Mike Wedam received his B.S. degree from the Department of Animal Sciences in 1979 and his DVM in 1984, from Washington State University. Shortly after earning his DVM, he began work with Dr. Craig Johnson in Sunnyside, WA as a bovine practitioner. He quickly earned an outstanding reputation as a professional and in 1988 established his own practice: Wedam Veterinary Services, Sunnyside, WA.
Mike has dedicated his talents and time in service to his profession, to his community, and to his alma mater. On a national level Mike is a bona fide member-of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), of the AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners), and of the Society for Theriogenology. At the state level, Mike is a member of the WSVMA (Washington State Veterinary Medical Association). Also at the state level, Mike has served in a leadership role on the Board of Governors,-1999-2003 , of the WSVMA, and as the Chairman of the Board in 2003. He is also an Associate Member of the -Washington Cattlemen’s Association and an Associate Member of the Washington State Dairy Federation.
Within the community Mike is an active member of his local church, as a teacher and as a finance officer. He has over a decade of contributions to the Sunnyside Rotary Swim Team and to the Sunnyside school system. Closer to his profession, Mike served as 4-H co-Leader-for the Green Valley 4-H Club –during 2004-2010 and he served as Staff Veterinarian at the Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo for more than 15 years.
Perhaps he has been most visible to the Cougar Community through his contributions to both the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine. In the latter, Mike has served as preceptor to many veterinary students, opening up his practice and his home to them. Since 2005 he has been actively involved as a coach for the Veterinary Clinical Communications program at WSU, making several trips to campus each year. In Animal Sciences, Mike has advised the Cooperative University Dairy Students, is a valuable resource and he quite readily shares his experience and knowledge. He has been a fixture at their annual review for nearly a score of years. Mike has taken the time to work with the Dairy Challenge group and has helped them develop their dairy enterprise analytical skills. Because of his dedication to dairy instruction, his excellent advice and willingness to help, the Dairy Club in 1999-bestowed him with the Mel H. Ehlers Distinguished WSU Dairy Booster Award. With these great contributions in service to his alma mater, his community and profession, we proudly recognize him today with Department of Animal Science’s 2013 Distinguished Service Award at Washington State University.