June MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Gary Marshall, DVM
It is a pleasure to announce that our June 2022 Veterinary Mentor of the Month is Dr. Gary Marshall.
Gary Marshall, DVM
MentorVet Mentor
Dr. Gary Marshall, DVM is such an amazing asset to our mentoring community. He is a graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marshall continues to practice full-time at the feline-exclusive practice he founded on Mercer Island, Washington in 1996.
Dr. Marshall brings an energy and enthusiasm to our mentoring community that is unparalleled. He stays actively involved in our community events, and because he is amazing, he supports not just one, but two mentees within our MentorVet program! Dr. Marshall has a wealth of knowledge to share with the veterinary community, and his humility and patience make him an outstanding mentor.
Tell us a little bit about your career journey. What do you currently do in veterinary medicine and how did you end up here?
How about if I just share one part of my journey that has impacted the things that I am involved in now?
Starting in the mid-90's, for the following 20 years, I was focused on practice building, my extended family, my marriage and on raising children. Professionally I was quite lonely for way too many years. Once I had a bit more time, and an invitation to participate in a State VMA task force, I caught the bug of how great it is to be involved in this great profession and not just toil away at the "hamster wheel" that was my practice and life. Rewarding and renewing.
Since about 2015, I have been going a little overboard with State and National Boards, becoming an adjunct professor, and mentoring dozens of vet students and early career colleagues. Helping helps me thrive. Some have called me selfless for volunteering for so many things, but please don't tell anyone — but I think I'm selfish to take them on. I have gotten to the point sometimes that I feel a little guilty that I might be stealing some of these wonderful opportunities away from others. Fortunately, MentorVet has plenty of capacity for more mentors. It's been such a joy to interact with my mentees!
Dr. Marshall, why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?
I have had so many people help me along my path. This included amazing mentors who opened doors and have never given up on me. These experiences have compelled me to offer to give back to a future generation with my time and experience of many years in this profession.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a vet mentor?
Meeting new people and making new friends, and then often connecting those new friends with my old friends.
What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?
MentorVet is so serious about mentoring. They want to do it right. They want to make sure that mentors and mentees have all the training and resources possible to make the relationships successful.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
Landscape photography in hard to get to locations with no cell reception.
Thank you, Dr. Marshall!
Your passion and excitement around mentoring is truly a gift to our community!
Interested in becoming a mentor for MentorVet? Check out some next steps here!