At WVP, we believe mentorship doesn’t end after your first six months or even your first year—it continues throughout your career. That’s why we provide dedicated support for doctors in their first 0–3 years after graduation, as well as experienced veterinarians seeking additional guidance, because growth and learning never stop.
Your career isn’t one-size-fits-all. Neither is our support.
Personalized career path
Customized offers
Dedicated mentorship
Leadership development
Clinical development
National community
Flexible opportunities
Support from student through early career and beyond
Why Early Career Doctors Choose WVP
-
Hands on Surgical Wet Lab
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Hands on Dental Wet Lab
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X% report increased clinical confidence
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1:1 dedicated mentorship at every hospital
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350+ hospitals
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39 states
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Thousands of collaborative clinicians
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Dedicated virtual mentor support
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National peer community
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Hear from our early career vets.
What’s Included in Your Early Career Experience
Clinical Growth
- Launch, Launch Live
- Dental U, Dental Wet Labs
- Surgical Wet Labs
- Case discussions
- Mentor guidance
- Clinical coaching
- Hands-on learning
Career Growth
- Leadership development
- Communication skills
- Peer cohorts
- Networking
- Career coaching
- Mentor development
- Growth planning
Professional Support
- Competitive CE allowance
- CE days
- VIN
- Plumb’s
- Professional memberships
- License coverage
- Professional liability coverage
Personal Wellbeing
- Competitive PTO
- Medical benefits
- Parental leave
- Disability benefits
- Pet discounts
- 401(k)
- No Negative Accrual?
Your WVP Journey
Before Graduation
- VetPrep / Zuku opportunities (future)
- Student ambassador opportunities
- Virtual learning events
- Networking
Veterinary Student Externships
- Flexible scheduling
- Hands-on experience
- Shadowing
- Mentorship
- Exposure to multiple practice styles
- Clinical confidence building
- Networking opportunities
Year 1: Launch
- Dedicated hospital mentor
- Formal Launch Program
- Virtual mentor support
- Monthly peer cohorts
- Clinical discussions
- Communication training
- Case reviews
Years 1-2: Launch Live
- In-person workshops
- Clinical confidence
- Leadership development
- Communication skills
- Networking
- Community building
Years 1-3: Clinical Development
Surgical Wet Labs
- Soft tissue surgery
- Hands-on instruction
- Small-group coaching
- Real case discussion
- Faculty mentorship
Dental U
- Advanced dentistry training
- Extraction confidence
- Hands-on experience
- Expert mentorship
- Clinical coaching
Years 1-3: Leadership Development
- Leadership workshops
- Communication skills
- Team development
- Coaching
- Career planning
A Culture of Mentorship
Mentorship isn’t a program. It’s how we practice.
Dedicated in-hospital mentor
Virtual mentor support
National mentor network
Clinical collaboration
Small-group learning
Peer community
Leadership coaching
Ongoing support beyond onboarding
Meet our Virtual Mentors
What Makes WVP Different?
Discover the difference a mentorship-first approach can make. From dedicated in-hospital support and hands-on learning to career development and leadership opportunities, WVP invests in your growth at every stage of your veterinary career.
| Feature | WVP | Typical Employer |
|---|---|---|
|
👥
Dedicated In-Hospital Mentor
|
✓ |
Limited |
🤝 Culture of Mentorship |
✓ |
Variable |
🚀 Launch Program |
✓ |
Rare |
🎥 Launch Live |
✓ |
Rare |
📋 Launch MD |
✓ |
Rare |
🦷 Dental U |
✓ |
Rare |
✂️ Surgical Wet Labs |
✓ |
Some |
👨⚕️ Monthly Peer Cohorts |
✓ |
Limited |
⭐ Leadership Development |
✓ |
Limited |
🌎 National Clinical Community |
✓ |
Variable |
🏷️ Customized Offers |
✓ |
Limited |
🎓 Competitive CE & Career Development |
✓ |
Variable |
🛡️ No Negative Accrual |
✓ |
Rare |
🧭 Flexible Career Pathways |
✓ |
Variable |
Explore Student Opportunities
Whether you’re looking for an externship, networking opportunities, or ways to connect with experienced mentors, WVP offers programs that help you prepare for life after veterinary school.
Paid Externships
- Competitive compensation
- Flexible scheduling
- Hands-on learning
- Mentor support
Student Community
- Ambassador opportunities
- Virtual learning events
- Summer opportunities
- Networking
- Community
Future Opportunities
- Student ambassadors
- Summer student program
- Alumni engagement
- Distributive school partnerships
Real Stories
Every veterinarian’s journey is unique, and the right support can make all the difference. Hear from WVP veterinarians who have built confidence, strengthened their clinical skills, and advanced their careers through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a collaborative community.
Day in the Life Series
What an Externship at WVP Looks Like
My First Year at WVP
Why I Mentor
Growing Your Career at WVP
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I meet with my mentor?
