Rutti
College of Business Administration, Kansas State University, 101 Calvin Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA. niehoff@ksu.edu
Veterinary medicine professionals have recognized the importance of enhancing mentoring of students, as recruitment and retention of students have become prominent concerns. The purpose of the present study was to examine the form and degree of mentoring experienced by practicing veterinarians, as well as to seek to understand the factors that influence effective mentoring relationships. Data concerning their own experiences with mentoring relationships were gathered from practicing veterinarians. Results suggest that most practicing veterinarians had mentors and that the most frequent and effective mentors were initial employers, followed by teachers and advisors. Behaviors aimed at career development and socio-emotional support correlated highly with the perceived effectiveness of the relationship. Perceived similarity between the protege and the mentor also predicted effectiveness. These results are discussed as they relate to veterinary education.
