Phoenix Area College Sonography
A blog for the budding sonographers in Arizona
Monday, January 2, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Two Job Openings
Daris Reed has an opening at Tséhootsooí Medical Center (FDIHB, Inc.). contact information is:
Daris Reed R.T (R) (ARRT)
Radiology Supervisor
Tséhootsooí Medical Center (FDIHB, Inc.)
Corner of Routes N7 & N12
P.O. Box 649
Fort Defiance, AZ 86504
Phone: (928)729-8426
Fax: (928)729-8358
Also,
Amy Plummer is looking for someone at John C. Lincoln, North Mountain.
You can reach Amy at
Amy.plummer@JCL.com or contact their website to apply.
Friday, November 18, 2011
AIUM Statement on Measurement of Fetal Heart Rate
Background:
Besides watching the monitor and actually counting heartbeats, there are two sonographic methods of measuring the fetal heart rate: M-mode and spectral Doppler.* The measurement of the rate, both in M-mode and spectral Doppler, is performed by placing a pair of cursors to span a known number of heartbeats on the tracing. At a fetal size (crown-rump length) of 2 mm to 1 cm (approximately 5+ to 7 weeks), the heartbeat can be visualized by B-mode and then "heard" by spectral Doppler ultrasound.
*Handheld Doppler instruments without imaging capability are not the topic of this statement.
The AIUM and AUA published guidelines on use of ultrasound in urology. This opens the door for sonographers to work directly with urology patients while having an appropriately trained urologist interpret the images. more information can be found at http://www.aium.org/publications/viewStatement.aspx?id=44
Monday, November 14, 2011
What is an Accredited Program
CAAHEP vs. Non-CAAHEP Program Accreditation Podcast
Many applicants to the program ask what is the advantage to graduating from an accredited program. The link above explains how the ARDMS differentiates between programs.
Many applicants to the program ask what is the advantage to graduating from an accredited program. The link above explains how the ARDMS differentiates between programs.
Friday, November 4, 2011
FDA moving closer to approving contrast for sonographic studies
This week we moved a major step closer to utilizing contrast in routine sonographic imaging:
http://www.businesswire.com/ne ws/home/20111027006987/en/ICUS -Applauds-FDA-Modification-Box ed-Warnings-Ultrasound
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ICUS Applauds FDA Modification of Boxed Warnings on Certain Ultrasound Contrast Agents; Cite Patient
www.businesswire.comICUS Applauds FDA decision to modify DEFINITY product labels. The FDA's decision should lead to better imaging studies, better diagnosis for patients
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Ultrasound Awareness Month
From the ARDMS:
Ultrasound Awareness Month
October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
ARDMS is celebrating Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month in October. This month and throughout the year, ARDMS encourages Registrants and ultrasound professionals to raise medical ultrasound awareness.
With ultrasound’s increasing role in medicine, one of the main goals of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is to provide the public with a better understanding of ultrasound and its many uses in health care.
Here are some ways to educate the public, raise medical ultrasound awareness, and celebrate your profession during Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month:
- Tell your patients you are certified: The mission of ARDMS is “quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals.” Share with patients that you are certified by ARDMS, that you had to pass a series of rigorous examinations to earn the certification, and that as a result, your patients are receiving the highest level of care. To assist you in sharing information with your patients, use the ARDMS brochure entitled, “Understanding Sonography...and the Importance of a Certified Sonographer.” If you are interested in receiving this brochure, send an e-mail to communications@ardms.org and we will add your name to distribution efforts.
- Educate patients about the different terms of Sonography:
- Sonography - using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to construct an image (a sonogram) of a body organ or to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs.
- Ultrasound – the use of ultrasonic waves for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, specifically to image an internal body structure, monitor a developing fetus, or generate localized deep heat to the tissues.
- Transducer – a device that receives a signal in the form of one type of energy and converts it to a signal in another form.
- Sound wave – a wave that transmits sound
- Sonographer – a specialist in the use of Sonography; a person who performs the sonographic exam (ultrasound).
