Q: What's a typical workday like for you?
I rotate between the breast center department, where I do breast ultrasounds and assist with biopsies, and the general radiology department. There, I do abdominal ultrasounds, vascular studies, obstetric examinations and studies on emergency room patients. I also assist surgeons in the operating room. I see patients of all ages and diagnoses, and do eight to 12 ultrasounds a day, plus one or two procedures, such as biopsies or paracentisis, in which fluid is drained from the abdomen.
Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
All the exams I do are diagnostic - to diagnose or rule out a disease. They are great tools for doctors to use because they're less invasive than other imaging modalities. Ultrasound has no side effects, is cost effective and easy for patients to go through.
Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
I interact with patients, radiologists, nurses, peers, other imaging technologists, medical and support staff, and transport aides.
Q: Why did you become a diagnostic medical sonographer?
I was working as a receptionist at an infertility clinic and was able to see ultrasound there. I looked into it more and found out there's a lot more to it than pelvic exams.
Q: What do you like about your work?
I love the complexity of ultrasound. Every patient is different. I have to know anatomy and I love anatomy. I like being the doctor's eyes when I'm doing a study. It's a constantly growing field; it's changing and challenging. I haven't stopped learning yet.
