January 2023 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Dr. Nicole Fisher, DVM
Get to know Nicole Fisher, DVM, as our January 2023 Mentor of the Month!
Nicole Fisher, DVM
MentorVet Mentor
Dr. Fisher is a gifted and passionate mentor. She brings so much positive energy to our field and we value her desire to continue her learning as she pours into our community.
Her mentee, Hali Jungers, shares, “Nicole has been a really great mentor. She is always there if I want or need to talk, but respectful and understanding when I need space. She is delightful to talk to during our check-ins and never judges when I need to vent about things I may be experiencing (work, life, or otherwise). We get along well and I think we both look forward to continuing our relationship even after MentorVet is officially over.”
Learn more about Nicole below!
Dr. Fisher, 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 went to undergrad to pursue Marine Biology and had a tough time finding a job after graduation that didn't involve hours behind a microscope. After working several odd jobs and getting my first dog, I decided veterinary medicine was the thing for me. I worked at a 24/7 clinic in Florida and basically did every position there except manager and doctor. I decided after wrestling an aggressive non-sedated German Sheppard for radiographs that I was going to go to vet school so I could sedate pets for these types of things. It took a few tries, but finally I got in and loved it. I worked in private practice for a year after graduation before switching to corporate practice. I am currently still practicing corporate with a wonderful company.
Why did you decide to become a mentor for MentorVet?
Unfortunately, many of my graduating classmates and I personally have horror stories about our first year out of school and the lack of support and respect we received. It would have been amazing to have a more experienced vet that could have help guide us to make better choices and learn what should NOT be tolerated in the workplace.
MentorVet provides not only that, but classes about mental health and burnout awareness. I truly believe so many of the vets that came before us could have led so much healthier lives if they had access to this material. Sometimes even just raising awareness in general can make a profound difference.
Will you share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed?
My mentee and I have worked through general workplace stressors, as well as trying to reconcile some of the “fear of missing out” or jealousy that social media can bring about when you see the accomplishments of classmates and wonder if you are on the right path.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a vet mentor?
Getting to know new people and being able to lend them my life experiences so they don't fall into the same traps.
What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?
The suicide training has been pivotal.
Nicole, 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?
Do what will help you sleep at night. Whether it is how you practice medicine or your personal interactions, do whatever won't keep you up stressing about it at 3 am.
Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet to other veterinarians?
YES!!! Just because we had it rough early on, doesn't mean it needs to keep being that way.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
Trivia nights at breweries with my friends. Our team name is The Euth Squad.
Dr. Fisher stopped by the VMX 2023 MentorVet booth! We love getting to our mentors in person!
Thank you, Nicole! You are such a gift to our MentorVet Community!
We are always looking for new mentors. Check out some next steps here fill out our application if you are interested in being a mentor, too!