- Celebrate your accomplishments: A recent study found that 97% of ARDMS Registrants feel proud to have earned an ARDMS credential. Share your accomplishments with colleagues and patients by displaying your credential certificate at your facility, sporting the ARDMS Registrant patches on your scrubs or lab coat, or wearing the ARDMS lapel pin. To place an order, click here.
- Encourage your colleagues to become credentialed: The reasons Sonographers become credentialed varies widely. According to an ARDMS survey, many active Registrants sought certification as a personal career goal, to distinguish themselves as competent in the field, to elevate the profession of Sonography, to expand career opportunities, or because it was a condition of employment. Share your personal story about becoming certified with your colleagues and encourage them to join you in earning an ARDMS credential.
- Be a Mentor: Offer to lend a supportive hand to students and those new to the profession of Sonography. Impart your clinical expertise through hands-on scanning, share the full scope of the day-to-day experience of a Sonographer, and encourage and celebrate efforts by others to become ARDMS certified.
Check-out the Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month resources offered by other sponsoring organizations.
CT Dose reduction
Interested in CT Dose reduction?
Greag Mason presented at RPAL this week
CT Dose Reduction
Greag Mason presented at RPAL this week
CT Dose Reduction
Greg Mason, Sapheneia.
Greg came from Clinton, Mississippi to teach about CT dose reduction. His company, Sapheneia, provides software technology to improve CT images taken with low dose imaging techniques. Greg outlined the technology required for dose reduction, inherent problems, and techniques to overcome these problems. The technology behind image improvement is iterative reconstruction, a model based imaging reconstructive technique that utilizes post processing to enhance image quality in both CT and CR x-ray. You can contact Sapheneia at http://www.scpab.eu/
More at RPAL
Building Your Business Through A New Technology
Sherry Gage, Director, John C. Lincoln Breast Health and Research Center.
Sherry extended an invitation to all members to visit her site and see this new technology.
Highlights of her talk are:
Tomosynthesis – 3d imaging in mammography
· Storage issues
· Exam scheduling
o 5 – 10 minute exam times
o Decreased recall rates
o Decreased tech time
o Decreased room time
· Challenges of increased patient demand for the technology
· Can be done for screening
· No 3D order needed from Dr.
· Can be done with implants
· Dose rates ~1mSv
· Marketing 3D technology opportunities and challenges
At RPAL
Leveraging your investment in PACS
Leveraging your investment in PACS
Mary Beth Wilson, Western Regional Sales Director for the TIMS DICOM System developed and manufactured by Foresight Imaging.
The TIMS DICOM System is a system for converting any non-DICOM medical modality to DICOM.
Highlights of the talk include:
· All modalities are becoming PACS modalities – this is being driven by the need to create electronic medical records
Centers need to develop a strategy for enterprise-wide imaging
· PACS users will be leaders in this conversion
· Key features of DICOM conversion devices
· Utilization of PACS for
o speech pathology studies
o teleradiology consultation
o mobile DICOM
Friday, October 14, 2011
RPAL ACR Update
Today at RPAL, lots of good stuff. Much of it will have to be digested while I look over the links and resources we have available. Here is a summary of one talk we had:
2011 ACR Update
ACR Nationally
Economic Realities of Radiology
Viewpoint of the MEdpAC
ACR Response to these pressures
ACR Locally
ACR Advocacy Committee:
ACR Quality and Safety
ACR Education Center
ACR Research
2011 ACR Update
Howard Fleishon, M.D., Valley Radiologists and Medical Director at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Radiology.
ACR organizational structure was given with Arizona’s connections delineated. Arizona has had good representation at the ACR Council Steering Committee including representation in the past from Drs. Crowe, Levi, Owen and Ovitt.
ACR Nationally
Economic Realities of Radiology
Reimbursement policies in Washington D.C. are going to affect imaging. Specific areas government is looking at include ACA implementation (Obama-care), Self-referrals, and USPSTF reform particularly in mammography.
Viewpoint of the MEdpAC
A policy advisory group the MedpAC provides advisory services to CMS. It is the model that formed the basis for the Independent Payment Advisory Board created by the APA. Dr. Fleishon presented thinking behind MEdpAC’s recommendations as follows:
· Industry data on imaging is showing a decrease of 7.1% volume, MEdpAC is reporting an increase of 2% volume.
