Technology continues to improve and every day we find new aspects to improve our patient's care.
1. Tell us about your upbringing, background, and journey?
I grew up with a single mom in the country. It was just her and I. My father is a truck driver and I was able to go on many adventures with him. We always had animals and I have always been a big cat lover. My mom has always been very supportive of my love of animals and education.
From 5th grade to graduation of High School I was in 4H. 4H is a program for kids to involve themselves in the community. In my case, I worked with small animals. Small animal projects in 4H provide opportunities for kids to develop responsibility, patience, and understanding by regularly caring for animals. My animals in the program were rabbits, guinea pigs, and ducks. Neither of my parents went to college and I am the first one to pursue a doctorate degree.
Prior to veterinary college, during my undergraduate degree, I worked in a small and mixed animal veterinary hospital as an assistant. I graduated from veterinary college (Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine) in 2009. I have spent most of my career in Portland, Oregon, and have a big interest in feline medicine and surgery.
4 years ago, I started fostering cats and kittens. This year I have joined the board of the rescue I fostered for. I have a deep passion for animal rescue and neonatal care.
2. Why did you choose to be a doctor and decide what you specifically want to do?
Ever since I could speak and walk around, I loved my pets. As time went on, I discovered I wanted to work with animals. In 4H I learned about diseases and how they are treated. That led to a larger interest in science and studies. Which then really pushed me into veterinary medicine.
From then on, I got jobs as a veterinary receptionist, then assistant, and then went to veterinary college. As I’ve spent some time in other veterinary hospitals, I’ve learned what my biggest interests are and developed my skills in those areas. I love veterinary surgery and have recently learned a new technique to repair a knee injury.
3. We salute your work during the pandemic, where did you get the inspiration to work so hard?
I have always been a hard worker. It is ingrained in me from my mother. She would say she did not have to push me, which is true in some ways, but her support has never wavered. As a veterinarian, I am dedicated to the well-being of my patients and helping preserve the human-animal bond. To see or hear the happiness in a family whose pet was so sick, and you helped save its life, makes it all worth it.
4. How do you expect digital health to grow over the next 5 years?
I imagine digital medicine will continue to grow rapidly. It really has started to take off in veterinary medicine in the past year. However, it is difficult to get a good understanding of what is afflicting a pet when they cannot speak to tell me where it hurts. Nothing will out way the benefits of a physical exam on my patients.
5. What are your concerns about Digital Health?
I do worry that we will have several misdiagnoses. I often discover conditions that owners didn’t realize were there, such as an intraabdominal mass or large kidney or heart murmur.
5. Can you let us know anyone application of Digital Health in your country which has impressed you?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it impresses me but being able to see a recording of an affliction of my patient in their own home is extremely helpful. Technology continues to improve and every day we find new aspects to improve our patient's care.
6. What is your message for aspiring doctors and the young generation? Which is the best medical college according to you?
Go for it! Learn, experience, and grow every day. I still learn new things every day at my veterinary hospital. Practicing medicine is just that, practice. Do not beat yourself up if you make a mistake, it will happen. It will make you doubt yourself, but that is learning, you won’t make that mistake ever again.
7. What does your typical day look like and what do you like to do besides work?
I get up and take care of my pets, then all my foster kittens and cats (time varies from 30-45 minutes). Then I get ready for work and then go to work, then come home when that is done. Take care of the animals again. On my days off I enjoy taking my dog for a walk, going to the river, hiking, reading, and some crafting. I really enjoy sewing. Before and hopefully after this pandemic, I can get back to going to concerts and traveling.
Amid all of that, I try to post on my Instagram at least 1-2 times a day in the morning. I also make my TikTok videos throughout the week but typically 2-3 in one day so I can spread out posting them. I also have to spend time on my email, replying about kittens needing to come into rescue, sick rescues, applications for kittens, and completing adoptions. Last year I helped rescue and find homes for ~400 kittens and cats. I personally fostered around 86. At some point, I sleep and work out (enjoying pilates currently).
I think it may be fun to note that I chose my name because of Taylor Swift. I am a big fan of hers and have been since the beginning of her career. She noticed me several years ago because I made costumes for my foster kittens and dressed them up like her. I was invited to her home (with other fans) and was able to hear her previously unreleased album in her living room and I was able to meet her. The kittens that I dressed up like her were nicknamed the swiftie kittens so I thought it was a great name to choose.
Jessica Thompson - Animal Veterinarian
Interviewed By: Shivansh Sharma
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