By SPD Communications
For Dr. Jenny Pope, death is a part of life – in this case, quite literally. As a Veterinary Pathologist with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ (AGI) Thompson Bishop Sparks Diagnostic Lab in Auburn, her job is to figure out why animals die. By detecting diseases and analyzing the causes of which animals die and which survive in a herd, she helps protect statewide agriculture. She also works closely with shelters and law enforcement, helping in cases of animal neglect and abuse.
“A lot of the day I spend at the microscope,” said Dr. Pope. “In order to help with treatment and knowledge of what disease process is going on, we help the animals that are in the herd and alive.” Dr. Pope is coming up on her tenth anniversary with the State of Alabama, all with AGI. After veterinary school at the University of Tennessee and her residency, she started her career with the state and has been a valuable asset ever since.
Feeling helpful and making a difference are the motivating factors behind Dr. Pope’s quality service. “I really like the service aspect of the job, and I feel strongly about providing good quality diagnostics,” said Dr. Pope. “I think state diagnostic labs are particularly important to people regardless of their income or access.”
Dr. Pope is appreciative of State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier, Associate State Veterinarian Dr. Misty Edmondson, Personnel Director BeLinda Cooley, Lab Director Dr. Heather Walz, and Assistant Lab Director Dr. Kristy Farmer, who work hard to foster a supportive environment and ensure access to needed equipment and supplies. The feeling goes both ways, as Dr. Pope was recognized by her supervisors and AGI’s personnel division for picking up the slack while the department was short-staffed. Her hard work while maintaining quality has minimized impact on AGI and the important work she does for the state.
From support roles to complex careers like Veterinary Pathologist, dedicated employees like Dr. Pope are appreciated every day for their ability to keep the State of Alabama running and thriving.