What if your biggest career change led to your greatest impact?

In this episode of Penny for Your Shots, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Meredith Cronin, a former orthopedic surgery PA turned veterinarian, who left human medicine to pursue her true passion—holistic pet care, acupuncture, and in-home euthanasia for animals.

Her inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and healing proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion and create a life that aligns with your purpose.

From caring for trauma patients in New York hospitals to rescuing a three-legged pup named Dobby, Meredith’s story is filled with powerful lessons about courage, second chances, and compassionate care.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on the right path, this episode will remind you that there’s always time to change direction and follow what truly lights you up.

From Orthopedic Surgery to Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Meredith Cronin had a well-established career in orthopedic surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. But after more than a decade, she began to feel the pull toward something more.

💡 “I wasn’t married, I didn’t have kids—it was just me. And I didn’t want to be 10 years down the road wondering ‘what if?’”

So, she took a bold leap—selling her home, leaving her established career, and going back to school to become a veterinarian.

🚀 “Everybody thought I was crazy,” Meredith admits. But she knew that helping animals was where she belonged.

Her journey led her to Louisiana State University, where she met Dobby, the dog that would change everything.

Dobby’s Story: A Rescue Pup Who Defied the Odds

While doing her clinical rotations at LSU, Meredith encountered Dobby, a severely abused rescue dog from Last Chance Arkansas.

🩹 He arrived at the hospital weighing just 17 pounds, suffering from severe burns, missing three paws, and battling multiple infections.

But despite his trauma, Dobby had an unbreakable spirit.

💡 “He had such a strong energy, such a strong will to live. He loved people. He was the ultimate fighter.”

With time, care, and love, Dobby received three prosthetic legs, a new lease on life, and a forever home with Meredith.

But his journey to healing wasn’t easy—and it’s what ultimately led Meredith to explore holistic medicine.

Discovering Acupuncture & Holistic Healing for Pets

At first, Dobby was on heavy medications to manage his pain—including high doses of gabapentin, trazodone, and tramadol. But Meredith wanted something better for him.

That’s when she discovered the Chi Institute, a specialized school in Florida that teaches traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.

🔹 She learned about acupuncture, herbal remedies, and energy medicine—and began applying these techniques to Dobby’s care.
🔹 Over time, she was able to wean him off of most of his medications by using Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and alternative therapies.
🔹 She saw firsthand the power of holistic healing and knew she had found her true calling.

💡 “Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine isn’t just about physical symptoms—it looks at energy, personality, and deeper healing.”

A More Compassionate Way to Say Goodbye: In-Home Euthanasia

One of the most heartbreaking parts of pet ownership is saying goodbye.

Dr. Meredith saw too many families struggle with the decision to euthanize their pets in cold, clinical environments, where animals were anxious and afraid.

💡 “Fluffy doesn’t like going to the vet. It’s loud, unfamiliar, and stressful. There had to be a better way.”

That’s why she decided to offer in-home euthanasia—providing a peaceful, compassionate passing for pets in the comfort of their own homes.

✨ Her approach:
✅ Gentle sedation to make pets feel comfortable and relaxed.
✅ Explaining the process in a way that brings peace of mind to pet owners.
✅ Supporting families through one of the hardest moments of their lives.

💡 “Saying goodbye is never easy. But it should be peaceful.”

Travel, Conservation, and Giving Back

Beyond her work with pets, Meredith is an adventurer at heart.

She has traveled extensively, working in wildlife conservation across Africa, South America, and Asia.

🐾 She dreams of returning to Rwanda & Uganda to work with gorillas and other endangered species.
🐾 She has taken trips to Ethiopia, Namibia, and Madagascar, experiencing cultures that deeply shaped her perspective.
🐾 She believes in giving back—whether that’s through conservation work, therapy dog visits, or helping pet owners navigate tough decisions.

Her love for travel, animals, and healing is at the core of everything she does.

💡 “The world is so much bigger than our little bubble. Travel opens your eyes, teaches you empathy, and reminds you how connected we all are.”

Final Thoughts: Say Yes to the Unknown

Dr. Meredith’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

✨ If you’re feeling stuck…
✨ If you’re wondering “what if?”…
✨ If you’re scared to take that first step…

Take it anyway.

💡 “I don’t ever want to have regrets. I don’t ever want to look back and say, ‘What if?’”

If Meredith’s journey teaches us anything, it’s that saying YES to change, even when it’s scary, leads to a life of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

🐾 Want to connect with Dr. Meredith Cronin? Visit her website: 
www.Meredithdvm.com 

Dr. Meredith on Social:
https://www.facebook.com/meredith.cronin.3 
https://www.instagram.com/dr.meredith.dvm/