August MentorVet Mentor of the Month: James Desir DVM, CCRP

Join us and celebrating our August 2022 Mentor of the Month, Dr. James Desir.

James Desir, DVM, CCRP

MentorVet Mentor

Dr. James Desir DVM, CCRP, a Medical Operations Veterinarian at Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, embraces the role of mentor with enthusiasm and humility. He attends and actively participates in the monthly supplemental trainings that are offered to our mentors. In these meetings, he demonstrates an eagerness to continue his own growth and development.

We know that his mentees benefit tremendously from his support. Recently, James shared that he feels he gains more from the early career veterinarians that he mentors than he gives. Dr. Desir’s humble take on time shared with these veterinarians as an opportunity to learn and grow demonstrates a value that is extremely important for mentorship—lifelong learning. Dr. Desir was a clear and easy choice for MentorVet Mentor of the Month!

Dr. Desir, 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 am a 2011 Ross University graduate. Since graduating I’ve practiced as a small animal veterinarian in numerous states on both the east and west coast. And for the past 10 years I have developed and evolved my skills in general practice and emergency medicine. I am currently a Medical Operations Veterinarian for Rarebreed Veterinary Partners. Throughout my veterinary career, I've been able to implement change in the day-to-day lives of people and their pets, but I also wanted the opportunity to affect that change industry-wide. I wanted to better support the doctors, staff, and hospitals I loved, laughed, and cried with. Rarebreed has given me the opportunity to implement that change in the over 60 hospitals within our network.

Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?

I was blessed to meet some of the very best AND very worst people along my journey. They helped me to decide what kind of veterinarian and person I wanted to be. I’ve also learned from trial and error. From poor understanding of work-life balance, to navigating monstrous student debt repayment, to undervaluing myself during contract negotiations, I knew MentorVet would give me the right platform to share my experiences the right way.

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

My Mentee and I had a wonderful discussion about “expectations”. The perceived ones that staff and clients put on you, as well as the ones we put on ourselves. I probably took just as much away from the conversation as my mentee. It is very easy to put the weight of the world on your back with expectations. But that weight over time will only break you down. A vet’s strength and success are not determined by how much weight they can carry. And this led to a great conversation about boundaries!

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

I really enjoy watching my mentees thrive, challenge themselves, and try new things! It's exciting and a privilege to witness.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of mentoring?

The open and honest communication.

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

That I am not special! That may sound odd, but it was a great relief to know many of the challenges I’ve faced in my career others are facing too. Industry-wide, vets are silently hurting. Speaking up and speaking out is one of the best ways to ease that pain. We can be strong for pets and ourselves.

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?

Two things: You don’t know what you don’t know. And hurt people hurt people.

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

Yes! This is such a safe and positive platform to share knowledge backed with the resources of licensed mental health and financial professionals. It doesn’t get much better than that!

What is your favorite self-care activity?

Doing anything outside brings me joy. Also a good financial podcast with a hot cup of coffee….nerd alert!

Fun Fact:

“My wife and I are expecting our first child. Should they decide to become a veterinarian, we will be sure to gear them with all the tools MentorVet equips daily into our young vets. Their firsts words will likely be “boundaries” or ‘self-care.’”

Thank you, Dr. Desir!

We are so happy to have you as a mentor!

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