Dr. Kara Amstutz, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, CVA, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a one-of-a-kind conversation about balancing a thriving veterinary career with raising a world-famous daughter, musician Chappell Roan. From starting her own practice to becoming boarded in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Kara shares how she rebuilt her love for vet med through pain management, teaching, and lifelong learning. Andy and Kara talk about burnout, resilience, and what it’s like when fame suddenly lands in your family’s lap. You’ll hear how her clinic team and clients reacted, how she juggled motherhood and management, and why she believes the best part of her daughter’s fame isn’t the spotlight at all. This is a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring episode about rediscovering joy in veterinary medicine and life. Gang, let’s get into this episode!
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Dr. Kara Amstutz earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2000 and founded Hometown Veterinary Hospital in 2002. In 2013, she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, followed by her certification as a Veterinary Pain Practitioner in 2014, and as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2019. These credentials enabled her to transition from general veterinary practice to focusin on rehabilitation and pain management. In 2022, she left full-time clinical practice to become the owner, CEO, and lead clinical instructor at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), which offers postgraduate certifications in rehabilitation and acupuncture, along with various continuing education opportunities. In 2023, Dr. Amstutz earned Diplomate status of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 2024, she returned to practice ownership and founded Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Amstutz lectures nationally and internationally on topics related to canine rehabilitation and is the immediate past president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.
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