The Flying Vet: The extraordinary inspiring true story of life as a female vet and farmer in the remote Australian outback, perfect for fans

by Ameliah Scott, David Brewster

My journey to the skies and the people and animals of the Australian outback


The inspiring story of the intrepid Dr Ameliah Scott, the Flying Vet extraordinaire.

Ameliah isn't your average vet - flying solo over a staggering territory of 200,000 square kilometres of red dirt and bush to tend to animals of all shapes and sizes, she's a rare combination of female flying vet and fifth generation farmer in remote Australia. She brings much needed solace, care and reassurance to remote farming communities in the heart of the country, while also raising her own young family.

With charm, honesty and wit, Ameliah tells stories from a life on the road and the skies, from attending the School of the Air and becoming a vet, to operating her mobile service in some of the most remote parts of the country. Her story spreads as far as her clients are scattered across the outback, from far western New South Wales to northern Victoria, from the southwest of Queensland to eastern South Australia, treating valuable stock animals and beloved pets, and providing a precious lifeline for their owners.

Funny, moving and uplifting, Ameliah tells us about the diverse community she serves and the animals she treats, and celebrates the bush and the people of the outback - and Ameliah's passion for animal welfare. From treating animals in distress, wrangling hot blooded goats to gelding biting horses and treating pregnant and calving cattle, Ameliah also battles the changing conditions of the bush, and the scourge of feral animals and plagues - all while navigating vast distances from the air, and raising her own young family on her own 120,000-acre cattle and sheep farm.

Humour, hope and healing from the heart of Australia

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 1, 2055

Reviews

[Anna Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as it connected me further with another perspective of a woman in Agriculture. Especially in Australia. This book inspired my thoughts and queries about becoming a vet and how that would be.
This book is a light memoir about a local Aussie from WhiteCliffs Amelia Scott, who pursues her dream of becoming a vet, however she doesn't just want to be a vet she wants to throw in her favourite hobby and family tradition, flying! However this doesn't come easy, Amelia has many setbacks during her journey to this career. You will experience these events and occurrences and join Amelia in her path to becoming a Flying Vet!

[Joano · Rating 3 out of 5]

The following review is based on the audiobook version.

I think the author was given the opportunity to write a book because she’s a flying vet (not flying doctor) The book is an autobiography of her life on a working farm, what made Amelia decide to study vet science and then become a rural vet.

I did not finish listening to this book. (Got up to 75%) Some parts were a bit difficult to stomach - the details were too graphic regarding animal anatomy. The book is mainly about rural life and rural community. I think I was expecting a bit more from this book, but on reflection, it is fairly accurate- it is about rural life and how a vet treat their patients and giving advice to the owner. Rural life is fairly sedate - people do a good days work, then they go home (unless you’re a vet and there are patients waiting for treatment) I’m not too well versed in vet science so some parts were hit and miss. I would recommend this book to a vet science student or a student liking about doing vet science. This is very different to being just a city vet and treating people’s pets. Like any “medical” professional, there is stress when treating another life being. And the workload is enormous. There are definitely more opportunities for vets in rural areas as they are under staffed.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A highly enjoyable and entertaining memoir from a remote vet.

This book really helps city folk like me understand the realities of life on the land in remote Australia.

Amelia writes with a wry sense of humour and deals with her personal tragedies in a tender and straightforward way.

Her veterinary stories are hilarious, from the randy goat, the 'poddy' bull with testicles the size of footballs, to the wandering town rooster who crows no matter the hour

She also deals with human issues, like isolation, drug addiction and mental illness. You will LOL, you may cry, but any glimpse into the life of people in different areas in Oz helps us all to retain our own empathy and humanity.

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about the interesting life of Ameliah Scott. Ameliah’s writing was very honest, and I thought it accurately portrayed station life and veterinary work. I thought I had heard of most synonyms for testicles, but can now add cojones to the list. I felt like there was repetition with the pregnancy testing description, and the odd error such as ‘palpitation of the testicles’.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a chapter of two to settle into Ameliah Scott’s writing style. It very simple and straightforward, almost too simple … but I realised a few chapters in that I was just enjoying the story. Part memoir, part introduction to the ins and outs of vet work, part advertisement for the Aussie outback - all enjoyable.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with a little humour, personal characteristics and touches that conveys the challenges of rural farming and vet services. Has given me a deeper appreciation of those who look after some of our dearest companions.

[Toneea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable - I flew (no pun intended) through this due to the engaging writing and familiar setting. Ameliah is actually our vet so it was lovely to learn more about how she got to where she is now.

[Ruth Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and enjoyable read about Ameliah's life and development as a Vet through to setting up practice as a flying vet in the Australian outback.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring and captivating to share her experience. Loved how it was carefully written. Lots of fun to read and immense joy to finish.

[Bo Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute. Such a nice light read about Ameliah’s cool life

[Kim Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Ameliah for following your dreams & then sharing your story with us.

[Hannah Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read but a little boring. Not much depth but sometimes you need a book like this!

[Georgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️.

[Kara Rowley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ingenious

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting bio.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to have a country view of the land and how tricky farming is. Good insight into how services in remote areas work.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating life. I loved reading about the animals, the treatments, the isolation and the people of this area. Pretty amazing effort, doing all she does and writing a book as well.

[C Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

good easy read well worth a look

[Wendy Kendall]

A good honest memoir from a female flying country vet. Loved her candour.

I score this 5 🌟