Dr. Allison Balsley is a Knoxville, Tennessee native. Her family is from Southern California, which is where she spent most of her summers, during her childhood. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. Her childhood cat, Cookie (who lived to be 25 years old), inspired her to become an animal caretaker. He added much value and joy to her life, and she forever cherishes him. She loved the idea of helping animals and through that, helping people.
Dr. Balsley went to undergraduate school at the University of Tennessee, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. During college, Allison was involved in A Capella, dance companies, held leadership roles in Chi Omega and served at her local church on the worship team. Dr. Balsley attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where she was a part of numerous clubs and a member of the Phi Zeta Honors Society. Her special interests include internal medicine, ophthalmology and radiology. She joined the wonderful Southwind Animal Hospital team in July of 2024 and cannot wait to meet all the clients and sweet patients.
Dr. Balsley has many pets of her own including: Boone (a young Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees Mix), Kahlu (a Siberian Husky), Alfie (a fluffy orange domestic long hair cat) and Roux (a young, sassy dilute tortoiseshell domestic long hair cat).
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Balsley enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, cooking/baking and finding new hobbies.
