At the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTVMSC), our guiding principle is simple: This is our calling, our care, our community.

For more than 50 years, we have prepared over 3,000 veterinarians who make a meaningful impact on animals, the people who care for them, and communities across Tennessee and beyond. Our mission is to improve lives through education, exceptional clinical care, and discovery, while our vision challenges us to transform the future of animal, human, and environmental health through knowledge, compassion, and innovation.

Grounded in collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, we are focused on developing practice-ready veterinarians, expanding access to high-quality care, and driving innovation that benefits both our local communities and the world at large.

Join me on May 11^th to hear a brief presentation on all the wonderful things we do. It will leave you wanting to know more!

Jessica Birdwell completed her BA in liberal arts at Albion College, followed by obtaining her veterinary technician degree at Purdue University, then she earned a MSMHR (MS in Management and Human Resources) from the UT Haslam College of Business. Jessica has worked at UTCVM since 2008 in the small animal anesthesia service, where she obtained specialty training to become one of 315 veterinary technicians in the world specialized in anesthesia and analgesia.

Jessica has worked in the veterinary medical industry in general practice, specialty, and academia. She has mentored many veterinary technicians/nurses not only in their anesthesia career but in their profession.

Jessica provides staff with tools for professional development in communication, leadership, and conflict management, and many more. She is an invited speaker to both local and national conferences as well as in-house continuing education programs. She is an active member in committees both internally for UTCVM and externally for the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia. Jessica strives to make the workplace better for everyone by working toward a team approach and involvement.

Clinical Focus
As a small animal veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia and analgesia, Jessica loves teaching the clinical applications respiratory and cardiovascular anesthesia.

Outreach Focus
Jessica volunteers her time with local programs. Her family is involved in, and raising monies for, local or national fundraisers that she is passionate about.

Jessica attending to baby liger while mom gets a c-section.

For more information on TSK and its meetings, please email TSK secretary, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 865-679-9854.