Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Carla Rodrigues. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Rodrigues, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I still remember the very day it hit me like a lightning bolt- you need to open your own practice. Once this thought made its way into my conscious mind, there was no turning back. The question then was- well how am I going to do this ?
I was flooded with ideas for the practice, business plans, location, investment, demographics, general practice or specialty?!
The interesting part is I already knew the answers to these questions, it was just a matter of digging them out of my “I am not sure I can do this “ mind file into my “I can absolutely do this “ file.
The one key lesson I have learned in my life (amongst others) is to trust the process. Faith over fear. While I have told myself this over and over again in life, I wasn’t quite faced with a concrete exhibition of this lesson up until I considered opening my own practice, in the middle of a pandemic.
The more I allowed the answers to come, the more I trusted the process. I knew I wanted to open an alternative practice offering veterinary rehabilitation and acupuncture- these are my passion and there are not many in my area. Never mind how effective they are at healing patients !!
I decided to peruse the internet for a commercial space that I could possibly lease, kind of see what the options would be and cost. I remember very clearly when I found the historic house in San Marco Jacksonville FL that I knew would be the perfect environment and space there I can start my healing journey in my own practice. Once I realized this, the rest was history.
All that mattered after that was that everything would work out and what I needed would come. And boy did it!
Because I believed, one thing led to another and I was supplied with what I needed to be able to start my practice.
2 years later, I cannot imagine my life if I had not chosen to take that leap of faith to start what is now Pawsitive Healing.
Dr. Rodrigues, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a proud Portuguese-American, born and raised in Northern New Jersey. After I graduated from my alma mater, Montclair State University with a Biology degree, my wanderlust and passion to explore inspired me to move to the Caribbean, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ross University in Saint Kitts. I was very intrigued and committed to exploring as many avenues as I could while navigating through my veterinary program. While in St. Kitts, I immersed myself in large animal medicine and exotics. I was fortunate enough to work alongside monkeys, sea turtles, wildlife in the plains of South Africa, zoo animals, many birds and reptiles throughout vet school and my first couple of years of practice. St. Kitts is also where I adopted my rescue mutt Stella! I bought her a one way ticket to the USA, and she never looked back! After Ross, I found myself completing my clinical year at the University of Minnesota and practicing in California and North Carolina before moving to Jacksonville four years ago, and I have been here ever since. Here my other rescue mutt, Jackson- a native Floridian, also found his way into my heart.
With each unique experience, I found myself exploring the world of alternative medicine, completing certifications in Reiki Energy Healing, Canine Rehabilitation at University of Tennessee and Veterinary Acupuncture at the Chi Institute.
Throughout my years of practicing as a veterinarian, I could not deny my passion for helping restore comfort and function to my patients. Whether I am treating a young injured pet or an arthritic senior, there is something so special about being a part of the happiness and fulfillment that comes with alternative and integrative medicine.
The human-animal bond is so precious. As a veterinarian, my commitment is to preserve this bond to my best ability and treat my patients as if they are my own- this is a promise. There’s a peaceful reassurance that comes with knowing there are many options for your pets’ health and well being.
I am also a women empowerment life coach, an author and an avid traveler. By nature, I am an explorer, a wanderer, a dreamer
By divine construction, I am an Intuitive Empath, a Healer, and a Lightworker.
This means I can literally feel and sense what you are feeling, I attract people who need emotional healing, and I was put on this Earth with a very specific mission- to help you see your own light.
Carla Rodrigues, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVMMP
Veterinarian, Entrepreneur, Author, Life Coach
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www.pawsitivehealingvet.com
www.empoweredwithincoach.com
“Release Your Inner Beast” on Amazon
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Practicing the best quality medicine I can and truly caring for my patients. I tell every client that I treat my patients like my own, i and I mean that wholeheartedly.
Word of mouth is my best referral.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Successful cases. This comes with experience, understanding that medicine is an art and not every patient is the same. This means it’s important to tailor to each one.
Also, I am the incoming first chairwoman of a non profit organization called First Coast Cultural Center. www.firstcoastculturalcenter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pawsitivehealingvet.com
- Instagram: pawsitive_healing_vet
- Facebook: Pawsitive Healing Mobility Center
- Other: www.empoweredwithincoach.com