Can I choose my mentor?
What if I need help on a difficult case?
How much surgery experience will I get?
What is Dental U?
What is Launch?
What is Launch Live?
What is Launch MD?
Are CE expenses covered?
What professional memberships are included?
What is No Negative Accrual?
What benefits are available?
How does WVP support work-life balance?
What opportunities exist after my first year?
Build the Career You Imagined
The transition from veterinary school to practice can be challenging but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At WVP, you’ll have mentorship, hands-on learning, leadership development, and a nationwide community invested in helping you grow into the veterinarian you want to become.
Dr. Doug McInnis
VP of Veterinary Leadership
Dr. McInnis grew up with animals on their small family farm; it was there that he discovered a love for helping animals and decided to pursue a veterinary career. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oregon and Washington State Universities’. After graduating, Dr. McInnis became incredibly active in organized veterinary medicine locally, statewide, and nationally.
He is a past president of the Klamath and Lake Counties Veterinary Medical Association, past president and board member of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, and currently serves as the Oregon Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates. He is a past member of the American Veterinary Medical Association Foundation and is currently a member their Advisory Board. Dr. McInnis is a member of the Rotary Club of Klamath County where he has held roles as Treasurer, President, and served on the Board of Directors. He is also the past president of the Klamath County Rotary Club Foundation. Dr. McInnis is currently serving his community as a member of the Sky Lakes Medical Center Board of Directors, a member of the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation Board, and a board member of Klamath County CASA (Child Abuse Special Advocates).
Dr. McInnis is dedicated to his profession and often fosters that dedication for high school students and the youth interested in the veterinary field. He encourages his veterinary hospital staff to pursue continuing education and career advancement, while providing preceptorships to students in the veterinary field. Dr. McInnis serves on two local scholarship committees: The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee and the Merle and Emma West Scholarship Committee.
Dr. McInnis is a great animal advocate and has served the Klamath Humane Society on the Board of Directors and has held the role of Vice President. Dr. McInnis continues to support the efforts of the Humane Society, donating many services and providing assistance to the shelter and its animals.
Dr. McInnis received the Diamond Collar Award in 2018 for his efforts in animal welfare from the Oregon Humane Society. Follow the link below.
https://youtu.be/Q4OZTf1h7_M
Dr. Krista Gibson
Medical Advisor
Dr. Gibson grew up in Scottsdale and left years ago to pursue a career as a veterinarian. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison Veterinary School in 1996. Her adventures took her all over the country, and finally came back full circle to Scottsdale, where she owned Kierland Animal Clinic. She spends her free time with her husband, Tom, four dogs, and two cats. She enjoys mountain biking, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Janis Shinkawa
Medical Advisor
Dr. Jan is the Medical Director and founding partner of Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura and Santa Paula, CA. Born and raised in Honolulu, Dr. Jan first pursued a degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant and auditor for Ernst and Young in Honolulu. There, she was exposed to various industries including health care, retail, government, and hospitality. Dr. Jan graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and moved to Ventura, CA to complete a small animal rotating internship at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG). From there, Dr. Jan worked as a general practitioner in both Orange County and Ventura before founding Ohana with her veterinarian colleagues in 2012. Dr. Jan is an active member of her community having previously served as president of both the Santa Barbara-Ventura Veterinary Medical Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) of Ventura County. She currently serves on the NAWBO National Board as the Chair-Elect and Advocacy Committee Chair. Dr. Jan also helped start and develop the veterinary assistant program at Charter College and the local Veterinary Technology program at Ventura College, which is an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association teaching program for registered veterinary technicians. Always striving to contribute to the betterment of the veterinary profession, she, along with her veterinary colleague and business partner, established Lokahi Foundation, which is a 501c3 non-profit helping to create pathways for people to enjoy sustainable long-term careers in veterinary medicine and business management, while delivering exceptional client service to pet owners and high-quality care to pets.
As a Medical Advisor, Dr. Jan will help WVP stay focused on veterinarians and their practice teams, to improve their lives and the clients and patients they serve. Dr. Shinkawa will also be assisting with our Medical Director Leadership Development program to further support our current and future medical directors.
Dr. Kara Plotz
VP of Veterinary Leadership
Dr. Kara Plotz is originally from the Toronto area and is a 2007 graduate of Ontario Veterinary College and a 2025 MBA graduate from IU. She worked in general practice as an associate and medical leader for 10 years. She has since worked in multi-unit field operations and medical quality roles in other large veterinary organizations. Since joining WVP in 2023, Dr. Plotz has been an integral member of the operations team, supporting hospitals and other operators across the U.S. In 2025 she joined the Medical Advisory Board as a VP of Veterinary Leadership supporting the Eastern half of the country, while still working closely with the operations team. Dr. Plotz lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and three dogs. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with family and exploring all that Nashville has to offer.