BUILDING A VETERINARY MEDICAL MASTERMIND: LEANING ON EACH OTHER TO IMPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SKILLS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1023710
• Grant No.: 2020-70024-32370
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $245,000.00
• Proposal No.: 2020-03924
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2020
• Project End Date: Jan 31, 2024
• Grant Year: 2020
• Program Code: [VSGPE]- Veterinary Services Grant Program Education Grants

Recipient Organization
WISCONSIN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INC
4610 S BILTMORE LN STE 107
MADISON,WI 53718

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
Building A Veterinary Medical Mastermind utilizes the mastermind concept to provide individual professional development skills in the area of leadership, business, communication and other professional skills. The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA), an advocate for advancing veterinary medicine, will develop the program framework and utilize its network and resources to facilitate the program. This program will seek to add value for both current and future practitioners as well as teach them how to facilitate their own future development.The goal of the program is to create an environment of shared group learning. This in-person training will provide participants the skills, strategies and techniques needed for their veterinary professional development, focusing on professional skills, using ways their schooling, practice and personal experiences have never done before. This interaction lends itself to an environment where members can share examples of personal successes and failures with each other; providing experience that they would otherwise not have been exposed to. This peer to peer interaction also sets a level of accountability which will be re-enforced through follow up calls, emails, online groups and virtual meetings. The WVMA will leverage years of continuing education experience to create a program focused on goal setting and accountability and will lead participants to a greater level of follow through, success and achievement than they ever would achieve on their own.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
307	6010	3020	100%

Knowledge Area
307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
6010 - Individuals;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;

Keywords

business

continuing education

food animal

leader

leadership

veterinarian

Goals / Objectives
Specific Aim #1: Mastermind workshopsProvide training opportunities for veterinary students and early graduate veterinarians to advance their professional skills and build a peer to peer network. Each mastermind program will include 6-7 participants in a small group setting. Each workshop will include three separate programs over a 2-day period, allowing for a total of 18 to 21 individuals to participate. These 2 -day workshops will be repeated four times each year of the 3-year grant with an aim to have 216 to 252 participants over the lifetime of the grant.This objective aligns with the VSGP program area priorities 1 and 3. It supports the travel of veterinary students to help cover expenses to attending a training program with the goals of strengthening food safety, public health and food animal practice in rural shortage areas. Priority will be given to those serving in underserved areas.Specific Aim # 2: Peer to peer facilitationFurther communication and peer to peer interaction among workshop attendees by providing ongoing communication and support for newly established skills.All participants will be provided access to a private Mastermind networking group to facilitate ongoing communication and problem solving in a safe, small group setting. Individuals will be expected to participate in both a pre and post workshop virtual meeting to both plan for the in-person session and allow for check in on individual action plans and hold each participant accountable for measurable progress.This objective aligns will the VSGP program area priority 3. The goal is to support ongoing education and extension to participants to continue to strengthen their veterinary practices and further enhance food safety through advancing their professional skills.

