We treat our patients like family.

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Lina Wachsmuth comes from a long line of human medical practitioners on her mother’s side. Having spent countless nights listening to her mother read the adventures and mishaps of James Herriott, Lina often wonders if those very stories are what cemented her passion for veterinary medicine in her heart. She recalls driving by cow pastures with excitement, realizing that one day she would know how to fix them. Lina’s father came from the oyster business, introducing her at a young age to working in the family restaurant founded in 1907, a responsibility that carried well into adulthood.

At four years old, Lina announced that she wished to become a veterinarian and demonstrated the same determination she continues to show today by focusing wholeheartedly on her education. She attended a medical high school and earned her BA from Portland State University all while continuing to work in the family business and volunteering at every veterinary hospital that would have her.

Lina was very lucky to have met her husband, Dr. Dave Cordray, while working in a veterinary hospital prior to getting into vet school. Dave not only became a wonderful life partner but also an incredible mentor throughout school and into her early years as a veterinarian. She ultimately attended Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in cooperation with Washington State University CVM, attending both campuses. After graduating in 2003, she spent the first 20 years of her veterinary career working for the same practice, Tumwater Veterinary Hospital. It was here that she met Dr. Gregg Bennett, who was also an invaluable mentor, as well as her current partner, Dr. Maggie Spath.

Having grown up with two brothers in the house their great-grandfather built, worked in the family business, and vacationed in the family beach cabin in Oysterville, WA, where her family has been since the mid-1800s, Lina has developed a deep and lasting appreciation for family, friends, and service. While she chose this career out of a passion for helping animals, it is the human relationships she has been able to forge over the years that mean so much.

Professionally, Lina has a special interest in internal medicine, ultrasound, and soft tissue surgery. She enjoys competition in many forms and has recently thrived in the transition from marathon racing to triathlons. In her personal time, she enjoys sailing, hiking, fishing, gardening, and bird watching.