How Dr. Jessica Turner Is Turning WVC Nashville Into the Ultimate Family Vacation

Meet Vet Candy Ambassador Dr. Jessica Turner: Bringing the Whole Family to WVC Nashville. For Dr. Jessica Turner, WVC Nashville isn't just a veterinary conference, it's the perfect excuse for one last family adventure before summer comes to an end.

As the host of Living Well with Dr. Jessica Turner, a veterinarian, author of the novel Blackbird, and a passionate advocate for mental health in veterinary medicine, Dr. Jessica knows firsthand how important it is to balance professional growth with personal well-being. That's exactly why she's packing up the family and heading to Music City.

"I've been looking into all the family activities, and honestly, I'm even more excited now," says Dr. Turner. "I love that WVC Nashville gives us the chance to learn during the day and then make memories together afterward."

As one of Vet Candy's official WVC Nashville Ambassadors, Dr. Jessica will be sharing her favorite moments throughout the conference—from can't-miss lectures and exhibit hall finds to family adventures around Nashville.

One activity is already at the top of her list.

"We're absolutely going to become vet detectives and search for Rocky the Raccoon," she laughs. "My kids are going to love it because one of our favorite songs is Rocky Raccoon by The Beatles. I can't wait to tell them there's a raccoon to find!"

Another family outing she's planning is a visit to the Nashville Zoo, where WVC attendees receive discounted admission.

"We're definitely taking advantage of the zoo discount," she says. "Our family loves visiting zoos, and we're especially excited to see the big cats. That's always our first stop."

For Dr. Turner, Nashville also offers an opportunity to explore history together.

"My husband, Trey, and I just finished watching a wonderful documentary about President Abraham Lincoln, so we're excited to visit the Lotz House Civil War Museum and experience some of that history in person. I think it's going to make everything we learned come alive."

Of course, Dr. Turner won't be spending all of her time sightseeing. During WVC Nashville, she'll also be meeting readers and signing copies of her novel, Blackbird, at the Chewy booth. Inspired by her own experiences in veterinary medicine, Blackbird offers an honest and deeply personal look at the mental health challenges many veterinary professionals face, while reminding readers that hope, healing, and connection are always possible.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting readers in person," says Dr. Turner. "It's always incredible when someone tells me they saw themselves in Blackbird or that it helped them feel a little less alone."

Throughout the conference, be sure to follow Vet Candy as Dr. Turner takes everyone behind the scenes at WVC Nashville. From continuing education and networking to family-friendly attractions, book signings, and a few surprises along the way, she'll be showing why this conference truly has something for everyone.

Whether you're attending solo, bringing your spouse, or making it a family vacation, Dr. Jessica Turner has one piece of advice:

"Don't just come for the CE. Explore Nashville, spend time with the people you love, and make memories while you're here. That's what you'll remember long after the conference ends."

Be sure to stop by the Chewy booth to say hello, grab a signed copy of Blackbird, and follow Vet Candy throughout WVC Nashville as Dr. Jessica Turner shows us how to mix education, family, and a whole lot of fun in Music City. Register for WVC Nashville here: WVC Nashville 2026