Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Wawak.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a deep love for animals and a strong desire to help them. By the time I was 5 years old, I already knew veterinary medicine was the career path I was destined to. Growing up, I spent many summers volunteering at animal shelters and many hours shadowing in veterinary clinics. These experiences solidified my passion for animal care and allowed me to see firsthand the profound impact that compassionate, skilled veterinary professionals can have on the lives of animals and their owners. The more I learned, the more I was drawn to the idea of becoming a trusted advocate for animals.
I attended Texas A&M University, where I majored in animal science, and initially thought equine medicine would be my calling. Throughout college, I immersed myself in equine-related experiences, working at the Equine Infectious Disease Lab and serving as an officer in the polo club. I absolutely loved working with horses and felt a strong connection to the field. However, after witnessing firsthand the physical demands of equine medicine, combined with the Texas heat, I began to reassess my path. I also sustained a hip injury while playing polo, which made the physical aspects of working with large animals more challenging. I decided to pivot and focus on small animal medicine and keep horses as a hobby than a career.
I was accepted into the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and started my vet school journey. During my first year, I attended a career fair where I had the opportunity to meet my current employer. I instantly fell in love with the Animal Hospital of Rowlett and knew this was the clinic I wanted to work for. Fortunately, the feeling was mutual, and I was thrilled to be offered a position as an associate veterinarian immediately upon graduation.
The Animal Hospital of Rowlett is proudly female-owned and made up of seven dedicated female doctors. However, last year, we added a male to our team—Dr. George. Dr. George serves as our CFO, or Chief Feline Officer, and he also happens to be my cat. I found George as a stray kitten just over a year ago. Initially, the plan was to vaccinate, neuter, and find him a loving home. I brought him to work with me for socialization, hoping to find an adoptive family. But it didn’t take long for me to fall for his quirky personality, and I knew he had to become a permanent part of my family. After officially adopting him, I couldn’t resist bringing George to work every day. Our previous clinic cat had passed away just a few months before, and George quickly became the unofficial successor—though he’s a bit of a wild card! One of the doctors suggested I start a TikTok and Instagram for him, and that’s how Dr.George_DVM came to life. I just had to share his hilarious antics with the world. In under a year, George has gained nearly 30,000 followers on TikTok and over 15,000 on Instagram. One of his videos went viral, leading to an interview with Newsweek. He’s since been featured in articles in France, Italy, Portugal, and Latvia!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to becoming a veterinarian wasn’t without its struggles, but I was incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system throughout the process. With only 32 accredited veterinary schools, gaining admission is highly competitive and challenging. In fact, I didn’t get accepted the first time I applied, which was devastating at the time. Looking back, I realize that the number of application cycles or whether someone doesn’t pass their board exam on the first try is not a reflection of how great they will be as a doctor. I’ve met several veterinarians who have applied multiple times and are now truly exceptional doctors.
Veterinary school itself is extremely demanding. As a first-year veterinary student, you are paired with a second-year veterinary student who serves as your mentor. The workload is intense and stressful, and having a mentor to support you makes all the difference. I was lucky to have the sweetest, most encouraging mentor. Tragically, she took her own life during my second year. I never knew she was struggling, and it impacted me. What most people don’t realize is that there is a mental health crisis within the veterinary profession, with vets facing much higher rates of burnout, compassion fatigue, and suicide compared to the general population. In fact, we even had lectures about mental health and suicide during school. “Not One More Vet” is an organization that raises awareness about this ongoing crisis and offers vital support to veterinary professionals and students worldwide. It’s a reminder of how important it is to prioritize mental health and ensure that no one feels alone in this profession, or any profession.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an associate veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Rowlett, as well as at our satellite clinic, the Animal Hospital of Heath. I’m fortunate to be part of a dynamic and highly collaborative team of seven talented female veterinarians. We truly support each other. When you come to us with a challenging case, you’re not just getting one doctor—you’re receiving the combined expertise of seven passionate and skilled veterinarians.
Our hospital is proud to be AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited, which means we adhere to over 900 rigorous standards to ensure the highest quality of care for animals. This accreditation underscores our commitment to excellence in every aspect of veterinary care. In addition to AAHA accreditation, we are a Fear Free and Low Stress Handling clinic. As Fear Free certified professionals, we are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to make each visit as comfortable as possible for both pets and their owners. We prioritize emotional well-being, ensuring that every pet’s experience is a positive one.
Another standout feature of our clinic is our Cat Friendly Practice accreditation at the Gold Level by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. I’ve also completed additional training through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association and hold the title of Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian. This specialized training enables us to provide the highest level of care for our feline patients, addressing both their medical and emotional needs.
A fun and beloved aspect of our clinic is our very own Dr. George—our Chief Feline Officer (CFO), part-time clinic cat, and my full-time fur baby. George comes with me to work every day, and through his social media presence, we share a lighthearted, humorous look at the behind-the-scene moments of our veterinary clinic and sprinkle in pet education. Veterinary medicine can be emotionally demanding, so George’s playful antics help bring some much-needed joy to our days. You can follow his adventures on social media @Dr.George_DVM.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
A fulfilling career is important, but for me true success means maintaining a healthy work-life balance so I can show up as my best self both professionally and personally. It’s about having the time and energy to care for my patients, support my colleagues, and be present for my family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ahrdvm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.george_dvm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-George-DVM/61572557411578/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.george_dvm
