December 2023 MentorVet Mentor of the Month: Stephanie Crowe, DVM

Dr. Stephanie Crowe, DVM, has been with MentorVet since the early days! She was one of our very first mentors to come on board in 2021. Stephanie is extremely kind and compassionate. She has been dedicated to supporting early-career veterinarians throughout her whole career. We are so honored to have her a part of our mentoring community. Read below her thoughts about mentoring and her values in vet med. She shares so much wisdom and relatable advice for others in this profession!

Stephanie Crowe, DVM

MentorVet Mentor

Her mentee recently shared this wonderful sentiment about Stephanie : “Stephanie has changed my perspective on life and work. I was burned out, wanting to quit both life and work, but she changed me inside and out."

Stephanie, 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 started out working in a small animal general practice exclusively. After seven years of trying to figure out why I wasn't happy in general practice, I took a break. I had been interested in Emergency Medicine since vet school but had been hesitant to take the leap of faith needed to try. This was the perfect timing and I am so thankful that I did! I started out working exclusively in relief work and primary ER relief. It was just what I needed to get me excited about veterinary medicine again.

I learned so many new skills and working with specialists made me feel like every day I was learning something new. During this time I was also able to follow another passion of mine, raptor rehabilitation and wildlife medicine. It was very rewarding work, but not realistic to do full-time. After working only relief for a few years, I finally found the hospital that I wanted to work full time and I haven't looked back. I love emergency work and have found my niche. It's exciting, never boring, and very rewarding. I also feel good that I can provide great veterinary care for pets and also take care of area veterinarian's clients and patients. I still do some wildlife medicine on the side and provide some limited relief services. I love that I can have such a varied and flexible career.

Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?

My first few years after graduation were very difficult. I didn't have the professional support and guidance that I needed. I even came to a point where I did not want to practice veterinary medicine anymore and I thought that I had made a mistake in choosing this career. Thankfully I was able to make some career moves that led me to where I am today. Although the journey was hard, I am glad where I ended up.

I have always enjoyed mentoring younger veterinarians and when MentorVet was just beginning I was fortunate enough to learn about it. It sounded like a great opportunity to help others and to hopefully prevent some of the struggles I went through. I know what it's like to feel alone in the profession. Don't get me wrong, my family was very supportive and wonderful, but having a more senior veterinarian there to ask questions and look up to and to vent if needed would have been so helpful for me.

I try to be the type of mentor that each mentee needs, and our relationships all look a little different. That's the beauty of MentorVet. It allows us to provide the mentorship that individuals need rather than a cookie-cutter mentor program. It's more personal that way.

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

Each mentoring relationship is different and unique. Some recurring themes include feeling burnt out (professionally, emotionally, physically), lacking confidence since so much of their job is new to them (first exploratory laparotomy, first time managing a DKA, and so on) because they just graduated, and employment negotiations and career decisions.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a mentor?

The fact that another person places enough trust in me to be vulnerable is so heartwarming and moving. It is rewarding to see mentees work through their challenges and make positive changes in their lives and careers. I learn a lot from them too, which in turn makes me a better person and mentor.

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

It's okay to be vulnerable with others. Sharing your own history can be life-changing for another person.

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?

Remember your worth. You might be a new graduate, but you are valuable and intelligent, and you deserve to be treated with respect. A relief veterinarian told me this when I was a very early career veterinarian and it has always stuck with me.

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

Absolutely! What better way to help our profession than to help support the next generation of veterinarians?

What is your favorite self-care activity?

I don't have just one. I enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, writing, and painting. I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Thank you for sharing with us, Dr. Crowe!

We are so thankful for your continual support the bright light you are in our community and vet med at large! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor like Stephanie, follow the link HERE!