· Bundling of services/billing codes to create reductions in reimbursement; particularly reductions for multiple body parts seen the same day.
· Government is determining billing codes, formerly this was the purview of the AMA
· Up to 50% reductions for same-day utilization of a second imaging modality
· CMS is examining the feasibility of prior authorization for advanced imaging services
· According to MEdpAC the top 10% of physicians account for 50% of imaging orders
ACR Response to these pressures
· Economics Commission submitted comments. Organized grassroots advocacy effort.
· More cuts are expected to medicine in general and radiology in particular to meet the goals of government debt reduction.
· The super-committee (Jon Kyle is a member) in Washington, formed to find savings, needs to be lobbied about how these changes will affect health care
ACR Locally
The Maryland law is being held up in courts, limiting self-referral for advanced imaging.
Radiology assistants (Arizona is one of 29 states allowing practice). H.R. 3032 addresses reimbursement and ACR supports this bill
Scope of practice issues –
Iowa – board of nursing allowed nurses to perform fluoroscopy
New Mexico – Nurse practitioners are allowed to perform any imaging exam.
contributions to legislatures has increased from just over $500,000 in 2005 to $1,211,477 in 2010. RADPAC contributions on a percentage basis are high for medical professional organization but lower than other lobbying groups.
Through RADPAC, imaging centers can arrange for site visits by congressmen to see radiology departments and learn more about the work we perform. For more information, contact Ted Burnes tburnes@acr.org this will allow legislators to spend approximately 1 – two hours touring and discussing work in the imaging center. RADPAC can arrange the details and logistics of the site visit and in selected cases will supply funding for campaign contributions.
ACR Advocacy Committee:
New effort to optimize national and encourage local efforts at grassroots advocacy. In Arizona, Dr. Fleishon recommends that we coordinate the resources of all imaging constituents in order to have an effective voice.
ACR Quality and Safety
· Accreditation
· Practice guidelines and technical standards
· ACR National Radiology Data Regulations (NRDR)
o Monitoring CT dosage
“Image Gently”
“Image Wisely”
ACR Education Center
Opened March 2008
ACR Research
ACR clinical research center ~50% ACR budget and staff
ACRIN-ACR Investigative Network
RTOG Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
Other Resources
JACR – practice applications. Practiceleaders.acr.org
Sunday, October 9, 2011
There is a full-time sonographer position in Hawaii. General Abd, OB/Gyn & RVT needed. Contact:
http://www.facebook.com/nennet teespejocasino
Monday, September 26, 2011
How to enter the program
I was asked if I have any advice to someone applying to help them get in the program. I would like to respond. Ultimately, the number of applicants we accept for the program depends on how many clinical sites we have available for students. If we are given enough sites to send students, we will take everyone who applies if they have the prerequisites completed. If we do not have enough sites, we have to find a way to determine who gets in and who does not. Our clinical sites we currently work with have stated that they prefer to work with students who have a health care background.
So number one, get a health care background. Go to school, volunteer, learn about what is involved in taking care of people. The more hours spent in health care, the better.
Next, realize that showing your expertise as a health care provider is considered. If you have a health care credential, you are a professional health care provider. This weighs heavily for applicants who have credentials. If you can earn a credential, it shows that you are a professional and our clinical sites are more likely to accept you.
Finally, Apply! many people assume that it will be hard or impossible to enter the program so they do not apply. We will take someone else to fill that slot.
If you know of an imaging center which uses ultrasound and is not a current clinical site, ask them if they would consider becoming a site for us. We like working with a variety of sites as it allow our students to get the broadest education possible. Our goal is to have the best sonographers graduating from our school to serve our community.
So number one, get a health care background. Go to school, volunteer, learn about what is involved in taking care of people. The more hours spent in health care, the better.
Next, realize that showing your expertise as a health care provider is considered. If you have a health care credential, you are a professional health care provider. This weighs heavily for applicants who have credentials. If you can earn a credential, it shows that you are a professional and our clinical sites are more likely to accept you.
