Lauren Mendez
Lead Radiation Therapist R.T.T. C.T.I.C
Las Vegas
Summary
I apply with enthusiasm for the position of Associate Director of Radiation Oncology with my qualifications, skill sets and leadership experience. The prospect of working as an Associate Director is appealing as I am eager to continue my professional development with Optum Care. I believe my previous experience as a Lead Radiation Therapist, combined with almost two decades of experience make me an excellent candidate for this position. I am motivated and devoted to Optum's core values of Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation, Performance and Inclusion. I look forward to further contributing to our department and company's achievements.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Radiation Therapist
Radiation Oncology Center of Nevada Part of Optum Care
624 South Tonopah Drive.
06.2014 - Current
- Serves as an excellent resource for teammates seeking guidance on complex cases or technical questions related to radiation therapy delivery methods.
- Ensures seamless communication between team members through effective coordination of daily tasks, monitors treatment machines schedules, patient's care paths and treatment times.
- Documents patient data in EMR chart and ensures each encounter is properly verified prior to the patient's treatment.
- Utilizes advanced technology to deliver targeted radiation treatments, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue (V-RT with SBRT, SRS & SRT).
- Reduced patient wait times with effective scheduling and time management skills.
- CT Simulation Radiation Therapist preparing patients for treatment by creating a customized, reproducible and precise set-up.
- Assists Dosimetry with accurate contouring of organs at risk contributing to optimal dose distribution.
- Manages Radiation Therapist schedules at all three locations: Tonopah, Eastern and Cactus based on Radiation Therapist expertise and qualifications.
- Ensures all IGRT films are approved by the Radiation Oncologist prior to the patient’s next appointment for accurate billing.
- Conducts inventory of supplies to cut cost by spotting inefficiencies.
Senior Radiation Therapist
CancerCare Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
07.2008 - 07.2013
- Mentored students during clinical rotations, providing instruction and suggestions on areas for improvement when necessary.
- Conducted weekly student performance appraisals on their clinical skills and knowledge and lead case studies discussions.
- Facilitated communication between students and clinical preceptors to address any concerns or issues that arose during rotations.
- Assisted in the development of simulation scenarios to provide realistic patient experiences for students to practice their skills.
- Assisted in the development of departmental policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to safety standards and best practices.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements and improve clinical skills.
- Enhanced patient care by developing and implementing advanced radiation therapy techniques.
- Improved patient outcomes with thorough assessments, accurate treatment planning, and precise execution of radiation therapy procedures.
- Educated, prepared and reassured patients and families by answering questions, providing physical assistance and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
Radiation Therapist
London Regional Cancer Program
London, Ontario
03.2007 - 05.2008
- Educated patients about their treatment plan, side effects, and self-care strategies, reducing anxiety and promoting adherence to recommended practices.
- Monitored operation of radiation therapy equipment to verify continuous functionality, identified faults and escalated repair needs for quick attention and resolution.
- Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected challenges or complications during treatment sessions.
- Monitored and documented patient progress throughout the course of their therapy, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal treatment effectiveness.
- Maintained strict compliance with safety protocols to minimize risk of exposure to ionizing radiation for both patients and staff members.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of undergoing radiation therapy.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Radiation Therapy
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, NV 05.2001 -
CT Imaging Specialty Certificate -
Canadian Association of Radiation Technologists
Canada 05.2001 -
Radiation Therapy Diploma -
Red River College / CancerCare Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB 05.2001 -
Pre-requisites For Radiation Therapy Program -
University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB 05.2001 -
Skills
Team management and development
Coaching leadership style with an emphasis on personal empowerment
Emphasis on patient care and relationship development
Development of protocols and policies
Proficient information and strategic planning
Cost efficiency & optimization
Innovative solutions architect & critical thinker
Proficient in information management software
Accomplishments
- Supervised and mentored a team of Radiation Therapists including new hire training, clinical operations, staff, equipment, quality assurance and patient care delivery.
- Developed and enhanced patient educations information sheets for Radiation Oncology Centers of Nevada.
- Developed and revised SOP's at Radiation Oncology Centers of Nevada (Quality Assurance, CT simulation, HDR, Treatment Delivery).
- Apart of the student selection committee for the School of Radiation Therapy.
- Co-Author of "Patient Education Needs: Does timing of radiation therapy patient education influence levels of satisfaction in patients treated with breast cancer". ASRT Journal publication 2014.
- Completed CT Specialty Certificate through the CAMRT.
- Held orientation seminars to Radiation Therapists, Nurses and Physicians regarding site specific information sheets.
- Developed reference manual for health care professionals of the radiation therapy related side effects.
- Lab instructor for CancerCare Manitoba School of Radiation Therapy.
- Guest Lecturer for CancerCare Manitoba School of Radiation Therapy. Lecture titled "Image Guided Radiation Therapy".
Timeline
Lead Radiation Therapist
Radiation Oncology Center of Nevada Part of Optum Care
06.2014 - Current
Senior Radiation Therapist
CancerCare Manitoba
07.2008 - 07.2013
Radiation Therapist
London Regional Cancer Program
03.2007 - 05.2008
Associate of Applied Science - Radiation Therapy
College of Southern Nevada
05.2001 -
CT Imaging Specialty Certificate -
Canadian Association of Radiation Technologists
05.2001 -
Radiation Therapy Diploma -
Red River College / CancerCare Manitoba
05.2001 -
Pre-requisites For Radiation Therapy Program -
University of Winnipeg
05.2001 -