Billie Walker Named SCAV Technician of the Year

CONTACT: BILLIE WALKER, EXT. 1356

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/13/2003
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- A passion for animals and nursing has kept Billie Walker in the field of veterinary technology for two decades.

Her devotion as both teacher and technician and her tireless work towards promoting awareness of technicians' versatility and value through serving as president of the newly established South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians (SCAVT) earned her the Technician of the Year award from the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.

"I accepted the award on behalf of all technicians," said Mrs. Walker, a licensed animal health technician and a 1982 graduate of Tri-County Technical College's Veterinary Technology department. She is a part-time instructor for the department and works part-time for Dr. Nathan Craddock at Tiger Town Animal Hospital in Clemson.

"This award is very personal to me," said Mrs. Walker, "because it's a way of recognizing all veterinary technicians."

As president of SCAVT, one of her top goals is to give veterinary technicians a voice to promote and represent their profession. "We're very excited about this endeavor. This organization brings unity to our profession within the state," said Mrs. Walker, who met with technician representatives across the state last July to discuss the formation of an association. "SCAV continues to generously support technicians across the state," Mrs. Walker added.

As the trend in veterinary medicine has moved toward multi-doctor practices and high technology, a greater need for well-trained technicians has been created.

Technicians are an integral part of the practice and work closely with veterinarians and other members of the veterinary team to deliver quality animal health care. Their primary responsibilities in a veterinary practice involve animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, inducing and monitoring of anesthesia, hospital management, and laboratory duties.

"Billie has been a strong advocate for veterinary technicians in South Carolina as president of SCAVT," said Dr. Layne Norlund, who leads Tri-County's Veterinary Technology program. "She exemplifies professionalism and dedication both to animal care and our veterinary technology students, he said. "She has a wealth of personal experience in clinical practice that she integrates into the classroom lectures and labs. She constantly goes above and beyond in her duties," he added.

There are more than 90 licensed animal health technicians in South Carolina. "SCAVT's goal is to unite every technician in the state," said Mrs. Walker. During its first year of existence, membership totaled 73. This year's goals include working with the SCAV to enhance continuing education classes for licensed technicians and publishing a first newsletter. Six new board members began their terms of office in January. "The board is enthusiastic and ready to work," added Mrs. Walker.

Since 1982, she has worked for various veterinary practices in the area. "I love what I do, and I want to make a difference in the lives of our patients in the animal kingdom," she explained. Her first job was working for the late Dr. Wayne L. McGee. "I was very fortunate in that he allowed me to perform the skills I was trained to do, even though I was his first experience with a licensed animal health technician."

She also credits former Veterinary Technology Department Head Dr. Eddie Anderson with setting a memorable example of respect for veterinary technicians. "He worked in unison with technicians -- he was a wonderful role model and fueled my excitement," she said.

"Today, veterinarians say they wouldn't dream of opening a practice on any given morning without a technician," said Mrs. Walker. "Technicians are a veterinarian's right hand. Doctors are utilizing technicians to perform the procedures in which they were trained."

Dr. Craddock agrees. "Technicians make our lives easier, and Billie is an asset to the practice (Tiger Town Animal Hospital). She is competent in every area of the hospital -- from computers to treatment protocols. She has superb technical and communication skills. The SCAV award is a high honor, and no one is more deserving than Billie."
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