Amanda Lo McGregor’s life plays out like a beautiful symphony, blending her passions for music and veterinary medicine into a single, vibrant masterpiece. Originally from New York, Amanda is now happily settled in Los Angeles, where she’s working towards her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Western University. But before she was working with exotic animals and learning about wildlife conservation, Amanda was electrifying audiences around the world as a professional violinist, sharing stages with legends like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeran.

Strings and Stethoscopes: A Tale of Two Passions

Long before she was wearing a lab coat, Amanda was center stage, performing alongside some of the biggest names in music. Her resume reads like a dream—Beyoncé, Björk, Rihanna, the Wu-Tang Clan, and more. But even with the thrill of live performances and a star-studded career, Amanda felt a pull towards something more. For her, both music and medicine have always shared a common thread: they’re about healing and connecting deeply with others.

“I’ve always wanted to have a career in veterinary medicine,” Amanda says. “But the pull toward performing was equally strong.” Now, at Western University, she’s found a way to harmonize these passions, pursuing a veterinary career focused on exotics, where she hopes to bring her unique perspective and compassionate care to her future patients.

Finding Harmony: A Day in the Life of Amanda

Being a veterinary student is intense, but Amanda’s life is a beautiful blend of family, studies, and creativity. Alongside her husband, Isamu, and their daughters, Charlie and Quinn, Amanda finds joy in their busy household—complete with two playful husky mixes, a scrappy rabbit named Soapie, and a flock of chickens (all with punny names, naturally).

Her husband, she says, is her foundation. “Patience, kindness, and laughter—those are qualities I owe to him,” she reflects. With his support, Amanda juggles the roles of student, mother, musician, and aspiring veterinarian, showing that it’s possible to follow multiple passions and still create a meaningful, balanced life.

A Mentor’s Wisdom: Lessons That Guide the Way

Amanda’s journey into veterinary medicine wouldn’t have been possible without the wisdom of a beloved mentor. Two lessons he taught her still resonate: master the basics, and don’t be afraid to change course if joy calls you elsewhere. “There’s always value in returning to the fundamentals, whether it’s refining technique or grounding yourself when things get tough,” she shares. These principles have been her guiding light, keeping her focused and grounded through the demands of her studies and her many roles.

If Not a Vet… A Chef?

When asked what she’d be doing if not studying veterinary medicine, Amanda jokes about her love for food. “I’d probably be a chef—or maybe a winemaker,” she laughs. With a heart for creating and sharing, her dream alternate career would still revolve around bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, much like her work as a musician or vet.

The Future: Looking Ahead with Ambition

In five years, Amanda envisions herself owning a mixed-animal practice with a touch of research and a commitment to wildlife conservation. She hopes her daughters, then five and eight, will be inspired by her journey and the choices she’s made. “I want them to see that following your passion, even when it’s tough, is worth every moment,” she says.

The Final Note: A Life in Full Bloom

Amanda Lo McGregor’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and love for both family and career. Whether she’s playing on stage or treating an exotic animal, Amanda exemplifies the beauty of blending diverse passions into a life full of joy and meaning. And as she continues her journey, it’s clear that her greatest performances—in medicine, music, and life—are still on the horizon.