Megan Raymond Email and Phone Number

Discovery Virology

Tumor Microenvironment - Myeloid Biology GroupEmphasis on multi-color flow cytometry, Incucyte, ELISA (Ella), cell isolation from murine and human samples, assay development (ADCP and calcium flux), cell-based assays, antibody validation, antibody binding, tissue culture, tissue processing, in vivo experiment planning and ex-vivo immunophenotyping.Approved voting member of the IACUC.

Oncology discovery biology group focusing on immuno-oncology. Ability to carry out studies involving model development, PK/PD and efficacy with antibody and combination dosing in-vivo. Responsible for scheduling upcoming experiments, assigning experiments to vivo scientists within the department, animal inventory and antibody preparation.Emphasis on Model Development involving orthotopic and IP tumor models through advanced surgical techniques and imaging (IVIS). Actively coordinate and participate in the dog enrichment program. Approved voting member of the ACUC.

Tumor Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics group in Oncology focusing on preclinical research in the field of immuno-oncology. Efficient in rodent dosing ( various routes), implanting tumor cells and fragments, tissue harvesting, blood collection, tissue preparation and proper storage, rodent anesthesia and surgery, sterile techniques, computer based data entry and measuring tumors with electronic or manual calipers. Comfortable with protocols in handling immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice. Proficient in using GraphPad Prism, BioBook and Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word and Powerpoint). Other responsibilities include: Organizing and scheduling tissue harvest requests for multiple investigators in various programs. Inventory and ordering for upcoming experiments. Constant contact with investigators in order to have compounds, cells for implant and study designs prepared prior to the start of an experiment. Some experience with drug calculations and formulation.

-- Extensive Ultrasonography training including the ability to obtain ultrasound images with measurements and videos in both the abdomen and chest (echocardiogram) which is then sent for interpretation.--Experience assisting with the surgical use of lasers and proper handling/calibration. --Other skills include: Intubation in cats, cystocentesis in cats/dogs with or without ultrasound guidance, wound cleaning, bandaging (including splints), dental extraction in both cats and dogs, knowledge of injection sites for performing a local block on cats for declaw procedures. --Able to follow strict isolation protocols in the case of a sick animal. Ability to keep track of treatments and perform “rounds” on all hospitalized patients. Record data on extensive treatment sheets and transfer to the medical record. Proficient in the use of Cornerstone software. --Familiar with protocols in preparing PRP injections and with Stem Cell therapy. Also, proficient with companion laser therapy and acupuncture procedures. Comfortable with explaining more holistic/natural approaches to medicine, as per the doctor, if that is the owner preference.

-- Schedule appointments for five different doctors and maintain inventory for several doctors at different locations.-- Work closely with Excel, Word and Google Documents to make invoices and medical records for clients.-- Restraint of animals for different procedures performed by the veterinarian in the clients' home.-- Able to go on technician appointments without the doctor present in order to provide hospice care, SC fluids and do nail trims.

-- Very proficient drawing blood from jugular, cephalic and saphenous veins from dogs and cats, giving injections IP, IM, IV and SC, placing IV catheters in cephalic and saphenous veins. Knowledge of electrolytes, fluid administration and CBC/Chem screening. Frequent use of centrifuge and autoclave, pre and post op care. -- Displayed positive communication with clients and communication with corporate offices to solve problems and place orders for supplies. Training new staff and creating staff schedules, writing disciplinary documents and meeting with employees to discuss in a reassuring and productive way, organize a hospital cleaning list and give daily assignments, interview and hire prospective technicians. -- Other skills include: monitoring vital signs and anesthesia during surgery, performing routine dental cleaning including scaling, polishing and fluoride treatment, assisting with extractions of teeth, analyzing fecal samples, ear swabs (direct and stained) and urinalysis, taking digital radiographs and restraining pets as directed, cleaning and organizing the hospital and kennels, writing up and sending samples to Idexx or Antech, proper sterilization of gowns, packs and other surgical supplies. Able to restrain a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and pocket pets. Skilled in calculating dosages, counting and dispensing medication prescribed by the veterinarian and explaining usage and side effects to clients.-- Responsibility of typing thorough medical SOAP notes for each pet seen with a wide knowledge of medical terminology, performing extensive physical exams on patients including finding heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and CRT with knowledge of normal limits. Familiar with Petware, Banfield specific software.

-- Pre and Post op surgical care of patients, anesthesia administration and monitoring of vital signs (using Doppler, ECG machine, etc).-- Ability to use In-House blood machine and correctly write up and send blood work to Idexx or Antech, assemble and view ear or fecal slides.-- Maintenance, care and cleaning of animal kennels and the hospital itself, able to pack and properly sterilize surgical instruments, gowns and other surgical accessories.-- Communication with clients to make appointments, call with blood/fecal results, counting and dispensing medication as prescribed by the veterinarian. Handle payments from clients. -- Proper restraint and handling of cats, dogs and occasionally rabbits/ferrets. -- Draw up and administer medication as instructed, calculate and administer injections pre-surgically, ability to develop X-Ray film. -- Familiar with Avimark software.