April 2023 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Dr. Ann O'Brien Welton

We are highlighting the well deserving Dr. Ann O'Brien Welton, DVM, for the April 2023 Mentor of the Month!

Ann O'Brien Welton, DVM

MentorVet Mentor

Dr. Welton, DVM, is a fantastic mentor. She is committed to pouring into early career vets and building community with other volunteer mentors on our team. Read more about her passion for supporting others and what she has to offer as one of our rockstar mentors!

Dr. Welton, tell us a little bit about your career journey. What do you currently do in veterinary medicine and how did you end up here?

I did not know what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was well out of college, but once I decided it just felt right. I always loved the sciences, and of course animals. I have been a small animal general practitioner for 23 years, and a medical director at my current practice for over 10 years.

Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?

I benefitted from some wonderful mentors early in my career, and it is my turn to give back to my fellow colleagues!

Will you share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed?

My mentee and I have discussed ways to communicate with difficult clients, reviewed ways to be more efficient with records and be able to get home earlier and shared pictures of our cutest patients.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of mentoring?

I love being able to be there for a colleague. This can be a tough job, and it is so helpful to hear that you are not alone.

What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?

As a profession, when we lean on each other for support, we are so much stronger than we think we are.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received from a mentor or the best piece of advice that you have ever given?

The best piece of advice that I have received is to really listen to your clients. It is such a powerful tool to connect to others.

Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet to other veterinarians?

Definitely! I have not only enjoyed talking with early career vets, but getting to know fellow mentors as we learn how to be better support has enriched my skills as a leader in my practice as well.

What is your favorite self-care activity?

I love reading a good romance novel on the beach.

Is there anything else you would like to share on social media:

I’m fluent in sarcasm ;)

Thank you, Dr. Welton!

We love having you speak into our community!

Interested in becoming a mentor for MentorVet like Ann? We are always looking for more mentors to join our community! — Check out some next steps here!