Project Methods
Methods for Specific Aim #1:The WVMA will begin marketing the mastermind program through organized veterinary medical channels. This includes social media, newsletters and list servs through the WVMA and other organized veterinary medical organizations. Being a state organization, the WVMA has close working relationships with VMAs all over the country which can aid in disseminating this information to veterinarians and veterinary students. In addition, Dean Mark Markel of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine sits on the WVMA board and is the current president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges; he can assist with disseminating the information to veterinary schools across the country.As a part of the marketing plan, details regarding the application process and required submission will be included. To help aid the cost associated with travel a $625 stipend will be offered to those individuals traveling via airline and a $350 stipend for those driving. Applicants will be required to submit the application and include a recent curriculum vitae, a personal statement stating why they want to attend, what their long-term professional goals are and what they hope to achieve by participating in the mastermind program. Strong preference will be given to students in their last year of study at an accredited veterinary medical college and those that have graduated with their DVM in the last 5 years. The non-scientific continuing education committee of the WVMA will screen applicants and make final selection of individuals to participate in the mastermind program.In order to increase value and offset travel costs for individuals, two of the four annual mastermind workshops will be scheduled in conjunction with the Food Armor veterinary student training program (pending NIFA proposal). This will allow individuals that participate in Food Armor training the option and first preference of extending their travel to also participate in the WVMA mastermind program. This allows a veterinary student or new veterinarian an opportunity to receive two travel stipends to offset their costs while also receiving RACE approved continuing education credits, a strong skill set in food safety and antimicrobial stewardship practices to implement on farms, an opportunity to improve upon their professional skills and a peer to peer network to hold individuals accountable once everyone returns home to their practice. This collaboration strengthens and adds value to both programs but if funding can not be secured for one, the other can still move forward and operate independently.Mastermind program detailsThe goal of the program is to create an environment of shared group learning. This begins with a tailored lesson to the assembled group's stated interests, with a focus on leadership, business or other professional skills. Some groups will have specific interest in the areas of business management, human resources, medical challenges, developing a team, finding their why, financial literacy, medical skills, work life balance, or a variety of other topics. We will group selected participants with people who are seeking a similar professional development strategy and present a guide to how each participant can develop three to five of these selected topics while allowing group interaction to drive the level of depth we explore each topic. Each one of these sessions will be taught for 1.5 hours, submitted for RACE approval and will provide continue education value as well as professional development value to the participants. The value of the mastermind comes from the fact that these lessons will be tailored to the group's interests and will provide the individual interactive CE experience participants so desperately want and need for growth.After the tailored lesson plan is taught participants are invited to discuss their thoughts on the lesson with other participants in an interactive round table environment. This interaction lends itself to an environment where members can share examples of personal successes and failures with each other; providing experience that they would otherwise not have been exposed to. At this point, anecdotal stories are often shared and serve to re-enforce the lesson's examples as well as lend themselves to helping participants commit the lesson to their long term memory; the result being a greater likelihood they will actually use or implement the knowledge in the future.After the round table discussion, the mastermind begins a section of instruction known as the HOT seat. In this section members share their current challenges and successes in their careers. These examples often relate to the prior topics taught in the lesson but at times they will not. The HOT seat sessions last for about 30 minutes during which participants are invited to share a success for five minutes, share a concern or existing problem for ten minutes and then the floor is opened for a facilitated discussion with their participating peers. By approaching the problem with the other five minds in the room and utilizing all their experiences, the participant is exposed to endless ideas they may never have thought of before, allowing them to connect dots or find solutions they would not have obtained on their own. Many times, this is the most powerful step in the mastermind session.After the HOT seat, participants are led in accountability exercises which encourage them to set-up SMART goals and associated action plans. During this time, they will share their next steps with the other participants, again inviting feedback, criticism and recommendations on how they should proceed. This also creates an environment of accountability by making participants state a time by which they will have this goal completed and these time frames are re-enforced through follow up calls, emails, online groups and/or virtual meetings. This is where the final power of the mastermind comes out. It invigorates participants to write down their goals, speak its time frame to other participants and follow up on its completion. A sample program agenda is included in Appendix A. Dr. Eric Rooker and WVMA will leverage years of scientific research and experience with goal setting in high performing individuals to lead participants to a greater level of follow through, success and achievement than they ever would achieve on their own.Methods for Specific Aim #2: The second objective of this proposal is to help facilitate and support the relationships developed during the in-person mastermind program. Once an individual returns home to their practices, some of the learning skills and materials they received may go unused. One of the goals of WVMA's mastermind program is to not only create this peer to peer network but also help facilitate their continuing involvement and discussion in the months and years to come.Each participating individual will be invited to join a private online networking group with individuals of whom participated in the mastermind program. This allows for continued networking and problem discussion in a safe, peer to peer environment. Additionally, each participant will be provided a one on one follow up coaching session with the program moderator, Dr. Eric Rooker. This time can be used to ask questions and address specific problems the participant may have. Finally, the participant will be required to attend a virtual follow up meeting with their mastermind group to allow for accountability and check in of their personal action plans. These virtual meetings will be held via the Zoom online platform which will remain an available option for teams to utilize following completion of the follow-up meeting. WVMA will managed the Zoom account and access for individuals looking to utilize the platform in the future.

