From leading her hospital in Wisconsin to serving on AAHA's Board of Directors, Dr. Jenni Mitchell is as passionate about the profession as she is about her patients.

Dr. Mitchell has spent more than two decades building something special at Thiensville-Mequon Small Animal Clinic in Wisconsin, and her influence on veterinary medicine extends far beyond its walls.

As the immediate past President of NVA GP's Medical Advisory Board and a current member of the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) Board of Directors, she's helping shape the standards and direction of veterinary medicine at the highest level.

We sat down with Dr. Mitchell for a few rapid-fire questions about her career, her clinic, and life outside of work.

1. Soft tissue surgery 🩺 or dentistry 🦷? Dentistry. Treating painful dental disease is so satisfying. It can be hard work, but I don’t think there is anything we do in vet med that impacts quality of life as much as treating and preventing oral pain.

2. Kittens 🐾 or senior cats 🐱? Although kittens bring me boundless joy, helping senior cats live their best lives is far more rewarding.

3. Webinar or in-person CE? I really enjoy traveling, so I’ll always choose in-person meetings. Learning, connecting with others, and having the opportunity to explore new places is a winning combination! Plus, the best learning and connection often happens outside of the meeting room, over dinner or while touring the city.

   

4. Diagnosing the mystery case 🔍 or mastering a complex surgery 🩺? Mastering a complex surgery is such a thrill! It’s fun taking things apart and putting them back together, and it never ceases to amaze me how the body heals so gracefully.

5. Small town practice 🌲 or suburban clinic 🏘️? I love my suburban clinic. The big city is close enough to access all the good things city life has to offer, but I can sneak out for a peaceful walk on the interurban trail behind my hospital when I need a breath of fresh air.

6. Exotic patients 🦜 or everyday companions 🐾? I can appreciate the beauty of most creatures, but my patients need to have whiskers and fur.

7. Lake Michigan 🌊 or the Northwoods 🌲? I love Northwoods Wisconsin in the summer. We have beautiful lakes, towering pines, and wild berry patches that can only be reached by old dirt roads and maps from memory. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and recharge my battery.

   

8. Salty snack 🥨 or sweet treat 🍫? Sweet treats are the best. Not chocolate though- I prefer fruity and tart options. I will always save room for dessert is key lime pie is on the menu.

9. Texting 📱 or calling 📞? What did we do before texting?! Send your message and get straight to the point, please.

10. Frozen custard 🍦 or cheese curds 🧀? I live in the dairy state, so I need both. You can’t make me choose!

More about Dr. Mitchell:

Dr. Jenni Mitchell earned her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2000. She has been part of the Thiensville-Mequon Small Animal Clinic family since 2002 and currently serves as Managing Veterinarian. Her clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and feline medicine.

In addition to her work at the clinic, Dr. Mitchell serves on the American Animal Hospital Association's Board of Directors and is the immediate past President of NVA GP's Medical Advisory Board.

Outside of work, she's a devoted mom to two sons, a pet parent to two cats and a dog, and a fierce competitor on the world's largest trivia contest held each spring in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.