Mentor–Mentee Highlight: Cheryl Langbein, DVM & Magda Kokinos, DVM

“Magda and I ended up having such a great professional as well as personal relationship. I admire her tremendously and value our relationship so much. She is honest and humble and is thirsty for advice. She texts me with problems and questions and I will text her from time to time for updates. We met up last year for lunch with our husbands here in California and had a great time. I hope our relationship and friendship continues for many years. I'm so thankful to your program!”

- Cheryl Langbein, DVM, MentorVet Connect Mentor.

Cheryl and Magda meeting over Zoom.

Mentorship can be transformative — offering support, perspective, and connection during pivotal career moments. For mentor Dr. Cheryl Langbein and mentee Dr. Magda Kokinos, what began as a MentorVet match quickly grew into a meaningful professional relationship and lasting friendship. Through shared experiences, honest conversations, and encouragement, their mentorship highlights the power of connection across career stages.

Tell us a little bit about your career journeys:

Cheryl:
I graduated from UCDSVM in 1987 and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery afterwards. I worked in mixed and small animal medicine over my career and just retired last summer. At one point, I owned a mobile veterinary business in the same vein as James Herriot, complete with ranch visits followed by elaborate lunches given by appreciative clients.

Magda:
I am a 2022 graduate from the University of Minnesota and went directly into mixed animal practice after graduation. I am one of those “always wanted to be a vet” types, but I fell in love with the profession after shadowing at a clinic in high school and seeing just how much helping animals extends to helping people.

Why did you decide to participate in mentoring through the MentorVet community?

Cheryl:
I wanted to give back to a community that has given me so much. Over the years I've gained knowledge and confidence that I hoped to pass on to new graduates.

Magda:
I stumbled upon MentorVet on the AVMA website one day and thought it would be great to have the opportunity to make another connection in the veterinary industry. I was hoping to find someone outside of my practice to have as an additional mentor. I thought that having a fresh perspective on cases and workplace situations would help me see the bigger picture and tackle them more effectively.

What are some examples of what you’ve discussed together?

Cheryl:
We addressed dealing with agitated clients, including one who was verbally abusive. We discussed time-saving and flow management issues within her practice, and we talked through contract negotiations when she was applying for a new job.

Magda:
Cheryl has been the absolute best and I am so glad we got paired up! We have a lot in common outside of veterinary medicine, which made it easy to develop a strong connection with her. Cheryl has helped me through several early career hurdles such as tough clients, emotionally difficult cases, and leaving a first job.

It is so easy to get swept up in this career field, especially soon after graduation when you are trying to prove yourself. This can lead to rapid burnout and dissatisfaction both at work and at home. Through talking with Cheryl, I saw that it is possible to have both a fulfilling career and a fulfilling life as long as you advocate for yourself and prioritize you. For most difficult situations, Cheryl had a similar story and shared how she responded and moved forward. It made me feel like I was not alone in this journey and that things do get easier over time.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of mentoring?

Cheryl:
When completing a mentoring session, there is a feeling of connection that good communication can bring. When you feel you have helped your mentee's life in some small (or big) way, it is so rewarding.

What is one thing you’ve learned through mentoring?

Cheryl:
The challenges I faced as a new graduate are similar to those experienced by today's graduates. We are not alone!

What is the best piece of advice that has come out of your mentorship?

Cheryl:
A mentor once gave me invaluable advice during my first year in practice: no matter how overwhelming a problem seems, I’ll eventually overcome it and emerge just fine.

Magda:
A common theme that has come up is to let go of negativity in all forms. You're never going to please everybody, so the only thing you can do is your best — and the difficult clients will weed themselves out.

Would you recommend participating in mentoring?

Cheryl:
I would absolutely recommend mentoring for the MentorVet community. It is such a rewarding feeling when you are helping someone solve career or personal problems, potentially improving their work-life balance and quality of life. I have forged ongoing friendships along with continued mentorship relationships with several of the mentees that are invaluable to me.

Meeting in person! Magda lives in North Carolina and Cheryl lives in California. During a work trip for Madga’s husband, the pair was able to meet up for the day, get some lunch and cocktails, and explore Mare Island! We love when our mentor relationships can develope into real friendships!

Cheryl and Magda’s mentorship reflects the heart of MentorVet — creating supportive relationships that help veterinarians navigate challenges, build confidence, and cultivate fulfilling careers and lives. Their story is a reminder that mentorship doesn’t just provide guidance in the moment — it can spark friendships that last for years to come.