What happens when you’re a military surgeon, a new mom, and a woman navigating two male-dominated worlds — all at once?

This week, I sat down with Dr. Amy Vertrees — a trauma surgeon, Army veteran, and mom of two — who knows what it’s like to deliver babies, build a career, and serve her country… all while navigating early motherhood.

We talk about:

• What changed her mind about having children after a decade of marriage
• The real story behind being pregnant during surgical residency
• Leaving an 8-month-old behind for deployment — and what helped her cope
• How she moved from perfectionism to presence in her parenting
• Her message for every Physician mom who’s ever felt guilty for working or leaving
  
  
  

If you’ve ever felt torn between your calling and your children — this one will stay with you.

You don’t have to be in the room to still be raising them.

You don’t have to be everything, all the time, to be enough.

And you’re allowed to show up in motherhood your way — even if it looks nothing like the script you were handed.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Remember to subscribe to "Stethoscopes and Strollers" on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode of encouragement and empowerment.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me.

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Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you feel you need direct support or someone to talk through the unique challenges of being a physician mom, schedule a free coaching session.

Free Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

✨ Stethoscopes and Strollers just turned ONE. ✨

One year. Over 60 episodes. Incredible guests. 18 five-star reviews. A global top 5% ranking — and a deeply aligned space that continues to grow week after week.

This week’s episode is a little different. It’s a celebration. A reflection. A reminder of what’s possible when you follow that small voice that says, I think I’m supposed to do this.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

🎙️ How the podcast went from idea to launch in just six weeks
🎙️ Why having an HQ for your voice matters (especially beyond social media)
🎙️ What this platform means to me — and what I want it to mean to you
🎙️ Why your reviews, shares, and messages really matter (and yes, I’m asking you to leave one!)

And maybe most importantly — I want this episode to light something in you.
Not to start a podcast (unless that’s your thing) — but to start whatever’s calling you. To take the idea that’s been sitting inside you, and act on it.

Because this podcast didn’t just happen.
It happened because I decided it would.
And it’s now reaching Physician moms across the world because you continue to listen, rate, and share.

Let’s celebrate what we’ve built together.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Remember to subscribe to "Stethoscopes and Strollers" on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode of encouragement and empowerment.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you feel you need direct support or someone to talk through the unique challenges of being a physician mom, schedule a free coaching session.

Free Coaching Session with Dr. Toya

Hey Doc —

Mother’s Day is coming up. And whether you're excited, dreading it, or just… indifferent, I want you to hear this clearly:

You deserve what you want for Mother’s Day.

If you want brunch and balloons — I hope you get them.
If you want a quiet day to yourself with no one touching you, asking you for anything, or expecting you to perform joy — I hope you get that too.

Let this episode be your reminder that:

✔ You don’t need to celebrate Mother’s Day the way others think you should
✔ Wanting solitude doesn’t make you a bad mom
✔ It’s okay to feel conflicting things — joy, guilt, relief, longing — all at once
✔ You deserve a day that feels like yours — even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else

Happy early Mother’s Day, Doc. However you choose to spend it, I hope it feels like yours.

What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!

Remember to subscribe to "Stethoscopes and Strollers" on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode of encouragement and empowerment.

Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube

Connect with me.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Join my Email list to get tips on navigating motherhood in the medical field.

If you feel you need direct support or someone to talk through the unique challenges of being a physician mom, schedule a free coaching session.

Free Coaching Session with Dr. Toya