06/05/2026
Welcome to the next installment of People of Michigan Medicine, a place where we highlight the personal side of our colleagues — their experiences, talents and perspectives — and what makes Michigan Medicine special.
This month, we feature Jessie King, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine.
From caring for complex patients to preserving an endangered horse breed, King spends nearly every hour of her day caring for others.
Her journey didn’t happen overnight — it’s built on long hours, dedication and an eagerness to take on challenges both in and out of the hospital.
Taking the reins
“I came to U-M back in 2010 for my residency, so I’ve been here for 16 years,” King said. “My colleagues make a huge difference. I get to work with truly remarkable people.”
Today, King spends her days in general medicine consultations, transplant medicine and hematology services.
“I’m drawn to transplant and hematology because the patients tend to be more complex,” she said. “I enjoy working through diagnostic uncertainty and seeing something new every day.”
That same mindset extends beyond clinical work to her 35-acre horse-breeding farm.
“I have always loved a challenge,” King said. “That’s part of what makes breeding an endangered horse so rewarding.”
Born to ride
King’s love of horses began in childhood.
“At seven or eight, I started riding because my mom rode,” she said. “Some people have what we call the ‘horse gene,’ and I certainly have it.”
Despite that early interest, she didn’t own her first horse until many years later.
“I did what nobody should ever do and got my first horse in medical school,” King said. “He was with me for 23 years, my therapist and gym membership all in one. It was the best thing I did for myself and the worst thing for my finances.”
Today, her farm includes several horses, including Cleveland Bays, an endangered breed that happens to be her personal favorite.
“There’s a small but strong community and market around these horses,” King said. “We help each other out because we know how special the breed is.”
Her connection to horses has only deepened over time.
“As a child, I would take ponies out for hours and get lost in the woods,” she remarked. “I always felt so free while riding.”
That sense of partnership continues today.
“One of my horses is always looking for the next jump, eager to fly,” King said. “I feel the same way. That shared drive is what makes the partnership so special.”
Life in the barn
Birthing season adds intensity to an already full schedule on King’s farm.
“I have a system during birthing season because it’s like having a newborn,” King said.
She monitors her mares around the clock, checking a barn camera every two hours, day and night.
“It’s constant alertness, you’re always watching and waiting,” she said. “Once we have a new foal, things really kick into high gear.”
Even outside foaling season, there’s no true downtime. King spends at least 90 minutes each day feeding, checking water and ensuring the horses’ health and safety.
From foal to full stride
For King, training begins the moment a foal is born.
“I raise horses to work with people, so I’m there from the moment they’re born as they learn to nurse,” she said. “From day one, they need to understand they’ll be around humans and learn basic skills and boundaries.”
Communication is central to that process.
“About 90% of a horse’s behavior involves responding to pressure, whether from physical cues or body language,” King said.
Early training is essential as horses grow quickly.
“It doesn’t take long for a small foal to become a 1,000-pound yearling,” King said. “You don’t want a large animal that doesn’t understand respect or space.”
On the farm, horses are either trained over several years or sold to carefully selected homes.
“The goal is to give the horses a strong foundation so they can go on to meaningful roles,” noted King.
Whether in the hospital or the barn, King remains motivated by complex cases.
“In both spaces, you have to stay committed and keep working to find solutions and reach your goals,” said King. “That’s where the reward comes from.”
