Dr. Gwen Flinchum obtained a BS degree in Poultry and Animal Science from North Carolina State University.  She later obtained a Master's of Agriculture degree in avian physiology, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida.  During veterinary school she did a one month internship studying raptor medicine at The Raptor Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.  She also assisted on a flamingo pox research project through Sea World in Orlando.  Since graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Flinchum has practiced avian medicine exclusively.  She became board certified as an avian specialist by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2005.  She has written numerous articles on avian health issues and some have been published in national and international exotic and avian medicine journals.  Recently, she authored chapters in the newly-released avian reference book "Clinical Avian Medicine."  Dr. Flinchum worked part-time as a staff veterinarian at The Wildlife Care Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and now serves on its advisory board.

As a hobby, Dr. Flinchum is a part-time musician.  Dr. Flinchum started playing piano at age 5.  She learned the guitar at age 12, and then went on to learn banjo and fiddle.  At age 16, she started playing banjo for Archie Campbell on his Hee Haw Show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  During that time she also made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.  Dr. Flinchum ultimately turned down a contract to stay in Nashville to be a professional musician.  Instead, she went to college to pursue veterinary medicine.

Dr. Flinchum was "retired" from music for several years but recently came out of retirement to join the local band "Burnt Biscuit."  She plays banjo, fiddle, guitar and sings lead vocals in the band.  Burnt Biscuit has played all over South Florida and has played on the same venues as Hank Williams, Jr., Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Josh Gracin, and Trace Adkins.  Check them out at www.burntbiscuit.com.