Heather Buchanan
Edgewood
Summary
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.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2012
2012
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Oncology Veterinary Lead Technician
Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology
Annapolis
05.2017 - Current
- 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
05.2007 - 05.2017
- Assistant Supervising employees and help traing them with completing their goals.
- 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.
- Prepared surgical instruments and assisted during surgeries to maintain sterile environments.
- Monitored animal recovery post-surgery, providing care and support as needed.
- Managed laboratory tests, analyzing results to aid in treatment decisions.
- Educated pet owners on proper care practices and preventive health measures.
- Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
- Performed physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
- Shaved surgical areas and placed IV catheters in preparation for surgery.
- Dispensed prescription medications upon request from veterinarians.
- Supported veterinarians to drive quality care, advocate for pets and educate clients.
Education
Associate of Dance Education -
Anne Arundel Community College
Severna Park, MDSkills
- Chemotherapy preparation and administration
- Aseptic technique
- IV catheter placement
- Venipuncture and infusion monitoring
- Managed oncologist scheduling and built tailored workflow templates in ezyvet for improved efficiency and accuracy
- Sample handling and imaging support
- Oncology Ezyvet system proficiency
- Client communication and education
- Emotional support and team leadership
- Training and mentorship
- Workflow management and delegation
- Inventory control and chemotherapy ordering
- OSHA compliance and safety protocol enforcement
- Accurate documentation and billing strategies
- Identified and corrected potential errors proactively to ensure accuracy and safety
- Chemotherapy administration
- RECOVER BLS ALS certified
Core Skills
- 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
References
Available upon request.
Professional Development
- CE in oncology, chemotherapy safety, pain management
- Low-stress handling and communication training
- Leadership and team management coursework
- RECOVER ALS BLS certified
Timeline
Oncology Veterinary Lead Technician
Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology
05.2017 - Current
Veterinary Technician
Huffard Animal Hospital
05.2007 - 05.2017
Associate of Dance Education -
Anne Arundel Community College