In this Concussion Chronicles episode, Dr. Amelia revisits a past concussion and the lessons it revealed about unseen struggles, caregiving, and empathy. She explores how viewing behavior through a nervous system lens offers a universal language for understanding ourselves and others—even when we don’t know the full story. Discover how compassion, curiosity, and connection become powerful tools for healing and leadership in life and veterinary medicine.

Transcript

Intro:

Welcome to the Li…

Vet Tech Week isn’t just a time to acknowledge the critical work and contributions vet techs make to veterinary medicine.

It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask how we can be more proactive—collectively—in supporting their energy, well-being, and growth so we can continue to attract and retain these superheroes in our profession.

After a decade in clinical practice, I have so much gratitude for the RVTs I’ve had the privilege of working with. They’re a unique breed — full of grit, hear…

“You’d think that biologists, of all people, would have words for life. But in scientific language our terminology is used to define the boundaries of our knowing. What lies beyond our grasp remains unnamed.”
— Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

I’m currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, and that passage really spoke to me, because I’ve experienced it.

It’s an especially meaningful message to reflect on for Indigenous P…

Transcript:

Hi friend. I am going on my morning walk, so going to share more of my concussion recovery journey.

If you don't know the full freak accident story, check out the first of these Concussion Chronicle episodes. I am going to be reading some of the posts that I shared on social media during this time. I found I couldn't look at screens at all, and it was even hard to be having conversations, like thinking about things was hard.

But I did discover that if I simply wrote my t…

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I'm sharing a perspective on depression that could shift the way we view it—both personally and as a society.

My Story

One of the darkest periods of my life was a summer in college. From the outside, very few people knew I was struggling (even now).

It felt like someone else had taken over my body. Even on perfect Maine summer days when the sun was shining and everyone else seemed carefree, I felt like I was living in another world. Everything was heavy, …

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A concussion turned my world upside down, forcing me to pause like never before. In this raw story, I share how it knocked me into alignment and reminded me of the power of connection.

A Freak Accident

Hi friend. Six weeks ago, something happened to me that has changed things, shifted my perspective and, and I've been wanting to talk to you about it for a really long time. I actually have two minutes of a podcast recording from weeks ago when I tri…

Dear veterinary students and new grads,

In light of a recent article directed towards you by a well-respected leader in veterinary medicine that may have felt disheartening or discouraging, this is what I want you to know as a recovered burned out veterinarian. 

The way we're taught to achieve health and success doesn’t work…

IF you want it to be sustainable and to feel good.

That’s why our profession struggles with burnout. 

It’s not because of individual flaws or weaknesses.
It’s because …

Quick note: The message in this episode is not intended for those who are currently facing direct threats to their safety, rights, or well-being—for example, individuals fearing deportation, navigating systemic discrimination, or experiencing the impacts of harmful policy changes firsthand.

This message is for those of us who are feeling the weight of the world—angry, heartbroken, overwhelmed by the injustice we see—but who also hold some level of privilege, safety, or stability. If you'r…

 Burnout gets talked about a lot in vet med. But if we really want this profession to be truly sustainable, we need to get clear on what actually prevents it.

And here’s the thing:
It’s not complicated.
It’s just not the norm... yet.

As a veterinarian, I thought I was being proactive in preventing burnout. 

I knew that the profession struggled with a high burnout and suicide rate, so I prioritized healthy habits and even listened to stress management and positive-mindset books and podcasts on m…

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the tension or negative energy in the air before anyone has even said or done anything?

Whether we’re conscious of it or not, we’re constantly influenced by the energy around us.

One of the things I had to learn the hard way is how important it is to have strategies to protect my energy - so I don’t absorb the stress or negative energy from people around me.

As an empath, I’m very sensitive to the energy and emotions of other people (and a…