Dr. Rick Wearing was born in middle Georgia, but he bleeds Tennessee orange. He grew up in Covington, Georgia and later moved to Charleston, South Carolina to attend the College of Charleston. While studying biochemistry, he decided one day while getting his hair cut to try out veterinary medicine (true story). He went to work for two University of Tennessee doctors who steered him towards the hills of Tennessee. While studying at UTCVM, he met his future wife, who was two years ahead in studying veterinary medicine. Dr. Wearing graduated UTCVM in 1995. Together they landed in Cookeville, TN, where he went to work for two brilliant veterinarians, Don Ragland (valedictorian, class of 1982) and Tom Riley (class of 1980). Together they created a seven-doctor general practice and referral center for the Upper Cumberland. As the practice grew, Dr. Wearing started focusing primarily on surgery. In 2012, Dr. Wearing became board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in canine and feline practice. He re-certified in 2022 and became a founding fellow of the ER fellowship. In 2018, he became the primary surgeon at VCA Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals. In 2021, he became the medical director. In his spare time, Dr. Wearing enjoys spending time with his wife, their four adult children, and their cat, Thea. You can also find him riding his bicycle for miles on end on most given days throughout the year.