A veteran's path from Fort Campbell to frontline healthcare leadership
A U.S. Army veteran with 27 years of service, Jill Spackman has worn many hats, from deployments in combat zones to leading clinical operations at Fort Campbell. Today, she continues her mission of care as a Physician Assistant at CareNow clinics within TriStar Health.
Her military experience shaped her into a dynamic leader, blending clinical expertise with operational insight. “You can take something with you from everyone,” Jill reflects, crediting the diverse leadership styles she encountered throughout her career. Her time at Fort Campbell, where she served in units like the 159th Aviation Brigade and 1BCT Bastogne, remains a cornerstone of her professional and personal life.
Transitioning to civilian healthcare wasn’t without its challenges. “It was a very difficult transition for me,” she admits. “I had a hard time adjusting to the civilian way of doing things and not being in charge.” But Jill’s military-refined skills in multitasking, prioritization and a broad operational perspective have proven invaluable in urgent care and beyond.
Jill’s commitment to the military community continues. She knows the importance of timely referrals for active-duty members and the peace of mind it brings to deployed soldiers. “If soldiers know their family is in the best hands, they are most focused on deployment,” she says.
Her vision for the future is clear: strengthening local healthcare access and ensuring veterans have a place to thrive post-service. With the planned expansion of TriStar Clarksville, Jill sees a brighter future for military families — more jobs, better care and a stronger community.