Cassie Zacheis
Belleville,IL
Summary
Dynamic Radiation Therapist with extensive experience at St. Louis VA Health Care System, adept in ARIA and advanced radiation technologies. Proven track record in leading equipment upgrades and enhancing departmental workflows. Strong communicator and team leader, committed to optimizing patient care and operational efficiency in radiation oncology.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisory Radiation Therapist GS12/ Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist GS10
St. Louis VA Health Care System
St. Louis, MO
09.2010 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of seven Radiation Therapists, ensuring effective delivery of treatment and accurate simulations.
- Led three projects for equipment upgrades and room designs in radiation therapy, enhancing technology integration and workflow.
- Configured ARIA as Super User, tailoring workflows for Radiation Oncology staff needs.
- Developed electronic documentation to streamline departmental processes and manage personnel access rights.
- Conducted interviews and selected candidates for Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist roles within the department.
- Participated in interview panels across VA facilities to hire key medical professionals in Radiation Oncology.
- Facilitated equipment replacement requests to maintain operational efficiency. through SEPG, ensuring timely updates and records.
- Executed bi-weekly timecard approvals as Supervisor and TL approver in VATAS.
- Certified Instructor for Crucial Conversations, teaching multiple classes annually.
- Certified COR(Contracting Officer Representative) for Radiation Oncology contractual services.
Radiologic Technologist/Computed Tomography (PRN)
St. Francis Medical Center
Cape Girardeau, MO
03.2009 - 09.2010
- Conducted both contrast and non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) studies per physician requests.
- Performed digital radiographs per physician orders.
- Initiated intravenous lines for contrast administration in accordance with physician orders.
- Reviewed patient chemistry and prior records to prepare studies for Radiologist.
- Transferred studies from Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) and Radworks to Radiologist at remote sites.
- Utilized Virtual Radiology system after hours to facilitate diagnosis retrieval.
- Educated patients and families regarding study procedures, potential side effects, and post-care instructions.
Radiologic Technologist/Computed Tomography (PRN)
Memorial Hospital
Chester, IL
11.2008 - 09.2010
- Performed both contrast and non-contrast CT studies for physician evaluations.
- Executed digital radiographs according to physician orders, contributing to accurate patient assessments.
- Reviewed patient chemistry and prior records to prepare studies for Radiologist evaluation.
- Transferred imaging studies from PACS and Radworks systems to Radiologists at remote locations, ensuring prompt access to critical imaging for timely diagnosis.
- Utilized Virtual Radiology system after hours to obtain diagnoses for studies.
- Facilitated timely communication regarding diagnoses between Radiologists and physicians, improving collaboration and patient care. between Radiologists and physicians regarding study diagnoses.
Radiation Therapist
Illinois Metro Radiation Therapy
Fairview Heights, IL
01.2006 - 11.2008
- Treated patients with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) using Segmented Multi Leaf Collimator (SMLC) on Elekta Linear Accelerator.
- Treated patients with external Beam on an Elekta Linear Accelerator.
- Simulated treatment setups using GE Computed Tomography (CT) for three-dimensional treatment planning.
- Acquired knowledge of the CMS Xio treatment planning system to support effective treatment planning.
- Verified patient treatment plans from treatment planning system to record and verify, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Conducted morning Quality Assurance (QA) testing on linear accelerator output and laser alignment to maintain equipment performance and safety.
- Scheduling patients for their external beam treatments.
- Educated patients on diet and monitored side effects, recording weekly weight and vitals to track treatment progress.
Radiation Therapist
Tri-County Radiation Oncology
Maryville, IL
12.2003 - 01.2006
- Administered Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) utilizing NOMOS Peacock on Siemens Linear Accelerator and Segmented Multi Leaf Collimator (SMLC) on Elekta Linear Accelerator, enhancing precision in treatment delivery.
- Treated patient using external beam on a Siemens and Elekta Linear Accelerators.
- Supported Radiation Oncologist in Operating Room during Prostate Seed Implant brachytherapy procedures, contributing to effective patient outcomes.
- Assisted the Radiation Oncologist with the administration of Iodine 125 treatments.
- Performed the morning Quality Assurance (QA) test on the linear accelerator’s output and laser.
- Assisted with verification of patient’s treatment plan sent from the treatment planning system to our record and verify.
- Simulated treatment setups using both conventional and Computed Tomography (CT).
- Trained in Medical Dosimetry for three months on ADAC Pinnacle treatment planning system.
- Coordinated patient scheduling for external beam treatments, streamlining workflow and enhancing patient experience.
- Provided dietary guidance to patients during treatment and tracked side effects.
Education
Master of Science - Radiologic Science
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Radiation Therapy
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL08.2003
Skills
- Varian TrueBeam
- Clinac 21EX
- ARIA 156
- Accuray Tomotherapy
- Elekta Precise and Mosaiq
- Siemens Mevatron
- Definition 64 and 128
- Somatom Definition AS 20 slice
References
References are available on request.
Registrations
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, #359287, Radiation Therapy, Radiography
Accomplishments
2012 VASTLHCS Facility LEAD Program
Timeline
Supervisory Radiation Therapist GS12/ Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist GS10
St. Louis VA Health Care System
09.2010 - Current
Radiologic Technologist/Computed Tomography (PRN)
St. Francis Medical Center
03.2009 - 09.2010
Radiologic Technologist/Computed Tomography (PRN)
Memorial Hospital
11.2008 - 09.2010
Radiation Therapist
Illinois Metro Radiation Therapy
01.2006 - 11.2008
Radiation Therapist
Tri-County Radiation Oncology
12.2003 - 01.2006
Master of Science - Radiologic Science
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Radiation Therapy
Southern Illinois University