Mentoring is often defined as a professional relationship in which a mentor (the experienced person) assists the mentee (a relative newcomer to a profession) in developing skills and knowledge to enhance the less-experienced person’s professional and personal growth.

Mentoring is a key activity by which employers can successfully facilitate a new associate's entry into the hospital environment. The mentor provides valuable knowledge, expertise, and support, while the mentee provides enthusiasm and an open mind. This solutions-focused attitude reflects positively on the entire hospital.

The mentor typically has several years of professional experience (although there is no minimum requirement). A mentor is not the same as a supervisor, although one person can serve in both roles.

The mentee is typically a team member, junior colleague, or a new associate.

A mentor is a guide who helps direct the mentee in their career. Mentors usually have had similar experiences and understand what the mentee will need to learn and what issues they may encounter.

A mentor should challenge the mentee by asking questions and provide guidance and encouragement. The mentoring process should help the mentee build their self-confidence and enhance their skillset.

AAHA recognized that the skillsets developed during a veterinarian's first year in practice are crucial to their professional future. Mentoring is invaluable during this time. AAHA supports the mentoring process and has created and formalized standards for this.

Any practice going through an AAHA evaluation may choose mentorship accreditation as an optional, no-cost addition to their evaluation.

No, mentorship accreditation is a completely optional addition to traditional AAHA accreditation.

There is no additional cost to add mentorship accreditation as part of your AAHA accreditation evaluation.