Ep 253: From Surviving to Thriving: The Importance of Mentorship, with Geoffrey van Zijl

In this episode of So You're a Vet, Now What? Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes Geoffrey van Zijl, a passionate ER technician dedicated to mentoring veterinary technicians. With nearly two decades in the field, Geoffrey shares his journey from the early 90s, when technician support was scarce, to today’s evolving profession. He reflects on the impact of mentorship in reducing burnout and turnover while enhancing patient care.Geoffrey opens up about overcoming burnout through self-reflection and mentorship, emphasizing the need for a supportive learning culture. He shares practical tips for guiding new technicians and celebrates their growth.Episode Outline[00:00:15] - Meet Geoffrey van Zijl: Passionate ER Technician[00:02:08] - The Importance of Mentorship for LVTs[00:03:01] - The Dynamic Duo: Technicians and Veterinarians[00:05:59] - Personal Journey: Overcoming Challenges in the Field[00:08:57] - Finding Passion and Avoiding Burnout[00:16:23] - The Shift to Mentorship: Taking Initiative[00:19:35] - Intentional Mentorship: Setting Goals[00:22:40] - The Reward of Watching Mentees Succeed[00:28:26] - Personal Growth Through Mentorship[00:32:34] - Future Aspirations in MentorshipEpisode Links Follow Geoffrey: https://www.instagram.com/aint.doin.right Mentioned in this episode:So You're a Vet, Now What? - The CourseAre you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.