James Michael Heitmann

2008 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. James Michael "Mike" Heitmann '72

Dr. James Michael "Mike" Heitmann,'72, is a widely respected large animal practitioner, focusing on equine medicine in Katy, Texas. He was a surgical intern at Colorado State University from 1972 to1973, after which he became a Large Animal Clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, from 1973 to 1978.

With significant education and experience behind him, Dr. Heitmann moved to Katy, Texas and became the co-owner of Katy Veterinary Clinic where he focused on the equine side of the practice. He significantly expanded the clinic's large animal clientele, and decided to form his own clinic in Brookshire, taking the equine clientele with him. With the consent of his partner, he established the Katy Equine Clinic in 1982. The clinic soon became the only facility in the area offering surgery, medicine, and 24-hour service for large animals. Dr. Heitmann's clinic receives referrals from all over the Houston Metroplex area and has developed a pristine reputation in the community.

Dr. Heitmann is an active member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), and has served as a chairman of the Equine Practice Committee. In 1981, the TVMA honored him with the Equine Practitioner of the Year Award. He is a member of the Houston Large Animal Practitioner Association and has served as their President. In addition, he is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and has served as a member of the Horse Show Committee for that organization.

Dr. Heitmann is very active in his local community, where he serves as a mentor for Katy Independent School District students in the Professional Advancement through Career Education program; he donates cattle to the Waller County 4H and FFA, and supports County Extension Service field days.

Dr. Heitmann attended Texas A&M University as an undergraduate on a full athletic scholarship for basketball. He juggled playing on the varsity basketball team and attending the College of Veterinary Medicine, and was named Most Valuable Player in the SWC Champs in 1969 and Most Valuable Player and Captain in 1970. He later graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, with honors, and was inducted into the Texas A&M University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Heitmann currently lives in Hempstead on his ranch, Horsegate, where he and his family raise and show American Gray Brahman cattle. He and his wife, Alice have four very successful sons: Michael, Chris, Eric and Lee.