Roar Uni had a chance to meet with Dr. Anthony Pease during the recent WVCVegas Educational Conference and Expo. Dr. Pease is the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer (CVMO) for the Viticus Group, located in Las Vegas.

Question: For the general public, just what does the Viticus Group do:
Dr. Pease: Viticus Group plans more than 850 hours of continuing education at our WVC Annual Conference. WVC is one of the largest and oldest veterinary conferences in the country. WVC will be 100 years old in just two years.

Question: As a like educational institution as Roar is, and just beginning, it seems like a major accomplishment to hit the 100 year mark. Do you have any special plans for this tremendous anniversary?
Dr. Pease: We already have a team of nearly 94 meeting planners working two years out. We are exploring new ways to bring far-reaching and up-to-date new content to our educational programs.
And we are polling our veterinarian data-base of 7,000 to gain their input. It will be a spectacular year for all veterinarians seeking the latest in trends and new technologies.

Question: We noted while walking the Expo that there seemed to be many booth displays and seminar presentations on the use of AI in veterinarian practice. What is your view from the industry?
Dr. Pease: The major AI use is helping a veterinarian with dealing with paperwork and data crunching. From my own perspective in dealing in radiology, I can have my tests compiled and analyzed faster than by hand. AI might have a low consumer confidence at this time, but it can’t be ignored as a tool to generate more efficient work flow and hence a positive client experience.

Question: What is the most significant observation from your just completed Educational programs and the Vet-oriented Expo? Do you face dilution by too much competition in this field?
Dr. Pease: I can speak with several responses. First, there is competition. There are approximately 150,000 veterinarians in the U.S., 110,000 in the VMA (American Veterinarian Medical Association) which also provides required educational certification courses. But it was Covid that hurt us all when we had to go digital.
Veterinarians are hands-on learners. When Covid ended, our on-site programs exploded with knowledge-thirsty attendees, and we discovered there was a lot of synergy in our space and we couldn’t meet demand.

Question: And you are about to tell me how you are going to cater to this demand?
Dr. Pease: Exactly. Viticus Group is going east this year, Nashville specifically, in August 15-18 at the Music Center Convention Center. We expect to have 900 hours of Continuing Education, 600 plus exhibitors. And by this summer we will be opening a new state-of-the-
art, cutting-edge bio-skills training center. Hands-on programs for our veterinarian colleagues.

Question: This sounds like the prelude to your 100-year anniversary. Yet, as that milestone approaches, is there any significant evolution for the future you have noted that encompasses both the industry and veterinarians as individual practitioners?
Dr. Pease: Well, certainly technology, as you see by what our exhibitors have to offer which continues to advance learning skills and improved treatments. But if you ask me as a veterinarian, as I am, and in viewing our industry, I believe there has been a shift beyond just the general practice of treating our patients. Now, most veterinarians
approach their practice understanding that owners come in not with just a pet that needs care but a family member who deserves the best from us.

Thank you, Dr. Pease, for your time. It seems it will be a busy year for the Viticus Group.
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Dr. Pease is a board-certified radiologist by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). Since 2017 he has been the CVMO for the Viticus Group, responsible for the Group’s veterinary continuing education programs and service lines. Dr. Pease also currently lectures extensively on diagnostic imaging in small and large animals Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR, is the chief veterinary medical officer (CVMO) for Viticus Group, located in Las Vegas, a role he has served since 2017.