specialty veterinarians providing care to black lab puppy

Doctor Mentorship Program

We'll meet you where you are, and take you where you want to go.

With Mentorship,
You're Meant to Thrive

Meet your dedicated mentor through our one-year doctor mentorship program — Meant to Thrive designed for early career veterinarians and those returning to clinical practice or switching lanes in practice who want extra support while pursuing medical excellence. Watch your skills sharpen and your confidence grow while you receive guidance in managing cases, your mental well-being and work-life balance.

Benefits of the Program

Veterinarians seeking mentorship in a supportive environment have found their match in Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Meant to Thrive program. Customized to individual needs, this one-year mentorship initiative goes beyond conventional support structures, offering:

Dedicated Doctor
Mentors

Each associate veterinarian and their local medical leader will be paired with a Regional Doctor Mentor (RDM), dedicated exclusively to mentorship, overseeing a cohort of associate veterinarians, and available on an as-needed basis for support and consultation.

On-Site Experienced Medical Leader

Associate veterinarians are also supported by local medical leaders – experienced doctors on-site at their hospital for day-to-day support.

One-Year Structured
Curriculum

Tailored career development plans for each associate veterinarian, including specific goals, interactive discussions, and regular check-ins with hospital leaders and the RDM.

Weekly Interactive Topic Discussions

Connect with a community of mentees and mentors to explore a different topic every week to grow as a doctor and leader through 50 RACE-approved CE courses!

On-Demand Case
Support

Get case consultation support from a community of medical leaders across all lanes of practice - a safety net and sounding board.

Apply Today

Meet the Mentors

Committed to your success, Thrive's Regional Doctor Mentors (RDMs!) provide invaluable guidance to mentees and local mentors. RDMs collaborate with each other to best support your needs, fostering a connected community that enhances your growth as you navigate your professional journey.

Katie Fish, DVM

Director of Mentorship Programs

With a DVM from Cornell and BS from University at Buffalo, Dr. Fish brings 20+ years of veterinary and mentorship experience. A classical violinist and world traveler, she applies her passion to nurturing new veterinarians.

Transitioning from general practice to full-time mentorship in 2020, she supports early career vets across multiple hospitals. As Thrive Pet Healthcare's Director of Mentoring Programs, she leads initiatives fostering medical excellence and well-being.

Dr. Fish creates safe spaces for honest discussions about veterinary challenges. She normalizes experiences for new doctors, building their resilience.

She excels in soft tissue surgery and is passionate about mentorship as both topic and skill. She values the benefits of Thrive's national community in improving patient outcomes and nurturing doctor well-being.

Her Goal: Empowering vets to achieve clinical excellence while supporting personal well-being and fostering community.

Trevor Garb, DVM

Regional Doctor Mentor

A Texas A&M DVM graduate with an Emergency & Critical Care internship at Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Dr. Garb brings extensive experience in emergency medicine and practice leadership. He's been a partner at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center and helped open multiple urgent care locations.

As a Regional Doctor Mentor, Dr. Garb focuses on helping new graduates transition into their roles as veterinarians and leaders.

An ocean enthusiast, Dr. Garb enjoys surfing and free diving. At home, he's kept busy by Clayton the Siberian Husky, Fig Newman the Terrier Mix, and Walnut the California Desert Tortoise.

His mission is to help new vets maintain their passion, achieve their goals, and realize how amazing they truly are.

Reagan Bugg, DVM

Regional Doctor Mentor

A 2017 Mississippi State University graduate, Dr. Bugg is passionate about teaching surgical and dental techniques. As a Regional Doctor Mentor, she promotes effective client communication and owner engagement, enhancing overall patient care.

Dr. Bugg owns 4 horses and competes in Adult Amateur Hunters with Brewsky, her 13-year-old RPSI Warmblood.

Inspired by her mentors, Drs. Murphy and Wright, Dr. Bugg values creating supportive environments for new graduates. She loves the hands-on aspect of being a Regional Doctor Mentor, assisting across 12 regional hospitals.

Dr. Bugg's goal: fostering growth and happiness in new veterinarians, mirroring the supportive environment she's enjoyed for 7 years.

Jon Friend, DVM

Regional Doctor Mentor

With a DVM degree from NC State and an ongoing MBA from Wake Forest, Dr. Friend brings diverse expertise to his role as Regional Doctor Mentor. An AVMA and NCVMA member, he excels in orthopedics and soft tissue surgery.

Dr. Friend's career spans private and corporate practice, regional medical director, and now mentorship. He's passionate about work-life rhythms and leadership development.

An avid MLB fan and memorabilia collector, Dr. Friend balances professional growth with personal passions like hiking and camping.

Dr. Friend’s goal: creating a mentorship model that positively influences the entire veterinary profession.

Hear From Mentees in the
Thrive Community

"Surgery after surgery, my regional mentor's unwavering support boosted my confidence. No judgment, just invaluable guidance

Dr. Jillian Gimmy

Associate Veterinarian,
Cats and Critters Veterinary Hospital, Greece Animal Hospital

"It was nice to know that at Thrive, we set goals for where we should be in 3 months, 6 months, etc., and have regular check-in meetings. Not many places I interviewed had that."

Dr. Danling Ye

Veterinarian, Bayview Animal Hospital

"A significant area of growth I've seen, which I attribute in part to the mentorship program, is in the human interaction aspect of veterinary medicine. Having the support and people around to discuss pet parent interactions and experiences has been really helpful."

Dr. Sam Kalis

Associate Veterinarian, Irondequoit Animal Hospital

"What I've liked most about Thrive is the Doctor Mentorship Program. I can't imagine having a better first-year experience, both in the hospital and in overall support. The on-demand case support is a godsend."

Dr. Amanda Sorlie

,Associate Veterinarian, Greece Animal Hospital