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With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. At UT Southwestern, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development that align with your future goals and help to provide security for you and your family. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more that are all available on the day you start work. UT Southwestern is honored to be a Veteran Friendly work environment that is home to approximately 800 veterans. We value your integrity, dedication, and the commitment you've made to our country. We're proud to support your next mission. Ranked by Forbes as one of the Top 10 National Employers, we invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for growth.
Summary
Works under minimal supervision in the Companion Animal Clinic in the Department of Radiation Oncology to provide high-quality cancer care to canine and feline patients owned by private clients. Provides oncology specific technical assistance to veterinary medical or research staff in delivering cancer care, including medicine, surgery and radiology to patient owned animals (dogs and cats) through the organization and coordination of veterinary technical tasks. Works to advance the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and furthering cancer research in humans.
Experience and Education
- High School diploma, or equivalent, and five (5) years' experience working with animals in a clinical or research setting or in a veterinary practice setting required, to include experience working in a veterinary oncology setting.
- Completion of a veterinary technology program or equivalent.
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician preferred.
Job Duties
- Safely dispenses, reconstitutes, and administers chemotherapy under the direct guidance of an experienced oncologist.
- Monitors patients closely, ensuring they receive the appropriate dosage and care during and after treatment.
- Supports radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
- Administers and oversees anesthesia and analgesia to patients during medical and radiation oncology treatments under supervision of the doctor.
- Performs minor surgical procedures and assists with major surgical procedures.
- Provides pre- and post-operative animal monitoring.
- Assists with diagnostic imaging procedures such as CT scans and ultrasounds.
- Obtains vital signs, collects samples, and meticulously documents patient visits electronically.
- Provides after-hours in-hospital care for select patients, ensuring their well-being around the clock.
- Educates and supports pet owners in understanding and managing their pet's cancer diagnosis.
- Assists in the management and post-treatment care of enrolled patients, helping their recovery.
- Responsibility for training lower-level technicians on day-to-day responsibilities of the job, as well as proper animal handling and restraint, behavior, anatomy, blood and tissue collection, surgical techniques, and dosing methods.
- Collaborates closely with the radiation oncology team to provide comprehensive care.
- Communicates effectively with clients, providing clear explanations of diagnostics and procedures performed on their pets.
- Coordinates and submits samples to external laboratories, ensuring accurate and timely test results.
- Strictly adheres to regulatory guidelines, especially concerning the handling and administration of chemotherapies, as well as ensuring a smooth patient discharge process, including managing any adverse effects at home.
- Demonstrates expertise in diagnostic tests specific to various tumor types.
- Actively engages in clinical research initiatives and fosters close collaboration with medical doctors to drive advancements in veterinary care.
- Maintains animal health and study related records as required by the IACUC.
- Participates in University mandated training such as Radiation Safety and Blood Borne Pathogens.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Work requires proficiency in medical management of canine and feline patients.
- Work requires proficiency in performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries.
- Work requires strong communication skills.
- Work requires fundamental computer skills.
- Work requires good working knowledge of various types of equipment used in veterinary medicine, surgery, radiology, and related procedures.
- Work requires accuracy in preparing materials, recording data, and maintaining records of work performed.
- Work requires use of good judgment in the application of policy, procedures, or practices to work problems.
- Work requires exposure to one or more disagreeable elements or hazardous materials, such as animal odors and contact with animals which may harbor diseases.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in a clinic environment.
- Walking, standing, bending, turning and stooping.
- Work requires lifting up to forty (40) pounds.
- Employees will be expected to request assistance with lifting or carrying animals or materials over 40 pounds.
- Work requires radiation exposure (x-ray, CT Scan).
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code *51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
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