Finally, Apply! many people assume that it will be hard or impossible to enter the program so they do not apply. We will take someone else to fill that slot.
If you know of an imaging center which uses ultrasound and is not a current clinical site, ask them if they would consider becoming a site for us. We like working with a variety of sites as it allow our students to get the broadest education possible. Our goal is to have the best sonographers graduating from our school to serve our community.
Friday, August 26, 2011
New Class Starting
Well, we are starting a new class and for the first time it is starting before we graduate the senior class. Why? because last time we took off time to give our clinical sites a break, they dumped us and started using other schools. We just can't lose sites that way.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
DMS 150 Lab 1
Physics DMS150: Lab I
Speed of Sound
Part I: Speed of sound in Air
This portion of the lab is to be done outside in the west parking lot (light-rail park-and-ride) between Washington and Van Buren.
Step One:
Divide into two teams and go to the parking lots on the west side of campus.
Team one takes air horn
Team two takes stopwatch and air horn
Move apart as far as you can (note you will need to know the distance between teams).
Team 1 visually signals as they sound the air horn (cell phones also work).
Team 2 will start the stopwatch when they see the visual cue, and stop the stopwatch when they hear the air horn.
Record:
The distance from the listener to the source. 180m
The time recorded for the sound to travel from source to listener. 0.34 sec
Make at least three measurements.
Step two:
This time we will record the round-trip time elapsed.
Team one takes the air horn and stopwatch
Using the same distance between teams
Team one visually signals and starts the stopwatch as they sound the air horn.
Team two signals when they hear the air horn and sounds the second air horn.
Team one stops the stopwatch when they hear the second air horn.
Record:
The distance between teams. 180m
Total time for sound to travel from team one to team two and back to team one. 1.44sec
Make at least three measurements.
Using the distance equation from your textbook, calculate the speed of sound in the air.
What is the speed of sound in air ________________?
Distance/time = rate 360m/1.44 sec = 250 m/s
Part II: Speed of sound in tissue and fluids
This portion of the lab can be done in the ultrasound lab
Cut a piece of tissue mimicking material at least 1.5cm thick and place in a container of water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material using an ultrasound machine. Record this as the thickness of the slab or water.
Using a linear array probe, take a picture of the tissue mimicking material and water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material on the ultrasound image.
Enter the measurement for water here __3.77cm____ this is D1
Enter the measurement for the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water _1.88cm_ This is D2
Enter the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material ____1.53_ This is D3
What speed of sound does the machine assume? __1540m/s___
How much does the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water differ from the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material itself? 1.88cm – 1.53cm = .35cm This is D4
Numbers needed to calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.
Thickness of slab (2) = D2
Speed of sound in slab = VS
Assumed speed of sound = VA Use: 1540 m/s
Difference in depth = D4
The next section shows how to use this information to calculate the speed of sound in tissue mimicking material For the time interval “t”, the sound beam actual traveled:
t=D2/Vs
For the same time interval “t”, the machine calculated the sound beam to have traveled:
t=(D2-D3)/VA
Therefore:
t=(D2-D3)/VA= D2/Vs
Now you need to use algebra we can solve for t and then substitute to solve the equations for VS
VS=VA/(1-D3/D2 )
Using the above equation calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.VS=1540m/s÷(1-(.35cm)/(1.88cm))
VS=1540m/s÷(1-.186)
VS=1540m/s÷.8138
VS=1892m/s
Part III: BONUS – Speed of Sound in Tissue Mimicking Material
Recalculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material using the actual speed of sound in water. (Note: this requires that the machine measurements be adjusted before calculating the speed of sound in the material.)
Speed of Sound
Part I: Speed of sound in Air
This portion of the lab is to be done outside in the west parking lot (light-rail park-and-ride) between Washington and Van Buren.
Step One:
Divide into two teams and go to the parking lots on the west side of campus.
Team one takes air horn
Team two takes stopwatch and air horn
Move apart as far as you can (note you will need to know the distance between teams).
Team 1 visually signals as they sound the air horn (cell phones also work).
Team 2 will start the stopwatch when they see the visual cue, and stop the stopwatch when they hear the air horn.
