November 2022 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Dr. Cheryl Good, DVM

We are excited to highlight Dr. Cheryl Good, DVM as our November Mentor of the Month!

Cheryl Good, DVM

MentorVet Mentor

Dr. Cheryl Good is a wonderful mentor and leader. We are so honored to have volunteer for our MentorVet Program!

Dr. Good is the Chief of Staff at Dearborn Family Pet Care, P.C and Chief Veterinary Officer for The Bridge Club and Bridge Club Pets. In addition to these leadership roles, Cheryl was the Medical Director of her local animal shelter’s board of directors for 25 years. She spent many hours visiting schools talking to children about veterinary medicine over the years, as well. She is such a gift to the veterinary field!

We appreciate Cheryl for how involved in our community she is, attending online events, always giving great feedback and support to others. Her mentee shared that Cheryl is very supportive and provides a wonderful outside perspective.

Read below all about Dr. Good’s perspective and experience with mentoring below!

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

My love of animals at an extremely young age forged my path to becoming a veterinarian. Initially I wanted to be James Harriet and work with all of the animals. Once I completed veterinary school at Michigan State I decided that the life of a small animal practitioner would be the life for me . I started off working as an associate in a small animal practice in Dearborn, Michigan. During those first years I was married, had three children, moved three times and decided that owning a practice was something I wanted to do. Practice ownership was extremely rewarding in many ways!

I am currently still practicing in the hospital that I purchased in 1995. In the past 10 years I have been involved with many veterinary organizations. I spent a wonderful 7 years on the NAVC board of directors and am a past president. I am a founding member of the VVCA (Veterinary Virtual Care Association) board of directors and have a true passion for telemedicine and tele-health. I am on the WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and am the Chief Veterinary Officer for The Bridge Club. People and pets are my passion and I am doing all that I can to help improve their lives.

Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?

When I was first out of school, my first position was as an associate in a small animal practice. I credit my success in this first job to my two mentors at the hospital, a wonderful and kind senior associate veterinarian that helped to build my confidence, and to the head technician who guided my interactions with all of the team members. Over the years I have had many young students come through my practice to shadow me, and have enjoyed watching them grow and mature into amazing adults. Many of these students have gone on to become successful Veterinarians in all walks of life. When I learned of MentorVet I was instantly attracted to the concept and wanted to be a part of the mentor community.

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

An interesting topic that we've discussed is how to navigate complex and matrixed corporate hierarchies - who to involve at what level, how to get things done, how to build a career path, etc. Working in a corporate environment is different than working within a practice, and it takes a bit of time to learn and adapt. By sharing some of my own mistakes and experiences, we may have shortened the learning curve a bit.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a vet mentor?

I enjoy meeting and getting to know people, and in this role I am so fortunate to be talking to new veterinarians who I hope will have a successful career and life in our amazing profession.

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

I thought that I was a good listener. I have learned through this mentorship program that there are different ways to listen and I feel even better equipped to do that now.

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?

My first mentor told me that if I did not feel comfortable in a situation, I should go with my gut and do the right thing. For example, if my boss told me to do something or say something to a client that went against my values and beliefs, I should stick up for myself and explain why this is not right, and what I believe would be the better course of action.

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

I would highly recommend being a mentor for MentorVet. You will have a chance to help new veterinarians start their careers off in a more confident manner and you will learn even more about yourself in the process.

What is your favorite self-care activity?

It is difficult to pick just one favorite self-care activity. I love a good meal with family, playing with my grandchildren, and taking a walk outside with my husband and dog Sophie.

How do you stay balanced in this career and have fun?

I love veterinary medicine, helping pets and their people. However, my pride and joy are my children and now grandchildren. I was so lucky to have a supportive spouse all through my veterinary career, so that we could both be involved with our children's lives as they grew up. I rarely missed a concert or football game all through grade school, junior and senior high college and even now, as one of my children coaches college football. I love taking pictures of my children, grandchildren, beautiful scenery, food and of course animals. Maybe I will be a photographer in my next life?

Thank you, Dr. Good!

You bring so much life and joy into our community!

Want to be a mentor for MentorVet like Dr. Good? We would love to chat. — Check out some next steps here!