Jessica Tischendorf, MD, MS

Assistant Professor
Division of Infectious Disease

What is your primary professional focus in any or all of our mission areas (clinical, research, and/or medical education)?
I provide general infectious disease care and serve as one of the antimicrobial stewardship physicians, which is a research focus of mine. I enjoy curriculum design, assessment, and program evaluation in graduate medical education, and I study how trainee gender can influence the residency and fellowship experience.

What drew you to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine?
I am a lifelong Wisconsin resident and was thrilled to be accepted to UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health as a student more than 10 years ago. Once I was here, it became clear that UW offered everything I needed to succeed in my areas of interest, including excellent mentorship in the Division of Infectious Disease. Madison has been a wonderful place to live the past decade and is a great city to raise our daughter in.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
Growing into more independence clinically and working with learners of all levels in a supervisory role.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My greatest joy is watching our two-year-old discover the world - there is nothing better! I am a lifelong Wisconsin sports fan and the past few years have been particularly fun with the success of the Bucks, Brewers, Badgers and Packers. My husband and I are DIY-ers and have spent the past few months renovating our new home which has been both exciting and challenging.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
Dr. Bennett Vogelman, our former residency program director, applied the adage "Trust, but verify" to patient care - don't take anything you hear or read about a patient at face value. Remain curious about patients and better care and better relationships will result.