Ryan Baumwart joined Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2020. A full-time cardiology assistant professor at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dr. Baumwart arrived in Pullman with a vision for advancing animal health through his students. His passion for veterinary medicine was kindled in his childhood at Arapaho, Oklahoma, at Highland Veterinary Clinic, which was founded by his father, Dr. Alvin Baumwart.
What do you like most about teaching students at WSU?
I enjoy the clinical teaching and working side-by-side with students here. I get tremendous satisfaction when I am present for that ”aha” or lightbulb turning on moment. My first job was in Boise, Idaho, from 2007 to 2011 and during 2011 I did a one-week locum each month at Washington State University. This provided me with the opportunity to get to know the cardiology service and learn about the WSU community and the landscape of the Palouse.
What has been your academic/career path leading up to WSU?
I graduated veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. I did my rotating internship and cardiology residency at the Ohio State University. My first two jobs were in private practice at West Vet in Boise, Idaho, (2007-11) and then Charleston, South Carolina (2011-13). I then went back to my alma mater at Oklahoma State as faculty from 2013-20.
What drew you to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine?
The well-established cardiology service and excellent reputation. Additionally, my wife’s family is in the Boise, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana, areas, and relocating brought us closer to them after moving from Oklahoma.
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
I love the collaboration and learning from other faculty members. We have some excellent educators and researchers at WSU.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My family is full of veterinarians (father, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and first cousin).