MentorVet Mentor Spotlight: Dr. Robert Binder, DVM
Dr. Robert Binder, DVM, was recently nominated by his mentee as being a five-star mentor! Check out his insight below on what it means to give back to the vet community and why he got involved with MentorVet.
Dr. Robert Binder, DVM
MentorVet Mentor
Robert, tell us a little bit about your career journey. What do you currently do in veterinary medicine and how did you end up here?
I graduated from the veterinary school at Cornell University in 1979. Early in my career, I worked in a mixed animal practice for 2 years and eventually settled into practice as a small animal veterinarian. I owned an animal hospital in Saugus, Massachusetts for 30 years treating cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and injured native wildlife. I tried to retire fully approximately 4 years ago, but continue to do surgery 2 days a month at my old hospital to help out.
Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?
When I was planning to retire, the only regret that I had was whether the knowledge that I had gained from many years of practice would go to waste. As with all experienced clinicians, I learned the hard way how to deal with the various interpersonal situations that arise daily. Becoming a mentor gives me the ability to share some of my experiences.
Will you share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed?
My mentee shared with me that she had some difficulty ending office appointments especially when a client would begin discussing issues unrelated to their pet. Sometimes the appointments would extend much longer than the allotted time, and my mentee would feel that she was falling behind as appointments backed up. We discussed and worked on strategies to help her become more efficient, and strategies that would help her politely end an appointment.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a mentor?
Robert with his two daughters.
The most enjoyable aspect is being able to pass along knowledge from my long career as a veterinarian to veterinarians who are just beginning their careers.
What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?
One thing that I have known for a long time, even before becoming involved with MentorVet is that all clinicians need an outlet for discussing issues and problems encountered on a day-to-day basis. Talking to the right people can help validate one's experience and help the individual problem-solve and relieve stress.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received from a mentor or the best piece of advice that you have ever given?
When I am feeling stressed or rushed when dealing with a client, I will purposely slow down the cadence of my voice. In my opinion, this gives the client the impression that I have all the time in the world, and often (counterintuitively) enables me to finish conversations in less time.
Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet to other veterinarians?
If you like helping younger clinicians to gain their footing, then of course.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
Several, depending on the time of day or season: reading, alpine skiing, puttering around the house.
Fun Fact:
“I do a great imitation of the mating ritual of the Blue Footed Booby.”
We need to hear that impression! Thank you for sharing with us, Dr. Binder!
We are so grateful for his support in MentorVet! We are on-boarding new mentors all the time! — Check out some next steps to be a Mentor here!