Heather Buchanan

Dynamic Oncology Veterinary Lead Technician with extensive experience at Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology. Specializes in chemotherapy preparation and administration, demonstrating exceptional client communication skills. Partnered with an oncologist to organize daily and long-term schedules; created customized and refined templates to support consistent, standardized oncology workflows. Consistently trains staff and enhances operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with safety protocols while delivering compassionate care to patients and families.

• CE in oncology, chemotherapy safety, pain management
• Low-stress handling and communication training
• Leadership and team management coursework

• Oncology Veterinary Lead Technician, Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology, Annapolis, MD, 05/01/17, present, Lead daily operations in the oncology department, supervising technicians and assistants., Prepare, calculate, and safely administer chemotherapy following USP ., Monitor patients during infusions and respond to adverse reactions., Provide client education and compassionate communication., Assist with tumor staging, sample handling, and imaging support., Support surgical oncology procedures and anesthesia monitoring., Train and mentor new staff; create SOPs and workflow guidelines., Oversee chemotherapy inventory and maintain regulatory documentation., Coordinate scheduling for oncology appointments and follow-ups., Lead quality improvements to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Veterinary Technician, Huffard Animal Hospital, Pasadena, MD, 05/01/07, 05/01/17, Assisted with chemotherapy administration and diagnostics., Performed venipuncture, catheter placement, and anesthesia monitoring., Supported clients through challenging diagnoses and end-of-life care., Prepared cytology slides and managed lab., Provided general patient care, restraint, medication administration., Assisted veterinarians with exams and surgical prep., Performed lab tests and maintained medical records.

• Chemotherapy preparation & administration (hazardous drug safety)
• Aseptic technique & USP compliance
• IV catheter placement, venipuncture, infusion monitoring
• Tumor staging: cytology prep, sample handling, imaging support
• Mandage and created the monthly technician schedule to ensure adequate coverage and efficient workflow
• Oncology EMR system(ezyVet and Smartflow)
• Client communication, education & emotional support
• Team leadership, training & mentorship
• Workflow management & delegation
• Inventory control & chemotherapy ordering
• OSHA compliance & safety protocol enforcement
• Accurate documentation, billing & charge capture