Riley Birkhead
Clayton
Summary
Dedicated Veterinary Assistant with a proven track record at Clayton Animal Hospital, adept in emergency and preventive care, and excelling in client communication. Leveraged lab operations expertise from Heartstone-Rose Anatomy Lab to enhance patient outcomes. Demonstrated ability to groom and restrain animals, ensuring both pet and staff safety. Achieved a significant improvement in patient care efficiency.
Works well in within high-stress environments and is effective under pressure.
Passion for animals with the experience needed to handle dangerous or aggressive animals safely.
Is a Talented orator who loves to talk to crowds or large groups.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Clayton Animal Hospital
03.2021 - Current
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Assisted senior staff with blood analyses and physical assessments.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Processed new patients and updated client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
- Groomed and bathed animals to maintain hygiene and appearance.
- Helped with training of new veterinary assistants and support staff to improve individuals' capabilities.
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Assisted with euthanasia procedures in humanely and compassionately to minimize suffering.
- Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained kennels, operating rooms, and surgical equipment.
- Collected and prepared specimens and samples for outside laboratory analysis.
- Educated clients on post-surgical care and nutrition.
- Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care for animals.
- Followed safety protocols for handling animals.
- Performed testing and completed blood counts.
- Observed animals for signs of distress or illness.
- Administered injections, oral medications and topically applied medications prescribed by veterinarian.
- Restrained animals for examination and treatment.
Lab Intern
Heartstone-Rose Anatomy Lab
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Recorded and interpreted laboratory results to present to senior colleagues.
- Performed high complexity testing by preparing specimens for analysis and maintaining assay quality.
- Prepared and validated buffers and in-house reagents, calibrators, and controls in advance of laboratory testing and analysis orders.
- Prepared and examined specimens using variety of instruments, histologic and molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Investigated and resolved issues related to laboratory processes and procedures.
- Performed several dissections of various species
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC04-2026
Falconry License -
North Carolina Department of Fish And Wildlife
Clayton, NC06-2017
Skills
- Lab operations
- Reception support
- Patient bathing
- Emergency and preventive care
- Gowning and gloving procedures
- Animal restraint
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Tick removal
- Animal grooming
- Client communication
- Medication administration
- Vaccine administration
Certification
NC Falconry License Holder - NC Department of Wildlife/Fish and Game Department
Timeline
Lab Intern
Heartstone-Rose Anatomy Lab
01.2023 - 02.2024
Veterinary Assistant
Clayton Animal Hospital
03.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
North Carolina State University
Falconry License -
North Carolina Department of Fish And Wildlife
Similar Profiles
Kimberly TroxelKimberly Troxel
Assistant Hospital Manager/Inventory Manager/Training Manager at Everhart Animal Hospital PVCC & Interim HM, Pfennig Lane Animal Hospital PVCCAssistant Hospital Manager/Inventory Manager/Training Manager at Everhart Animal Hospital PVCC & Interim HM, Pfennig Lane Animal Hospital PVCC
Chutinan SuwannasingChutinan Suwannasing
Veterinary Doctor at Part time job at Mohtaulek animal clinic, Puurr+pet hospital, Small Animal Teaching Hospital CUVETVeterinary Doctor at Part time job at Mohtaulek animal clinic, Puurr+pet hospital, Small Animal Teaching Hospital CUVET
Mahsa MirdamadiMahsa Mirdamadi
NA at Monash Hospital ClaytonNA at Monash Hospital Clayton