In recognition of Women’s History Month, we want to shine our solar spotlight on Dr. Tracie Wilson with Animal Medical Center (AMC) in Eustis, FL. 

As a child, Dr. Wilson dreamt of being a veterinarian. She reminisces, “When I was about 12 years old, I spent much of my free time with my Uncle Terry, who was a veterinarian. We had fun making farm calls and I was his shadow for years. I was hooked.” After high school, she pursued her dream by enrolling in veterinary technician courses at a junior college. She earned an A.S. in Veterinary Technology and then fully realized her dream by graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. 

Taking her dream a step further, she pursued her entrepreneurial goals. “I wanted to be free to work on personal and professional goals, and I wanted a place where the staff can do the same,” she notes. Dr. Wilson opened Animal Medical Center in Eustis and offers high-quality veterinary medical care and, as its website says, “specializes in TLC.”

In fact, AMC achieved accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)—something that only 15% of veterinarian practices earn. “We have achieved AAHA status which has been a personal goal for many long years. The AAHA sets standards and outlines to help us be our best, for the patients, the clients, and the staff,” she explains. “We have been certified for over two years and we strive every day to improve.”

Continuing her pursuit of excellence and efficiency, Dr. Wilson recently worked with Optimus Energy Solutions to incorporate solar power within the center. After implementing other ecofriendly practices such as recycling and solar-powered sensor lighting, Dr. Wilson knew that utilizing her rooftop for energy creation would be a great next step. 

The energy savings are welcome with the cost of business ever increasing. Especially, as Dr. Wilson explains, in her industry. “When dealing with pets the heart gets in the way! It is a fact that female veterinarians are paid less and tend to give more discounts than our male counterparts…It is difficult to be all business when we are talking about a sick or injured pet.” 

Optimus Energy Solutions installed over 100 solar panels on AMC’s rooftop. As proponents of using and re-using previously built and developed infrastructure for harnessing solar energy, we appreciated the opportunity to work with Dr. Wilson to help her continue her pursuit of environmentally friendly business practices. We are proud to have worked with her and the Animal Medical Center.