Record:
The distance from the listener to the source. 180m
The time recorded for the sound to travel from source to listener. 0.34 sec
Make at least three measurements.
Step two:
This time we will record the round-trip time elapsed.
Team one takes the air horn and stopwatch
Using the same distance between teams
Team one visually signals and starts the stopwatch as they sound the air horn.
Team two signals when they hear the air horn and sounds the second air horn.
Team one stops the stopwatch when they hear the second air horn.
Record:
The distance between teams. 180m
Total time for sound to travel from team one to team two and back to team one. 1.44sec
Make at least three measurements.
Using the distance equation from your textbook, calculate the speed of sound in the air.
What is the speed of sound in air ________________?
Distance/time = rate 360m/1.44 sec = 250 m/s
Part II: Speed of sound in tissue and fluids
This portion of the lab can be done in the ultrasound lab
Cut a piece of tissue mimicking material at least 1.5cm thick and place in a container of water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material using an ultrasound machine. Record this as the thickness of the slab or water.
Using a linear array probe, take a picture of the tissue mimicking material and water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material on the ultrasound image.
Enter the measurement for water here __3.77cm____ this is D1
Enter the measurement for the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water _1.88cm_ This is D2
Enter the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material ____1.53_ This is D3
What speed of sound does the machine assume? __1540m/s___
How much does the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water differ from the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material itself? 1.88cm – 1.53cm = .35cm This is D4
Numbers needed to calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.
Thickness of slab (2) = D2
Speed of sound in slab = VS
Assumed speed of sound = VA Use: 1540 m/s
Difference in depth = D4
The next section shows how to use this information to calculate the speed of sound in tissue mimicking material For the time interval “t”, the sound beam actual traveled:
t=D2/Vs
For the same time interval “t”, the machine calculated the sound beam to have traveled:
t=(D2-D3)/VA
Therefore:
t=(D2-D3)/VA= D2/Vs
Now you need to use algebra we can solve for t and then substitute to solve the equations for VS
VS=VA/(1-D3/D2 )
Using the above equation calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.VS=1540m/s÷(1-(.35cm)/(1.88cm))
VS=1540m/s÷(1-.186)
VS=1540m/s÷.8138
VS=1892m/s
Part III: BONUS – Speed of Sound in Tissue Mimicking Material
Recalculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material using the actual speed of sound in water. (Note: this requires that the machine measurements be adjusted before calculating the speed of sound in the material.)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Recently from the AIUM...
AIUM Announces Ultrasound Practice Accreditation in Fetal Echocardiography
The AIUM recently announced that ultrasound practice accreditation is now available in fetal echocardiography. The program sets the standard for care in fetal echocardiography and builds on the development of AIUM guidelines aimed at fostering its safe and effective use.
"I am proud that the AIUM has designed a way for health care providers to show that they meet or exceed training and performance guidelines in this highly specialized exam," said AIUM President Harvey L Nisenbaum, MD
The announcement of ultrasound practice accreditation in fetal echocardiography builds on the recent publication of the AIUM Practice Guideline for the Performance of Fetal Echocardiography and on modifications made to the AIUM Training Guidelines for Physicians Who Evaluate and Interpret Diagnostic Ultrasound Examinations.
Under the updated training guidelines, completion of an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology- or American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists-approved fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and a written description of experience in performance of fetal echocardiography may be accepted as proof of sufficient training in fetal echocardiography. Practitioners in other specialties, including pediatric cardiologists and radiologists, can demonstrate education and skills by submitting a narrative of their experience.
Ultrasound practice accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that measures practices against nationally accepted protocols in training, practice, and safety. Practices that achieve accreditation show that they meet or exceed these standards. It is anticipated that practices accredited in dedicated fetal echocardiography be more likely to receive payment for the examinations.
Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound to examine the structure of a fetus' heart. A fetal echocardiogram offers greater detail than routine obstetric ultrasound. Women identified as being at high risk for delivering a baby with birth defects are often referred for fetal echocardiography.
Applying for accreditation or reaccreditation is now easier than ever, thanks to our new streamlined online application.
