2023 Board of Directors Election
Cast your vote for the next leaders at Viticus Group!
Keynote Lunch:
Kristen Bell
Presented by Boehringer Ingelheim®
Keynote Lunch featuring Actress, Philanthropist, and Producer Kristen Bell. Must be a registered CE Participant and must RSVP to attend. Lunch will be provided.

You decide Viticus Group's future leadership
Participants who attended a Viticus Group event from March 9, 2022, through February 21, 2023 are automatically members of Viticus Group for the 2022 membership year.
- Participants registered as a veterinarian are eligible to vote for two candidates for the office of Veterinary Director, serving five-year terms, and one candidate for the office of Vice President.
- Participants registered as a veterinary technician are eligible to vote for one candidate for the office of Vice President.
Voting will begin on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 1:00p PST and continue through Tuesday, February 21 at 2:00p PST. During this time you will receive an email with a link that is unique to you. This link may be used to vote once and cannot be forwarded to others.
If you experience technical difficulties or do not receive an email and think you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact Viticus Group for assistance at support@viticusgroup.org.
Participants who attended a Viticus Group event from March 9, 2022, through February 21, 2023, are automatically members of Viticus Group for the 2022 membership year.
-
Participants registered as a veterinarian are eligible to vote for two candidates for the office of Veterinary Director, serving five-year terms, and one candidate for the office of Vice President.
-
Participants registered as a veterinary technician are eligible to vote for one candidate for the office of Vice President.
HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE
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Review candidate biographic information below.
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Cast your vote by clicking on the unique 'vote here' link sent via email on February 19, 2023.
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Voting begins Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 1:00p PST and is open until 2:00p PST on Tuesday. February 21, 2023.
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Votes are REVIEWED by the Board of Governors.
Participants registered as a veterinarian are eligible to vote for two candidates for the office of Veterinary Director, serving five-year terms, and one candidate for the office of Vice President.
Participants registered as a veterinary technician are eligible to vote for one candidate for the office of Vice President.
Winners are announced at Viticus Group Annual Informational Meeting. The newly elected Board members will be officially welcomed at the Annual Informational Meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 9:00a.
- Viticus Group Annual Informational Meeting is Open to All Registered Participants
- When: Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 9:00a PST
- Location: Mandalay Bay, Oceanside F. Level 2
2023 BOARD CANDIDATES
Candidates for Vice-President
Click the picture below to read the candidate's bio and play the candidate's video.

Travis McDermott
Click image to play video
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William (Bill) Wright
Click image to play video
Travis McDermott, DVM
Dr. Travis McDermott was born in Galveston, Texas, and grew up in a small, rural town called La Grange, Texas. He obtained both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After receiving his veterinary degree in 2006, Dr. McDermott moved to Las Vegas and has been practicing small animal medicine since that time with a passion for three things: providing the best possible care for his patients, contributing to his profession by involvement in organized veterinary medicine, and enjoying time with his wife and three children.
Dr. McDermott has worked for over 16 years providing care to the pets of Las Vegas (including furry things, scaling things, and feathered things). He has also been actively involved in providing pet owner education through social media, community outreach, and work with local news outlets. While he has been practicing for quite a while, Dr. McDermott has been involved with organized veterinary medicine for even longer – 2 decades. He has served as President of the Student AVMA and the Nevada VMA as well as in the AVMA House of Delegates, on the AVMA Political Action Committee, and now as a member of the Viticus Group Board of Directors. If all things veterinary medicine is his passion, everything else in his life is his family. Dr. McDermott is married to Dr. Nasim McDermott, a board-certified gastroenterologist, and they share their life with their three children – Owen, Aiden, and Emma.
William (Bill) Wright
Bill Wright is a private practitioner in NE Nevada, primarily involved with beef cattle with some equine, and performs surgeries for the local animal shelter one or two days per week. He has been associated with the Viticus Group for many years and in various roles, as attendee, session moderator, CPE examiner, and presently as a member of the board of directors.
Candidates for Veterinary Director
Click the picture below to read the candidate's bio and play the candidate's video.

Jerry Billquist
Click image to play video

Patricia Burbano
Click image to play video

Douglas Kratt
Click image to play video
Jerry Billquist, DVM
Dr. Jerry Billquist is a graduate of Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Billquist has spent his career in clinical practice as a military veterinarian, a resident veterinarian, an associate veterinarian, a multiple practice owner, and a relief veterinarian. Currently, Dr. Billquist works full-time as a relief veterinarian in the Hill Country area of Texas.
Patricia Burbano, DVM
Dr. Patricia Burbano has led an exciting and varied veterinary career! Patricia spent five years in mixed practice before transitioning to multiple leadership roles in small animal practice. In 2017, she moved into an industry position focused on education, and while in this role, she completed a graduate certificate program in learning and development. Throughout most of her career, she has served the veterinary community as a relief veterinarian and is currently focusing on emergency practice. Patricia is passionate about client service, patient care, and lifelong learning.
Douglas Kratt, DVM
I am Dr. Douglas Kratt, a 1998 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and I am honored to be running for the Viticus Board of Directors. I have been an active member of my local, state, and national veterinary associations since attending veterinary school. I also served as a recent Past President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. My wife, Dr. Kimberley Kratt, and I are both small animal practitioners. Together we own a thriving clinic accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association in central western Wisconsin. I am honored to have been nominated for the Viticus board and look forward to further its mission.
YOU DECIDE Continuing Educators of the Year
Participants of the 95th WVC Annual Conference are eligible to vote for WVC 2023 Continuing Educators of the Year. The selected speakers will be recognized for their skills and contributions to the conference and veterinary profession. Select speakers by indicating your vote for the top presenter in each category when completing the in the session surveys.
Categories include:
Avian & Exotics
Equine
Food Animal
Practice Management
Small Animal
Veterinary Technician
