Benefits of the Program

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. 

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. 

With a DVM from Texas A&M and PhD from TCU, Dr. Fogelberg brings diverse experience in veterinary medicine and education. An avid marathoner and ultra-runner, she applies the same dedication to mentoring, focusing on efficiency, boundary-setting, and communication. 

She serves as the President of the Academy of Veterinary Educators. Her textbook, "Educational Principles and Practice in Veterinary Medicine," was published last year. Extending her impact globally, she founded the MSoMI Academy for Girls in Kenya.  

As a Regional Doctor Mentor, Dr. Fogelberg creates safe spaces for growth, helping others discover their strengths and passions. 

When not shaping veterinary education or running long distances, she enjoys baking and planning Disney adventures with her family. 

Her goal is to guide others towards fulfilling veterinary careers while fostering positive world impact. 

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. 

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. 

A Tufts University DVM graduate and former valedictorian, Dr. Maillet brings expertise in surgery, internal medicine, and urgent care and has shelter and exotics experience. As a Regional Doctor Mentor, she focuses on technical skills, confidence building, and burnout prevention. 

Dr. Maillet values critical thinking and compassion in veterinary practice. Her mentorship philosophy stems from her own college mentor's influence, emphasizing both academic and personal growth. 

An avid runner and hiker, Dr. Maillet balances professional life with family time, attending her children's sporting events. 

Dr. Maillet’s goal: smoothing the transition from academics to real-world medicine, retaining compassionate individuals in the profession.