A: The primary factor that fueled my decision to pursue veterinary medicine as a career was the innate love for animals that originated from childhood. As I matured, I found I was a nurturer by nature, drawn to the sciences, and intrinsically drawn to the “under dog” or those incapable of defending or having a voice for themselves. These personal characteristics make up who I am as an individual and I felt the field of medicine was ideal for utilizing these core traits.
I initially struggled between pursuing human geriatric medicine and veterinary medicine towards the end of my high school career. But, inevitably set my sights on veterinary medicine. The funny thing is I am currently the Attending Veterinarian of a chimpanzee sanctuary that specializes in geriatric medicine. So, I get the best of both worlds.
Q: What did you like about attending Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine?
A: The greatest asset received from attending Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine is that it allowed me to work amongst a group of diverse individuals. Its program strategically aims for students and faculty, who represent a broad spectrum of socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I also learned through my Tuskegee experience that medicine is truly a practice, and freedoms allotted through my academic training allowed me to think and practice outside the box.
Q: What would be an interview question you would ask an applicant applying to veterinary school? A: I’ve found that the greatest struggle in the field of medicine is balancing family and career. An interview question that I would ask applicants applying for veterinary school is what methods they plan to utilize to effectively manage both if they plan to start a family. |
Q: How did you make yourself stand out as an applicant to veterinary school?
A: Academic excellence was instilled in me at a young age by my parents. Excelling academically proved to open the door for me when applying to veterinary school. However, I feel being transparent about who I was as an individual and sharing my personal goals to add to the profession greatly secured my place in obtaining acceptance into the various veterinary programs I applied for.
Q: What are you passionate about in terms of your specialty?
A: My passion is making a positive difference in the lives of those that cannot necessarily do it for themselves. In June of 2013, the National Institutes of Health announced that all but 50 federally owned chimpanzees would be retired. My specialty of chimpanzee medicine allows me to be an integral part of history while paving the way for more than 300 additional chimpanzees to make their way from a life of research to retirement and potential sanctuary at Chimp Haven, Inc.
Q: What do you want the attendees to leave with after your presentation at the conference this October?
A: I would love for the attendees to realize the canvas of their life is waiting to be designed. Their artwork will be abstract, complete with triumphs, obstacles, and even failures. But, they hold the brush to create it as they please. The world is their muse and they have the freedom to start making the colorful strokes that leave their imprint.
You can learn more about Chimp Haven, Inc by following this link. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Jackson-Jewett in person at the conference for her presentation on Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11. To register for the conference, please click here.