Dr. Kerl is pleased to welcome Dr. Wendy Deal, an Area Medical Director for VCA's Midwest Region and an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Mill Run. Listen in as they discuss her journey in veterinary medicine, the role of veterinary technicians and assistants, and the importance of mentorship programs for new veterinarians. Dr. Deal emphasizes the need for support and guidance during the transition from student to doctor and highlights the value of soft skills and professional development. They also chat about the VCA Mentorship Academy Program, which provides a structured six-month program for mentees and mentors. Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the program, including weekly coaching sessions.

Dr. Deal grew up in Columbus and obtained her BS at Northwestern University. She received her DVM at Cornell University in 2003 and completed a small animal rotating internship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Providence, RI. She moved home to Columbus in 2005 and joined VCA Mill Run, where she has continued to develop her interest in general practice, internal medicine and ultrasound. She has a passion for client education as well as training and educating hospital staff, veterinary students, and new doctors. Since 2019, Dr. Deal has helped coordinate the new graduate mentorship program for the central Ohio VCA hospitals, and she has been the Area Medical Director for central Ohio since 2021. She lives in Ohio with her partner Tim, enjoys outdoor sports and has three cats, Ernie, Primrose, and Junebug.

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