Q: What's a typical workday like for you?
A: My schedule depends on whether I'm working in the radiology department at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park or at one of Park Nicollet's clinics. I perform ultrasound scans on pregnant women, abdominal organs, veins and arteries, creating images for radiologists to read and make a diagnosis. I also work on ultrasound-guided procedures such as biopsies and fluid drains.
Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
A: Many of the hospital patients must have some kind of diagnostic examination. We don't use radiation, so it's safe and easy on the patient.
Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
A: I have a lot of patient contact during exams, which can last from 10 minutes to more than an hour. I also interact with several radiologists, and with other sonographers.
Q: Why did you become a diagnostic medical sonographer?
A: I have a bachelor's degree in chemistry and wasn't fulfilled in my previous career. I did a lot of research in healthcare, decided I wanted to help people and stumbled on sonography, which is based on physics. It only requires two years of school and the pay is great. There is a huge demand and a lot of flexibility.
