Jennifer Chisholm
Jennifer Chisholm is a veterinary diagnostics professional with more than two decades of experience supporting animal health practices through advanced diagnostic technologies and strategic practice development. She currently serves as a Protocol Growth Specialist at IDEXX Laboratories, where she works closely with veterinary teams to implement diagnostic protocols that support early disease detection, improve patient outcomes, and help practices achieve sustainable growth. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, she is known for her strong relationship-building skills and her ability to translate complex diagnostic solutions into practical strategies for veterinary clinics.
Chisholm has spent 21 years in the veterinary diagnostics industry, including 18 years with IDEXX, where she has held several roles focused on multiple product lines such as in-clinic diagnostic analyzers, reference laboratory services, and point-of-care diagnostics. These diverse experiences have given her a comprehensive understanding of the veterinary diagnostic landscape and reinforced the importance of building trusted partnerships with veterinary professionals. In January, she stepped into her current role as Protocol Growth Specialist, a position that represents the culmination of her years of experience and allows her to work directly with veterinary practices to advance their diagnostic programs and growth goals.
Her path into veterinary medicine developed later than for many in the field, but it quickly became a lasting passion. After receiving an opportunity to work in a veterinary clinic early in her career, Chisholm discovered a deep appreciation for the science behind veterinary medicine and the meaningful impact the profession has on pets and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from West Virginia University and also studied at Pennsylvania State University. Since that first experience in a clinic, she has remained dedicated to the industry, committed to helping veterinary teams leverage innovative diagnostics to deliver exceptional care.
• West Virginia University - BS, Animal Science
• 5th President's Club Award
• Rolex Award
• Bracey Study Recognition
• Street Dog Coalition
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe it's a marathon, not a sprint - you can continue to do good work and see the results over time. It's about staying true to doing what's right, being consistent, and being there, and growing as an individual in your role. The rewards will come, it just may take time. I also credit my early upbringing and guidance from my father, who in my earliest years in college always challenged me to ask the next question and to think about things from another individual's perspective. I think I've taken those two bits of advice and applied them in my relationships throughout my career to really try to gain as much value from managers and colleagues, because everyone is so different and has such different perspectives and value to offer.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from my dad, my earliest mentor. In my earliest years in college, he always challenged me to ask the next question and to think about things from another individual's perspective. I've taken those two bits of advice and applied them in my relationships throughout my career to really try to gain as much value from managers and colleagues. Everyone is so different and has such different perspectives and value to offer, and those two questions that he really stuck with in my younger years and kind of forced me to answer really drove how I've built relationships in my adult life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be curious. Have a curious mind, ask questions, and always try to find what you think to be the smartest people in the room and go spend time with them. When I was able to do that in the early stages of my career, it really had the most influence on the foundation that I built some of my success on. I think we get busy, and it's easy to complain or worry or be too stressed out, but there are individuals that have figured it out and have done the work, and those are the individuals that you need to seek out and spend time with. If you have a curious mind and you want to learn, there are people that will happily teach you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the veterinary diagnostics industry is the rapidly evolving nature of veterinary medicine and the need for clinics to adopt new technologies while maintaining profitability and efficiency. Veterinary practices must continually balance patient care with operational demands.
At the same time, Jennifer sees significant opportunities as diagnostic technologies continue to advance. Improved diagnostic tools allow veterinarians to deliver faster, more accurate results, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and stronger veterinary practices. Jennifer’s work focuses on helping clinics navigate these changes and maximize the benefits of modern diagnostic solutions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are building relationships and providing real value to the people I serve. What gets me up in the morning is knowing that I'm recognized by my customers as someone who represents what they're looking for from a consultant in this industry. Being there for the people I'm supporting and helping them be successful is what drives me. I also value consistency and dedication - showing up every day and doing what's right. Outside of work, I value spending time with family, and I'm passionate about animal welfare, which is why I recently got involved with the Street Dog Coalition, an organization that provides veterinary care to pets of our homeless population across the United States.