Our Doctors

Dr. William Keatts - Veterinarian

A native of eastern Washington, William Keatts was born in Pomeroy and graduated from Connell High School. His altruism manifested itself as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria, West Africa, where he worked with cattle owners on nutrition and forage conservation.

A natural extension of his concern and compassion for animals led to graduation with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. He, his wife Karen and their 5 daughters (Robbi, Carolyn, Alyssa, Erika and Jamelyn) then made their way to the Tri-Cities. Committed to his community, over the years he has been involved as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Kennewick School Board and the Tri-Tech Veterinary Assistant Advisory Board.

Professionally, Dr. Keatts has been active on both the local and state levels in veterinary medicine organizations and is currently serving a 5-year term on the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors.

While he enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, he now focuses on internal medicine and dentistry, with a keen interest in surgical cases.

Visiting his daughters and their families is his primary 'after-hours' activity. Recreationally, he gardens, fly fishes and likes a good game of poker with friends. Most of Dr. and Mrs. Keatts' pets have been rescued animals that have lived out long lives with them. Now residing in the Keatts household are Bonnie, a Bernese Mountain dog, and feline friends Tigger, Kit Kat and (one-eyed) Jack.

Dr. Robert Privette - Veterinarian

Born in the Seattle area and raised there until he was eleven, Rob Privette's family then moved to the Tri-Cities where they made their home on ten acres along the Yakima River, near Horn Rapids. Luckily for his future patients, he was inspired by observing the local large animal veterinarian who made farm calls, and at this young age, Dr. Privette decided to be a veterinarian when he grew up.

The experience instilled in him a desire to care for sick and injured animals. He belonged to the 4-H Club throughout junior and senior high school and raised bummer lambs, pigs and steers that he showed at the Benton-Franklin County Fair; he put himself through the first years of college with the money he earned from raising Hereford cattle.

Dr. Privette has an undergraduate degree in zoology and a D.V.M. from Washington State University ("GoCougs!"). His community service has included active membership in the Humane Society, the Tri-City Youth Soccer Association and the Tri-City Youth Foundation. He has served his profession as an officer of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.

By his own admission, Dr. Privette and his wife, Kristin, raised four "wonderful" children (Sarah, Katie, Kyle and Vanessa), and since their brood is now grown, Kristi and Rob hike and golf: They can be found most summer evenings on Canyon Lakes golf course trying to get an elusive "dark par" at sunset.

Sharing the Privette home these days are the family pets: Mocha, their Himalayan cat, "just loves to lie on her back and get petted," while Shasta the Sheltie "is always happy to see visitors, but is struggling with the infirmities that come with age, namely hearing loss and arthritis."

At Vista Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Privette practices small animal medicine along with avian exotic work, with a special interest in orthopedic surgery: He finds it "particularly challenging putting Humpty Dumpty back together again after an accident or injury."

Dr. Kathy Batdorf - Veterinarian

Originally from Idaho, where she graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, Dr. Batdorf moved west to attend veterinary school at Washington State University, graduating with honors.

She returned to her home state to practice small animal medicine for the next seventeen years and served five years on the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine. With husband Jim and three children in tow (Michael, Karin and Laura), the family settled in the Tri-Cities in 2001, when she also became an associate veterinarian at Vista Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Batdorf's avocations include camping and hiking. She particularly enjoys Mt. Rainier and the Cascades, "hoping some day to complete the Wonderland Train around Mt. Rainier-all 99 miles of it!"

Dr. Matt Stidham – Veterinarian

I was born at Kadlec Hospital and have happily lived in the Tri-Cities since that time. I was attracted to the Veterinary field when my Newfoundland was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. I became excited by the field at that time as Veterinarians and staff offered advanced diagnostics and high quality care, while at the same time, showing a great deal of compassion for both my pet and me. I graduated from WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 Magna Cum Laude. I enjoy many hobbies including water sports, fishing, snow skiing, engine building, and volunteer work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve you and our community and Vista Veterinary Hospital.