Heather Harwood
Columbia,MD
Summary
Certified surgical technologist prepared to enhance surgical team efficiency and patient safety. Proven ability to assist in complex procedures and maintain sterile environments. Known for strong teamwork and adaptability in fast-paced settings, with expertise in surgical instrumentation and sterile techniques.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Surgical Technologist PRN
University Maryland Medical System
07.2024 - Current
- Assisted surgical teams in preparing and maintaining sterile environments during orthopedic procedures
Business Administrative Intern
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Gained hands-on experience in healthcare management by rotating through key departments like Finance, Operations, and Patient Experience.
- Collaborated with hospital leaders on projects aligned with clinical and operational goals such as decreasing emergency room wait times and improving patient understanding of prescribed medications.
- This internship deepened my understanding of healthcare systems and expanded my professional network. Weekly assignments strengthened my skills in data management, process improvement, and professional communication.
Certified Surgical Technologist
U.S. Navy; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
09.2019 - 07.2023
- Assist surgeons in Plastic/RECON, Peripheral Vascular, Neuro, OBGYN, ENT, General, Robotic (DaVinci Xi and Si), Transplant, Neuro, and Minor Orthopedic surgical services. Maintain sterility of the operative field, methodically assemble instrumentation in consideration of surgeons’ preference, and properly label and arrange potent medications to prevent patient injury.
Education
BS - Public Health Science
University of Maryland (UMD) College Park
Maryland05-2025
Associate of Arts - undefined
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Bethesda, Maryland05-2020
Skills
- Pre- and post-surgical counts
- Professionalism and ethics
- Surgical equipment operation
- Aseptic techniques
- Laboratory operations
- CPR and AED use
LEADERSHIP
- Surgical Technologist Team Lead Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Service lead of plastic and reconstructive surgery service. Ordered and maintained inventory of breast implants and surgical consumables. Subject matter expert and teacher for new trainees.
- Human Allograft Logistics Coordinator Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- Non-commissioned officer in charge of $6 million worth of human allograft implant tissue inventory. Regularly inspected the integrity of packages upon receiving shipments, updated the tissue tracker database, performed monthly inventory checks, and ensured the security of supplies. Worked closely alongside commissioned officers to reduce waste by monitoring expired products that were ordered in mass quantity.
- Treasurer of PRE-SOMA Club Aug 2024-Dec 2025
Research
Research Assistant- Aug 2024-Dec 2025
University of Maryland Department of Nutrition and Food Science
- Support PhD candidates in the lab with research on the transmission of antimicrobial resistance in food networks. Projects areas included: Compost Microbiome, Sustainable Viticulture, and Biogeography of Foodborne Pathogen Genomic Diversity projects.
- Responsibilities included data entry, sorting and organizing data sets, counting microbial plates, and autoclaving lab materials. Learned and performed DNA extraction and operated specialized laboratory machinery required for molecular analyses. Gained hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, data management, and collaborative research within a multidisciplinary team.
Certification
- NBSTSA CST Certification Aug 2019- Present, Credential ID: 191878
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) Oct 2018- Present, American Red Cross/ American Heart Association
- Joint Service Achievement Medal Jan 2021, Meritorious service for the Armed Forces
- UMD Veteran’s Scholarship Award Aug 2024-2025
- President’s Transfer Scholarship June 2021 University of Maryland
- Global War on Terrorism Medal Sep 2018, Support operations in the War on Terror
- Armed Forces Medal Jul 2020
Participated in missions tied to COVID pandemic
Timeline
Business Administrative Intern
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
09.2024 - 11.2024
Certified Surgical Technologist PRN
University Maryland Medical System
07.2024 - Current
Certified Surgical Technologist
U.S. Navy; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
09.2019 - 07.2023
Associate of Arts - undefined
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
BS - Public Health Science
University of Maryland (UMD) College Park