March 2023 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Dr. Maria Syska Garrett, VMD
We are highlighting the amazing Dr. Maria Syska Garrett, VMD as our March 2023 Mentor of the Month!
Maria Syska Garrett, VMD
MentorVet Mentor
Dr. Garrett is the Associate Director of Drug Safety at Merck Animal Health.
Maria is very intentional with her mentees and caring. She pursues her professional work with thoughtfulness, as well. She made the leap from practice to industry and has navigated those transitions with grace. It is evident how much she values pouring into other vets.
Read below all about Maria’s take on mentoring— Her advice is gold!
Dr. Garrett, 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 graduated from Penn Vet in 2008 (mixed animal track) and then completed a 1 year, small animal, medical and surgery internship at a large private practice in Charlotte, NC. I practiced as an associate in 2 different GP clinics before purchasing a clinic in 2013. While I owned my clinic I was also a member of VSG/VMG (veterinary management groups). Changes in my personal life led me to make the transition to industry in 2018 and I started as a pharmacovigilance (drug safety) veterinarian. In 2021 I made the transition to management and now serve as an Associate Director in our department, leading the technician team at Merck Animal Health. I also do occasional ER relief shifts to stay connected to my colleagues in the field and pet owners. In 2021 I was honored to serve as a Merck Fellow for Global Health and, inspired by my experience, I am currently pursuing my masters in public health with a focus on veterinary public health from a One Health perspective.
Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?
I have been incredibly blessed in my life and career to have wonderful mentors and I saw MentorVet as a way to pay this blessing forward. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the mentors who supported me along the way.
Will you share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed?
My mentee and I have spent quality time discussing the various professional opportunities having a veterinary degree affords you and how to go about exploring those opportunities. I personally was unaware of the myriad of career opportunities for veterinarians when I was in school, so it's been a joy sharing this knowledge with my mentee.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a vet mentor?
Throwback! Here is Maria nursing an orphaned piglet when on a Christian Vet Mission trip to Nicaragua!
Overall, I truly have enjoyed the connection I've made with my mentee and the time we've spent getting to know each other. More specifically, one of the most enjoyable aspects for me has been seeing the joy in my mentee's face when we meet again after discussing a certain situation and she's happy to report back a successful resolution to me.
What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?
Humility and gratitude! The more that I've shared my experiences with my mentee the more I've realized how truly blessed I've been along my career journey.
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?
Oh gosh, I have a few answers to this one! One of my favorite quotes that was shared with me years ago is "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." I try to live my life according to this principle every day, both inside and outside of work. I once had a mentor tell me that how you handle rejection really matters and speaks to your character.
For example, if you don't get a job or promotion you were going for, handle that with grace, sincerely congratulate the person who got the position and reach out to the person in charge of the decision to receive development feedback for the next opportunity.
Lastly, I had a mentor tell me to always share credit as much as possible and be mindful of all the people who have contributed to your success. I can personally attest to the validity of all this advice and the positive impact it has had on my life and career.
Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet to other veterinarians?
Absolutely! You have so much more life and work advice and wisdom than you realize, and you will be such a source of encouragement to our newest colleagues. You'll also likely make a new friend!
What is your favorite self-care activity?
I have a few! Yoga, my vegetable garden and horseback riding.
How else do you find joy in life?
I am an active member of Christian Veterinary Mission, co-lead a local bible study for veterinary professionals and serve as source of support and encouragement to the chapter at my local veterinary school. I am also a proud single mom to a beautiful 6 year old girl who likes to join me in my yoga, gardening and horseback riding adventures.
Thank you for sharing with us, Maria!
Maria is a fabulous addition to our MentorVet Community!
We are on-boarding new mentors all the time! — Check out some next steps here!