Progress 09/01/20 to 01/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience forthe grant began withveterinary students andveterinarians less than 15 years out of school. After the first year, we expanded the target audience to include experienced veterinarians in order tocross-pollinate mentorship across the generations. Individuals with a food animal background remainedthe main target audience to help build their professional network. Many of these individuals workin very rural settings and by building this professional network, they created resources totap into when improving theirprofessional and business skills. Additionally, in responding to attendee feedback, the WVMAcreatedrepeat Mastermind workshops for previous participants to allow them to grow within their peer networks. Changes/Problems:The project start date was to be September 1, 2020. From the writing of the grant request to its approval to today, many factors have contributed to the request to terminatethis grant. Loss of Program's Two Key Stakeholders: The loss of the program's two key stakeholders has been one of the most challenging factors. Kim Brown Pokorny, the Executive Director of the WVMA and the Key Stakeholder in the grant request, resigned from the WVMA shortly after the Mastermind grant was approved. Dr. Katie Mrdutt, worked on the original grant proposal with Ms. Pokorny and was brought on to assist with the grant in Ms. Pokorny's absence. However, Dr. Mrdutt resigned from her position in August of 2021 leaving us to reassign yet another key stakeholder. COVID Pandemic: The COVID pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, office closures, quarantine periods and social distancing delayed the kickoff of in-person Mastermind workshops. Early workshops were missed creating strain in the program to makeup workshops and difficulty in recruitment as veterinarians were struggling to meet the everyday demands of their patients and clients. Marketing efforts brought in few (and often no) interested veterinarians which lead to increased outreach on a one-to-one basis. Attendees often canceled within days of the workshop forcing the cancellation of sessions or workshops after large amounts of resources were spent. Unintended shortened grant period: The grant period was intended to be a three-year grant. However, the grant was awarded for 28 months (eight months shorter than anticipated) due to a typo in the application The approved no-cost extension extended the anticipated grant period by only four months. Improbable path to success: We feel it is unattainable and unmanageable to continue to operate the Mastermind Program to achieve the participation projections or current participation levels. While the WVMA is proud of the accomplishments of the Mastermind program, we respectfully request to terminate our grant early and return the unused portion of the grant funds,$66,064.27.The WVMA greatly appreciates the grant and the support provided by the NIFA team to bring the Mastermind program to food animal veterinarians. The grant allowed us to positively impact nearly fifty food animal veterinarians while learning valuable lessons on how to restructure this program in the future. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Each of these workshops provided professional growth lessons but also time for each individual to express specific areas of concern they were looking for help on. By offering specific lessons, participants can apply that knowledge in their personal and professional lives. Following this, each participant can specifically bring up a problem they are currently encountering and address that issue with the helpful feedback of their peers. The combination of these two activities provides a well rounded approach for individual professional development. The workshops accomplished the goal for those attending. Unfortunately, we struggled for attendance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The availability and results of these Mastermind trainings havebeen communicatedinprint andelectronic communications,at online and in-person events as well as Board meetings. These marketing efforts brought in few (and often no) interested veterinarians which lead to increased outreach on a one-to-one basis and use of partner organizations such as communications with Food Armor participants. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Those attending Mastermind Workshops reported elevated levels of satisfaction and improvement in their professional goals due to the curriculum and peer-to-peer faciliation. The workshops were held in accordance with Specific Aim#2.As a part of this goal, the WVMA and Owners to Operators hosted 7 total individual Mastermind workshops with food animal veterinarians, offering an environment for open discussion, feedback and professional growth.As a result of professional growth and stronger peer to peer relationships, these veterinarians can leverage theserelationships and resources to support them in their rural practices, allowing for these practices to remain and be successful in remote areas. Even with the positive outcomes, participation and outcomes were well below the original goal. Anticipated Goals for the Grant Results through the entire Grant Period: 36-month grant period OriginallyAwarded 28-month grant period (Due to typos in the application) 12 Mastermind Workshops 7 Mastermind Workshops held 3 sessions per Workshop 1-2 session held per workshop 216-252 total participants 45 total participants $245,000 total grant income awarded $178,935.73 spentfrom 9/1/20-11/30/22

