Mentor Highlight: Supporting Growth Through Kindness and Collaboration

Strong mentorship can shape not only careers but also confidence, resilience, and connection within the veterinary profession. MentorVet mentor, Angela Leape, DVM, brings a passion for teaching, a love of learning, and a deep belief in kindness to every mentee relationship. From general practice to public health, her journey reflects both adaptability and a commitment to helping others thrive. 

Her mentee recently shared with us that,  “Angela has been very helpful at every check-in we have scheduled. Even when it was not related to our specific mentorship/mentee goals, she was willing to be a resource and provide insight. Additionally, Angela has been very responsive to messages and follow-ups. She is wonderful!” 

Read more about Angela and her experience being a MentorVet mentor with us:

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 VMCVM in 2017 and went into general practice in Wilmington, North Carolina. My husband's job sent us to DC, where we spent 5 years, and then we made the move out to Colorado. I currently work in a general practice that also does daytime emergencies. During COVID, I also got a Master's in Public Health.”

Why did you decide to become a mentor for the MentorVet community?

“I benefited from great mentorship early in my career, which helped to shape the vet I am today. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge, so joining the MentorVet community was a way to continue that once I moved to a rural area that had less in-person mentorship. I also gain so much from my mentees, both clinical knowledge and the soft skills of being a doctor and coworker.”

Please share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed.

“The most common thing I talk to mentees about is how they can advocate for themselves in asking for help or changes around the hospital to make their days better. This is often through asking for things like dedicated time to discuss cases, schedule adjustments, or asking for newer tools like AI note-taking software.”

What is the most enjoyable aspect of mentoring?

“I love when mentees are proud of themselves for reaching a goal.”

What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet?

“I have learned a lot of clinical pearls about things that have changed since I graduated school. I have also learned the value of being a collaborative team member and how much the soft skills make everyone happier at work.”

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received or given?

“You will never regret reacting with kindness.”

What is your favorite self-care activity?

“I love spending time outdoors- hiking, skiing, biking, throwing the ball for my dog.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

“A fun fact about me is that I spent 6 months living in an Airstream and driving across the country. We visited 31 states and 17 national parks!”