UPSTREAM
Dr. Amy E. Bauer
Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Detroit Mercy | BS 1999, Michigan State University | DVM 1999, Michigan State University | PhD 2015, Comparative Pathobiology focus in Comparative Epidemiology and Public Health, Purdue University
My Story
Growing up I was surrounded by companion animals of various species (part of the standard veterinary origin story). I was also lucky enough to spend a lot of time outside observing wildlife and the interactions between people, animals (both domestic and wildlife), and the natural world. I was fascinated by One Health long before the phrase existed.
My Struggles
I was fortunate to have been part of the Veterinary Scholars Program at Michigan State so I did not have the same challenges getting in as many people did and do. Finding my place in veterinary medicine has been much more difficult. During vet school (and after), I struggled with insecurity, anxiety, and depression. I was told that I had too many interests and I had to narrow my focus, advice that made me angry and skeptical of the veterinary field as a whole. Fortunately, I had mentors who showed me that there are infinite ways to be a veterinarian, including my epidemiology professor who inspired me to look beyond the individual for causes of disease. I learned that my questioning and curiosity about patterns of disease is my superpower.
My Heroes
Charles Darwin was a huge hero for me as a child. Reading about his work opened my mind to science and the power of observation to generate ideas about how our world works. My father’s love for his agricultural heritage helped me to learn about, and be comfortable with, various species. My mother’s continual pursuit of professional growth and development inspired me to continue my education – who goes back for a PhD in their mid-thirties with two small children? The daughter of a woman who completed her Masters while teaching full time and raising two teenagers.
My Typical Day
Right now I do mainly clinical work. I see dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, occasional other small mammals, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, other lizard species, snakes ranging from corn snakes to six feet plus pythons, and birds from tiny finches to macaws as well as the occasional bird-of-prey. Every day is a little different. Depending on the day my shifts are 10 to 12 hours of appointment time with a break for lunch in the middle. I occasionally perform emergency surgery if needed.
My Stressors
It often feels like there is not enough time. I like taking the time to talk to and educate my clients and it can be difficult to find as much time in the day to talk to them as much as I would like. I have amazing colleagues and I try to delegate to the technicians and support staff where I can. I become frustrated because I often want to look beyond the individual patient and figure out why an infectious disease is occurring in a particular place and time. I try to find ways to bring my research and One Health interests into our practice. I do still struggle with insecurity and imposter syndrome, but part of what I’ve learned from therapy at various times is what I need to do to take care of myself so that I can be resilient and bring positive energy to all of the aspects of my life.
My Why
Learning and teaching. There is always something new to learn and biology is the most amazing science. Life really does find a way to take advantage of every environment and opportunity. As frustrating and sometimes terrifying as that is, it is also awe inspiring and wondrous.