Dani Rabwin, DVM '04
After graduating from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, Dani Rabwin nurtured a successful career in small animal general and emergency practice, with particular interest and focus on abdominal ultrasound, clinical pathology/cytology, and managing chronic conditions in older patients. But it was her compassion and skill communicating with humans, namely fellow veterinarians, that inspired her to start her own mentoring business: Ready, Vet, Go.
Throughout nearly 20 years in clinical practice, Dani unofficially mentored countless vet students and new vets. Then, her “official” career in mentorship began in 2020 when she persuaded her practice owner, who was reluctant to hire a new graduate, with the promise that she'd personally onboard and guide her throughout the early stages of her career. The extraordinary success that Dr. Rabwin and her mentee achieved together, coupled with the vast benefits felt by the practice, led to the realization that veterinary mentorship is part of her career calling.
She began laying the groundwork for Ready, Vet, Go in 2020 with a small cohort of new veterinary graduates. She designed a 6-month program to help support new vets, and then launched the first official cohort in 2022. “Facilitating a group of new grads was incredibly inspiring. I loved sharing my joy for this profession and helping new grads start off on the right foot” Rabwin says. Since much of this initial mentoring transpired during the pandemic, Rabwin also realized that most of the coaching and guidance early career vets need can be provided remotely.
While the company started as a mentorship program for new grads and early career veterinarians, it has expanded in so many directions. “We are moving into communication coaching for vets (both new and experienced), conference speakers, vet schools, and industry about mentorship and communication, and hosting communication workshops. Additional future plans include consulting with practice groups to help them develop and grow their in-house mentorship programs, as well as a variety of other projects.” Rabwin says.
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Career Leadership and Wellness program hosted Dr. Rabwin in March of this year, in a lunchtime talk to current SVM students.
When asked what the most important pieces of advice a mentor can offer a new graduate, these were her top answers:
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New is not always better. Although most practices do not have all the bells and whistles you find at teaching hospitals and specialty clinics, they still provide excellent medical care. A recent grad can learn so much from experienced vets and long-time practice owners, even if they aren’t using the newest and shiniest equipment. Appreciate and take advantage of their experience and wisdom.
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If you need help, always ask! Mentorship is a two-way street, and your responsibility is to make the most of the relationship.
Dani lives in Benicia with her teenage son and a variety of pets, and enjoys camping, hiking, yoga and growing beautiful flowers.
Photo and content credits: Ready, Vet, Go via Instagram; UC Davis Vet Med Advancement Office and Rumpus Writing.