Mentoring Program

Looking for an ABVP Mentor?

Mentors are Diplomates who have volunteered to help veterinarians with the ABVP credentialing process and examination preparation. 

If you are in the credentialing process to become a Diplomate, you are encouraged to:

Access the Mentor Directory

Mentors have not received special training to serve in the role of Mentor; rather, they are veterinarians who have themselves completed the certification process successfully and who have expressed an interest in offering advice and encouragement to other veterinarians aspiring to become ABVP Diplomates.

Participation in the ABVP Mentoring Program does not guarantee success in the credentialing or examination process. ABVP is providing information and services as a benefit in furtherance of ABVP's non-profit organizational goals and purposes.

ABVP makes no representations about the suitability of this information and these services for any purpose. No warranty or guarantee of any kind is given by ABVP with respect to any material or information presented.

Mentoring Program Volunteers

Sign up online, to be a volunteer

The process of application, credentialing and examination can be intimidating. ABVP recognizes the need to provide individual assistance to veterinarians aspiring to become Diplomates, and a formal ABVP mentoring mechanism has been developed to meet that need.

ABVP is seeking Diplomates to mentor one or more applicants or candidates. New Diplomates with recent experience in successful certification would be particularly beneficial to potential Diplomates.

The Mentoring Committee will provide support materials and a liaison to help mentors offer effective guidance. Diplomates interested in mentoring are urged to contact ABVP at abvp@xmi-amc.com, or download the Volunteer Opportunities form.

Expectations of Mentors

Mentors are expected to provide information, encouragement, expertise and coaching to applicants and candidates to facilitate the successful completion of the steps necessary to achieve Diplomate status.

The credentialing and examination process required to achieve ABVP Diplomate status is a significant but rewarding challenge. It requires substantial motivation and self-directed effort and study. The role of the mentor is not that of teacher per se, but as guide to help the applicant or candidate identify the proper tools and resources for that self-directed preparation/study.

Mentors should be thoroughly familiar with the "Application Handbook" and "Study Guide" and able to use those tools effectively to help applicants and candidates.

Mentors are not expected to review case reports. If mentors choose to review or comment on case reports, the mentor should be explicitly clear that a "positive review" by the mentor does not necessarily ensure that the case reports will be accepted.

The mentors should expect a time commitment of approximately 6 hours per year, per applicant. For example, this would allow for a 30-minute telephone meeting every month to answer questions, etc. (Applicants/candidates should incur these telephone charges.)

Mentors should be familiar with any upcoming ABVP-sponsored in-depth seminars specific to the relevant species (materials to be provided to mentors by the ABVP office).