Providing care, compassion to all animalsby Cindy AbolePublic Relations Claudia Umphlett’s compassion goes beyond caring for her husband, son and extended family of two dogs and a cat. At work, she shares the same concerns and compassion for the thousands of laboratory animals that she and her technicians care for in the Basic Science Building. Umphlet is one of 40 technicians, veterinarians and staff members who work in the Division of Lab Animal Resources and Comparative Medicine. The group works in providing animal care for researchers in the Strom Thurmond/Gazes Research Institute, Hollings Cancer Center, Institute of Psychiatry and Basic Science Building. For 12 years, she has balanced the delicate but detailed act of caring and treating all warm-blooded vertebrate animals housed for research at MUSC. “Claudia is many things to many different people at MUSC,” said Alison Smith, DVM, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine and Division of Cardiology. “For research people, she works to facilitate issues involved with animal research. For veterinary staff, she is a key player in maintaining regulatory compliance of our facilities and program of animal care in her area. The animals in her care benefit from her exacting standards.” For all of her work and abilities, Umphlett has won numerous awards from the Southeastern branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. MUSC investigators have repeatedly cited her for her helpful attitude, resourcefulness and dedication to go the extra mile for others. “She has total respect of the employees she supervises because she is always willing to help and jump in to do any job when another is absent,” said Michael Swindle, DVM, director of the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and professor and chairman of the Department of Comparative Medicine. “Her area is never cited for deficiencies by regulatory agencies during inspections, and she is totally devoted to humane animal care.” Working with a staff of six research technicians and caretakers, she adheres to guidelines and protocols in documenting information and provides post-surgical care of animals. She is involved in staff training and conducts all procedures in compliance with standards set by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. “I have worked with Claudia for the past 12 years, and working with her has truly been a joy,” said Dexter Wilson, facility manager of the Division of Lab Animal Resources and Comparative Medicine. “Claudia is very dedicated to her job and the care of animals. She’s always willing to pitch in. She always has a warm smile and a pleasant greeting for everyone each day. She creates a very pleasant atmosphere for her technicians and the research investigators.” Umphlett and her coworkers are dually driven to work as a team 24/7, year round. First, they are dedicated to supporting and maintaining campus scientists and investigators conducting active research activities. Secondly, they are dedicated to the respectful and humane treatment of all animals. “Her positive attitude and dedication to her job and the department
is unfailing no matter what the playing field,” said Kathy Laber, DVM,
associate professor, Comparative Medicine. “She also executes her job with
a great deal of deportment and good humor.”
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