MentorVet Mentor Spotlight: Sara Guillen, DVM

This month we are excited to highlight Dr. Sara Guillen, DVM. Sara began her connection with MentorVet as a participant and now serves as a board member on our team!

Sara Guillen

MentorVet Board Member and Mentor

Read more about her experience with MentorVet and her take on mentorship within the veterinary space below.

Dr. Guillen, 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 an LSU 2020 graduate currently practicing as a small animal veterinarian in the Tampa Bay area. 

Early in my career, I found myself having signs of burnout. A contributing factor was the stress of juggling my responsibilities as a new grad — both medically and professionally. As fate would have it, I was introduced to MentorVet Leap through the company I was working with at the time. They graciously sponsored several MentorVet seats, allowing me to participate in the program without second-guessing any financial constraint or burden. 

The program came at a time where again I was struggling with roles I was not necessarily prepared for – i.e. client expectations, dealing with intrapersonal work conflicts, and difficult ethical dilemmas. MentorVet Leap modules provided me with the tools to answer questions I had beyond the medical component of veterinary medicine. It allowed me to focus on myself, my work as a veterinarian, and new developing leadership roles. 

Through the peer group meeting and my meetings with Dr. Reinhard, I learned that I was not alone. Several (if not the majority) of my peers had struggled with the same challenges I was facing. Sharing how we all processed and applied what we had learned, lifted the isolation I felt. We were all learning how to change and grow. Dr. Reinhard’s one-on-one mentorship further drove that weight away as she coached me through more difficult situations. She helped me discover that I had the strength to forge who I wanted to be as a veterinarian. 

The little ripples have guided me to where I am today. I found a group/practice that feels like home. Despite sometimes having some difficult days, overall my cup is full and I feel content with my role. When those challenging days do come knocking, I rely on my MentorVet Leap teaching and lean upon those bonds I made to keep me going.

Why did you choose to be involved serve on the MentorVet Advisory Board?

 MentorVet was a turning point in my life and career. I was presented with the opportunity to be part of the Advisory Board where I could represent part of the program's target audience. I was honored to be part of a movement that I know can change other’s paths. I would be honored if my small contribution could help the program continue to evolve and create the change that so many in the veterinary community have been asking for. 

Will you share an example of something you and Dr. Reinhard have discussed as MentorVet develops?

 A very common theme is navigating difficult medical cases with financial limitations. These situations can add to a mentee’s moral distress and decision fatigue. We usually go through the Veterinary Wellbeing Debrief. It helps process the stress from the situation and convert it into a learning opportunity.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of mentoring?

I enjoy being able to provide safe support and a sense of community with others in my field. 

What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring alongside Dr. Reinhard and MentorVet?

When I first started MentorVet, Dr. Reinhard was an extremely talented mentor to me. Through Leap, she was always a great active listener and coach; she would allow me to voice difficult conversations or difficult decisions I was facing. Her guidance would let me realize I usually had the answer or the ability to move past certain conflicts myself. When the roles reverse, I would mirror the support she had always provided me. With other colleagues or mentees I met through facilitating peer group meetings for Leap, the role of the listener was one I took without question. I learned that a valuable yet simple part of any mentorship relationship was listening, without judgment and without bias. Sometimes providing the safe space to vocalize whatever problem or concern has been bouncing in our head can help immensely.

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?

Pause and breathe! In several situations, we need to take a moment to pause and breathe. Take one minute to practice your square breathing or a mindfulness activity. This will help your stress and let you focus on the task at hand.

Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor or being involved with MentorVet?

Absolutely - this program can help you find a community that can help you recharge your battery as well as help you find your purpose to help others.

What is one thing you are currently learning?

I am learning there is always more to learn. AND THAT IS OKAY!

What is your favorite self-care activity?

I love to cook (and eat) as well as reading and traveling to recharge and decompress. If I can share it with others, even better! 

Thank you, Dr. Guillen!

We love having you a part of our community!

Check out our board HERE to read more how these amazing internal mentors help us grow at MentorVet!