Meet the Staff
Dr. Erica Buchanan
Dr. Erica Buchanan attended St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her fourth year at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She then went on to complete a rotating internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, FL, and a specialty internship in radiation oncology at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Buchanan moved to New York City in 2016 for a residency in radiation oncology at the Animal Medical Center. Dr. Buchanan passed her boards exam and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology in Radiation Oncology in 2020.
Dr. Buchanan moved to Annapolis and joined Veterinary Radiation Oncology of the Chesapeake in 2020 as our first radiation oncologist. She is passionate about treating cancer while ensuring a good quality of life for all her patients.
When not at work Dr. Buchanan can be found at home snuggling with her cat Nugget while watching British detective shows, crocheting, or running around the Annapolis area training for her next marathon/half-marathon.
Chris Popper
Chris Popper has spent 40 years in the human and veterinary medical technology fields. He graduated from Mount St. Mary;s College in 1976. His career includes leadership roles in domestic and international sales, marketing, clinical trials, and technical service across both human and veterinary fields. He has led sales and management of interventional cardiology and radiology devices, including therapeutic angioplasty catheters.
In 2003, he founded Encore Medical International, supplying new and refurbished medical technology to hospitals and surgery centers and providing biomedical services to support medical and surgical equipment. In 2010, Chris started Veterinary Imaging Partners (VIP), which supplied CT and MRI services to specialty veterinary practices. In 2020, VIP was sold to Blue Pearl Veterinary, a division of Mars International.
In 2015, he launched Veterinary CyberKnife Cancer Center (VC3) in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
VC3 became one of the most advanced stereotactic radiosurgery centers in the veterinary field. In 2017, a second linear accelerator was added to provide conventional radiation treatments. VC3 was sold to Blue Pearl Veterinary in 2020.
In 2020, Chris opened Veterinary Radiation Oncology of the Chesapeake (VROC), which provides comprehensive veterinary radiation therapy to patients across Lower Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.
Chris is married to his wife, Denise, and they have been together for 47 years. They have three sons, four grandchildren, and three grand-dogs.
Lisa Kitchen, RTT
Lisa Kitchen is a Registered Veterinary Technician, who joined VROC in 2020 as the practice’s first veterinary technician and now also serves as Practice Manager. With over 30 years in the veterinary field, she guides families through radiation therapy with a blend of expertise and genuine compassion.Known as the clinic’s “Treat Dealer,” Lisa makes every pet feel safe and loved during their visits. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her three orange cats—Cheese, Queso, and Mary—doting on her grandbaby, and singing karaoke at the local Moose Lodge.
Patricia (Trish) Haight, RTT
Patricia (Trish) Haight is a Registered Radiation Therapist with more than 35 years of experience in human radiation oncology. After decades of caring for people, she spent the last five years bringing that same depth of knowledge—and the same steady, compassionate approach—to veterinary medicine. Helping animals and their families through treatment has become a meaningful extension of the work she’s always loved.Patricia lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her husband and their two adopted French Mastiffs, Ace and Taz, who keep life entertaining. She’s the proud mom of two adult daughters and recently welcomed her first grandson, a role she embraces with joy.
Alexandra Anderson
Alexandra Anderson is a Veterinary Technician specializing in Radiation Oncology, known for her calm, steady presence and her ability to support pets and their caregivers through some of their most challenging moments. She brings four years of fast‑paced Emergency Medicine experience, giving her a strong clinical foundation and the confidence to navigate complex cases with precision and compassion.
In her current role, Alexandra blends technical expertise with a deeply empathetic approach, ensuring every patient receives attentive, thoughtful care. She is committed to advancing her skills, strengthening client communication, and contributing to a treatment environment where both animals and the people who love them feel understood and supported.
Deme Trachy
Deme is a Veterinary Technician with a focus in Radiation Oncology. She started her career in general practice and later spent three years in Ophthalmology, where she worked closely with patients facing a variety of complex eye conditions.She joined our team in 2025 and brings a thoughtful mix of technical skill and genuine compassion to the pets and families she supports through cancer treatment.When she’s not at work, Deme enjoys relaxing with her dog, Anya, and her cat, Pluto.