Dr. Douglas D. Kratt of Onalaska - 2009

Dr. Douglas D. Kratt of Onalaska - WVMA President 2009

 Douglas D. Kratt, DVM 

Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Douglas Kratt

Personal Information

      I am a native of the La Crosse Area. I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in May 1998 from the University of Wisconsin School Of Veterinary Medicine. I am married to my wife, Kimberly Kratt, who is also a veterinarian. We have two children named Zachary and Madison. My veterinary interests include surgery, oncology and nutrition. I have taken a special interest in orthopedic surgery. I own a small animal practice in Onalaska, WI. Central Animal Hospital in Onalaska, WI is a full service companion animal hospital. My team’s commitment is to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life or our patients. To me, veterinary medicine is more than just a job; it’s a way of life.

WVMA

      I have been involved with organized veterinary medicine since entering this profession. Just before my presidential term, I served on the search committee for our new Executive Director. Most recently, I have served four years on the WVMA Executive Board as well as three years progressing through the Presidential role.  I served as President of the WVMA from October 2008-October 2009. My main push during my term was to encourage members to proactively define issues, control the debates and keep moving outside the familiar. I am thankful to the committees for being the backbone of the organization, and the Executive Board for taking their personal time to lead, make hard decisions, and embrace new visions.

I have served on the following committees before and after my presidential term.

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Nominating and Procedurals Committee;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Awards and Recognition Committee Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Strategic Planning Committee Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association President;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Student Round Table Participant

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Executive Director Search Committee Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association President Elect;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Executive Committee Member

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Executive Committee Member; Vice Chair 2007

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Personnel Committee Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Technician Committee;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association/UW-SVM Working Group Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Grievance Committee Member;

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board Member

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association IT Committee Member;

During My Presidency

      During my term, some of my experiences include the WVMA Executive Board planning retreat, five board meetings, two trips to Chicago, a trip to Seattle, and numerous miles back and forth to Madison. The WVMA hosted the Heartland Veterinary Leadership Conference (formerly the 9 States Conference) where we managed issues in the organization, including animal welfare. An additional issue that arose during my term was the Prostaglandin abuse outbreak in humans. The outbreak involved a group of individuals who were using the drug to cause abortions in females. During this time, I helped educate both professionals and clients on the proper use of the drug. I was also involved in the discussion of a possible tax on Veterinary Medicine.

Challenges

       Many of the committees and rules/regulations that I had an opportunity to serve on during my term as President also served as challenges that I faced as well. One of the biggest challenges while on the board was a conflict that arose between the UW-SVM and the Veterinarians of the Milwaukee Region.  It stemmed from the University exploring the start a referral practice in that region.  I served on the WVMA/SVM working group to explore alternate opportunities to educate the students at the University without opening a private referral center.

     While on the board, I also had the opportunity to observe and participate in the shaping of policy and the challenges of our profession at the state level. I worked with the Department of Regulation and Licensing on the informed consent legislation; first to assist in defeating it, and second in coming to a compromise.  Through six meetings throughout the state, I assisted in educating our membership as to how this would affect us in practice. The final meeting was presented at the annual convention as our keynote address. Since the rule went into effect, the WVMA has moved forward to educate its members on how to be compliant, as well as developing consent forms that are available on our website. 

      Additionally, Puppy Mill Legislation, now called Act 90, was passed during my term. Act 90 states that breeders who sell more than 25 dogs per year fall under a new legislation of regulations. During this process I was named to the DATCP committee to develop the rules for the new legislation to improve the quality of life of dogs in commercial breeding situations.

       Finally, the item I advocated for the hardest was the implementation of the WVMA’s Strategic Plan.  This concept, which began during Dr. Pawlisch’s term, was a new one to the membership and the local VMAs, and a fair amount of explanation and discussion was needed to engage the members behind the cause, both at the committee level and the general membership level. The plan defined the WVMA’s strengths and weaknesses and identified opportunities to enhance the organization. During this procedure we organized the finalizing and reconstruction of committees and implemented the plan. This process included meeting with each committee to discuss how the plan would affect them. We also took a large role in introducing the plan to new membership. Additionally, we embraced digital media by using webinars to have meetings, as well as Google Groups to discuss the uses in between meetings. All of this allows us to be more nimble and responsive to the membership. This plan will serve as a road map for the next 3-5 years.

Annual Meeting/Convention/Awards

       During my Presidency, a number of memorable honors were presented to some of my fellow colleagues. Yvonne Bailey, DVM was awarded Veterinarian of the Year. Jim Johnson, DVM and Robert Klostermann, DVM were given the Meritorious Service award for their outstanding efforts in WVMA committees. Bette Anderson was awarded Friend of Veterinary Medicine for her dedication in the animal community. Finally, Kim Brown Pokorny, the Exectuive Director received the Presidential Award for her commitment in her position as Executive Director. An additional highlight of the year was the five veterinarians who were honored the 50-Year Award. Norbert Algiers, DVM, James DeYoung, DVM, Robert Fischer, DVM, Robert Keith, DVM and John Kuenzi, DVM were all honored for their 50 years of membership in the WVMA.

Final Thoughts

       The time I spent on the executive board and as president of the WVMA was a pleasure.  I feel fortunate to have worked with talented members on the executive board of the WVMA on local and state issues. I also had the unique ability to work with our Kim Pokorny and explore areas that the WVMA had not looked at in awhile.  In addition, it was a great experience to work with our colleagues across the nation on similar challenges that face our profession.  I was able to meet so many great people that strive to make veterinary medicine one of the best professions in the world.