Dr. Amy Waters always knew she wanted to study medicine. She graduated from the University of Toledo College of Medicine in May 2025, and is now employed by Mercy Health. But the path to that achievement had many twists, turns and detours along the way.
“My journey to being a doctor was very non-traditional,” Waters said. “I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was in grade school.” She began to have doubts, however, just as she was entering college. “A month or so prior to the beginning of my freshmen year of college, I had the realization that I would be dealing with life or death situations,” Waters explains, adding, “It was actually the first time I had ever given that aspect of medicine any thought, and it terrified me to the point that I switched majors.”
She decided, instead, to study business, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and eventually, a master’s degree in business administration. After graduating from college, she spent years working in marketing, human resources and finance.
Igniting the spark
After the birth of her first child, she decided to step back to a part-time position, working at Lourdes University where she assisted students who were in pre-science, medicine and nursing majors.
“I was hearing all of the inspiring stories of the students who were pursuing careers in a field that I had this unyielding passion for. That really gave me the final push I needed to start the process of applying to medical school,” Waters said.
Juggling med school with motherhood was not easy. She found creative ways to squeeze studying time into the daily schedule. She worked on lab assignments in the car pool line, and flipped through flash cards while putting her children to bed. “It wasn’t always perfect and the balance was something I had to really work at. The key to staying on top of things is being good at keeping a schedule and being creative.”
Graduation day was a momentous occasion.“I not only celebrated graduating from medical school, but also my 41st birthday. It truly meant so much to me to have my kids there watching,” she said, adding, “The journey through medical school was hard but surprisingly fast. Even through the most difficult times while I was in med school, I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.”
Get to Know Dr. Amy Waters
Tell us about yourself!
Proud mom to Lydia (age 11), and Logan (age 9) and one shih tzu named Kimchi.
Dream vacation?
Anywhere with a beach, warm weather and some good food!
Favorite Toledo hidden (or not sohidden) gem?
The Metroparks! As a runner, I frequently utilize the area parks.
Are you a book person or a movie person?
Definitely a book person! My favorite author is Erin Hilderbrand.
Do you have a Mom super power?
If so, what is it? I can tell when one of my children is really sick from the second they wake up. They don’t even have to say anything. It’s the gut reaction like ‘Oh no, something is wrong!’
What do you like to do on a day off?
Sleep! I think as a mom and doctor, I don’t get enough of it. Sleep in a little bit, snuggle with the kids in the bed in the morning, go for a long run, come back and read a good book.
What’s your favorite season in the Midwest?
I am a diehard summer loving girl! I love being outside, taking walks,
going on ice cream runs, getting some pool time in. Summer in Toledo is the best!
Favorite local restaurant?
Gino’s Pizza! I am also a huge fan of Souk in downtown Toledo!
Favorite beverage order?
Pineapple iced tea with mango jelly from R & B Bubble Tea.
Any hobbies?
I love running! That’s what drives my passion for sports medicine.
Do you have any mottos, quotes or sayings that inspire you?
In the end, we’ll all look back and think of one of two things. I wish I had, or I’m glad I did.
What advice would you give to other parents who are thinking about pursuing a dream, like going back to school?
Do it! You’re not too old, and it’s not too late! Figure out the people that make up your support system, and lean on them. Surround yourself with people who are doing big things like you. It’s so good for your kids to see you pursuing something you love. You are teaching them the gifts of motivation and resilience. You are teaching them to believe in themselves.