Publications

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the grant includes veterinary students andveterinarians less than 15 years out of school. This year, we included experienced veterinarians in the target audience in order tocross-pollinate mentorship across the generations. Individuals with a food animal background are the main targets to help build their professional network. Many of these individuals workin very rural settings and by building this professional network, they have resources totap into when improving theirprofessional and business skills. Additionally, in responding to attendee feedback, the WVMAcreatedrepeat Mastermind workshops for previous participants to allow them to grow within their peer networks. Changes/Problems:The project start date was to be September 1, 2020. From the writing of the grant request to its approval to today, many factors have contributed to the request to terminatethis grant. Loss of Program's Two Key Stakeholders: The loss of the program's two key stakeholders has been one of the most challenging factors. Kim Brown Pokorny, the Executive Director of the WVMA and the Key Stakeholder in the grant request, resigned from the WVMA shortly after the Mastermind grant was approved. Dr. Katie Mrdutt, worked on the original grant proposal with Ms. Pokorny and was brought on to assist with the grant in Ms. Pokorny's absence. However, Dr. Mrdutt resigned from her position in August of 2021 leaving us to reassign yet another key stakeholder. COVID Pandemic: The COVID pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, office closures, quarantine periods and social distancing delayed the kickoff of in-person Mastermind workshops. Early workshops were missed creating strain in the program to makeup workshops and difficulty in recruitment as veterinarians were struggling to meet the everyday demands of their patients and clients. Marketing efforts brought in few (and often no) interested veterinarians which lead to increased outreach on a one-to-one basis. Attendees often canceled within days of the workshop forcing the cancellation of sessions or workshops after large amounts of resources were spent. Unintended shortened grant period:The grant period was intended to be a three-year grant. However, the grant was awarded for 28 months (eight months shorter than anticipated) due to a typo in the application The approved no-cost extension extended the anticipated grant period by only four months. Improbable path to success:We feel it is unattainable and unmanageable to continue to operate the Mastermind Program to achieve the participation projections or current participation levels. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Each of these workshops provided professional growth lessons but also time for each individual to express specific areas of concern they were looking for help on. By offering specific lessons, participants can apply that knowledge in their personal and professional lives. Following this, each participant can specifically bring up a problem they are currently encountering and address that issue with the helpful feedback of their peers. The combination of these two activities provides a well rounded approach for individual professional development. The workshops accomplished the goal for those attending. Unfortunately, we struggled for attendance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The availability and results of these Mastermind trainings havebeen communicated withininprint andelectronic communications,at online and in-person WVMA events as well as Board meetings. These marketing efforts brought in few (and often no) interested veterinarians which lead to increased outreach on a one-to-one basis and use of partner organizations such as communications with Food Armor participants. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Due to unanticipated challenges, a shorter than expected award time, limited participation, and an improbable path to success the WVMA isrequesting the early termination ofthe grant as discussed in our Zoom meeting on August 3, 2022 with Dr. Robert Smith National Program Leader, Animal Health; Dominque Kelly,Grants Management Specialist of the Awards Management Division andAlicia PearsonSenior Grants Management Specialist of the USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture Awards Management Division. The WVMA will hold its last Mastermindworkshop in November of 2022 for the remaining participants and the alumni group.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Those attending Mastermind Workshops reported elevated levels of satisfaction and improvement in their professional goals due to the curriculum and peer-to-peer faciliation. The workshops were held in accordance with Specific Aim#2.As a part of this goal, the WVMA and Owners to Operators hosted fourindividual Mastermind workshops with food animal veterinarians, offering an environment for open discussion, feedback and professional growth.As a result of professional growth and stronger peer to peer relationships, these veterinarians can leverage theserelationships and resources to support them in their rural practices, allowing for these practices to remain and be successful inremote areas. Even with the positive outcomes, participation and outcomes were well below the original goal. Of the four workshops held, none of the workshops had enough participants to host three sessions with 6-7 people each. Two workshops had two only sessions, while the other two workshops only had enough participants for one session each. Most sessions had only three to four participants each.

Publications

Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this grant include veterinary students and veterinarians less than 15 years out of school. Individuals with a food animal background are the main targets to help build their professional network. Many of these individuals work in very rural settings and by building this professional network, they have resources they can tap into when improving their professional and business skills. Changes/Problems:The COVID pandemic and resulting travel restrictions had delayed the kickoff of this project. Any missing workshops will be made up in subsequent years after travel is again allowed and acceptable for attendees. Additionally, following feedback from participants, high demand for subsequent Mastermind sessions within the peer groups has been identified. As a result, the WVMA and OTO is investigating using some future sessions as repeat Mastermind workshops for previous participants to allow them to grow within their peer networks. While this will decrease the total number of individuals impacted by this grant itis thought to result in more impactful, long term relationships that will support these practitioners in their rural practices. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Each of these workshops provided professional growth lessons but also time for each individual to express specific areas of concern they were looking for help on. By offering specific lessons, participants can apply that knowledge in their personal and professional lives. Following this, each participant can specifically bring up a problem they are currently encountering and address that issue with the helpful feedback of their peers. The combination of these two activities provides a well rounded approach for individual professional development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The availability and results of these trainings has been communicated within WVMA networks, including print and social networks. This shows the impact of Mastermind programs but also builds interest for future participants. Print networks include newsletter, online vital updates and social networks include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Mastermind workshops will continue throughout the period of the grant, looking to expand and update the training as necessary based on participant feedback. 1) Continue to hold scheduled trainings 2) Increase marketing efforts to build interest in the program 3) Collect feedback from past participants to develop marketing messages on the program. 4) Investigate an option of providing follow-up training for interested individuals to build relationships within their peer network.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Veterinarians are career professionals and could continually benefit from advancing their professional skills and peer network. As a part of this goal, the WVMA and Owners to Operators hosted 4 individual Mastermind workshops with food animal veterinarians, offering an environment for open discussion, feedback and professional growth. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction and improvement in their professional goals as a results of the workshops. Many participants requested ongoing Mastermind sessions to build relationships within these peer networks. As a result, WVMA and OTO are looking for ways to advance their offerings to meet the ongoing needs to this group. As a result of professional growth and stronger peer to peer relationships, these veterinarians can leverage these relationships and resources to support them in their rural practices, allowing for these practices to remain and be successful in remote areas.

Publications