February 2023 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Dr. Leann Benedetti, DVM, ACC, CCFP, BSc

We are highlighting the well deserving and Dr. Leann Benedetti, DVM, ACC, CCFP, BSc this month!

Leann Benedetti

MentorVet Mentor

Dr. Leann Benedetti, is a long time mentor for our community.

As a veterinarian with over 20 years experience and an International Coach Federation Certified Professional Coach, Leann Benedetti brings a unique skillset to mentorship.

One of her mentees recently shared that Dr. Benedetti was particularly supportive in navigating the often-challenging emotions that accompany the first years of veterinary practice.

Despite her significant experience and training, Leann eagerly participates in MentorVet’s monthly mentor training sessions, bringing warmth and wisdom to those meetings. Leann embodies the compassion, humility, and dedication that MentorVet values, and our community is a better place because of her.

Read below all about Leann’s experience with mentoring and why she loves to give back to younger veterinarians!

Dr. Benedetti, 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 currently an ICF certified, trauma informed coach working in the veterinary field helping to support veterinary professionals in both their personal and professional life journey. In 2015, after 19 years in veterinary practice, and as a practice owner I found myself exhausted and overwhelmed and realized the chronic stress, emotional labour, and vicarious trauma of my work as a veterinarian and in my life had caught up to me. I was introduced to the field of coaching, and found so many tools and resources that have contributed to my learning and healing journey. Coaching and mentoring in the veterinary space allows me to use my strengths, and my lived experience to help colleagues navigate the many challenges of our profession and our lives.

Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?

When I heard there was a formal program for Mentoring our early graduates I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in. When I spoke with Addie, early in the creation of MentorVet, I knew we had a shared vision and values, and were aligned in believing in the need and value of mentorship and support for our colleagues.

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

I have worked with several mentee's, and we have discussed so many aspects of life as a veterinary professional. The things that are usually most impactful are around our 'Being' (or us being human) and how our work impacts our lives, and vice versa. Our discussions are an opportunity to unpack and process things that we might otherwise not have the opportunity (aka time) to stop and think about.

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

Honestly - being able to provide the support that I never really felt I had, knowing that support is an important part of a successful start, and journey through our career. Being able to give back to our profession in a way to that contributes to veterinarians well-being is very fulfilling.

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

Mentoring is a partnership based in mutual respect for each others' lived experience - and the learning that happens flows both ways. I have learned just as much (if not more) from my mentee's than they from me.

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 1. Assume nothing - when in doubt, ask. 2. Know your core values well, revisit them often - they inform every part of your life, in many different ways - I wish I had of known what a core value was when I started my career!

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

I would recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet. It brings purpose, fulfillment, service, and contribution. The learning and training is very helpful in any stage of our career.

What is your favorite self-care activity?

Painting rocks is right up there!

How else do you find joy in life?

I have another 'woo-woo side' to me as an energy healer, crystal lover, and reiki practitioner that I love exploring and learning more and more about!

Thank you, Dr. Benedetti!

We love having you a part of our community!

We are always looking for more mentors to join our community! — Check out some next steps here!