Additional Resources:
Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started Video (Earn a free CME credit after watching the video.)
Why Seek Ultrasound Practice Accreditation? Video
The AIUM recently announced that ultrasound practice accreditation is now available in fetal echocardiography. The program sets the standard for care in fetal echocardiography and builds on the development of AIUM guidelines aimed at fostering its safe and effective use.
"I am proud that the AIUM has designed a way for health care providers to show that they meet or exceed training and performance guidelines in this highly specialized exam," said AIUM President Harvey L Nisenbaum, MD
The announcement of ultrasound practice accreditation in fetal echocardiography builds on the recent publication of the AIUM Practice Guideline for the Performance of Fetal Echocardiography and on modifications made to the AIUM Training Guidelines for Physicians Who Evaluate and Interpret Diagnostic Ultrasound Examinations.
Under the updated training guidelines, completion of an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology- or American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists-approved fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and a written description of experience in performance of fetal echocardiography may be accepted as proof of sufficient training in fetal echocardiography. Practitioners in other specialties, including pediatric cardiologists and radiologists, can demonstrate education and skills by submitting a narrative of their experience.
Ultrasound practice accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that measures practices against nationally accepted protocols in training, practice, and safety. Practices that achieve accreditation show that they meet or exceed these standards. It is anticipated that practices accredited in dedicated fetal echocardiography be more likely to receive payment for the examinations.
Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound to examine the structure of a fetus' heart. A fetal echocardiogram offers greater detail than routine obstetric ultrasound. Women identified as being at high risk for delivering a baby with birth defects are often referred for fetal echocardiography.
Applying for accreditation or reaccreditation is now easier than ever, thanks to our new streamlined online application.
Additional Resources:
Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started Video (Earn a free CME credit after watching the video.)
Why Seek Ultrasound Practice Accreditation? Video
Friday, December 17, 2010
Semester Ends
Another semester is over.
All the students are away to clinicals
and grades are all posted to their chagrin
Many assumed it would be easy
A walk in the park
"I always made A's before"
but now they are trying to get perfection
while working, going to school, studying,
family concerns, new house, new spouse.
No wonder their life is changed and now
all this school stuff to boot
Nobody said learning was easy
Nobody said it was a hoot.
All the students are away to clinicals
and grades are all posted to their chagrin
Many assumed it would be easy
A walk in the park
"I always made A's before"
but now they are trying to get perfection
while working, going to school, studying,
family concerns, new house, new spouse.
No wonder their life is changed and now
all this school stuff to boot
Nobody said learning was easy
Nobody said it was a hoot.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Posting pictures to the blog
Friday, September 3, 2010
Worm Therapy
This is what I received from my inquiry about hookworm therapy for allergies:
Thank you for your inquiry. Our clinic has a three stage process. The first is a pre-treatment questionnaire to establish you as a good candidate for our therapy. The second is some blood tests to ensure you can use our organisms safely. The final stage is a trip to our clinic in Tijuana, Mexico for treatment.
Without knowing more about your condition it is impossible to give a precise estimate of cost. The average inoculation costs $2,200.00 USD. The blood tests cost between $150.00 USD to $200.00 USD depending on your health history (this is only an estimate and can vary).
Your doctor cannot order our therapy. You are required to travel to our clinic in Tijuana. We are responsible for getting you from San Diego to the clinic and back. Travel costs to and from San Diego are not included in our price.
I hope this information helps. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate.
Sincerely,
Garin Aglietti
www.wormtherapy.com
888-898-WORM
Wormtherapy makes no claim to medical authority and nothing in this document
should be interpreted as medical advice. Wormtherapy is an experimental therapy
that has not been approved by any governmental body, including the FDA, for the
diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease/condition.
Friday, August 27, 2010
ARDMS Recertification
Why is the ARDMS going to require recertification? Here is a statement from the ARDMS to help you understand.
Fast Facts About the ARDMS Recertification Assessment Program:
Log on to ARDMS.org/Recertification for the latest program updates. First Recertification examinations will be offered in 2019. There will be no charge for Registrants who pass the recertification examination(s) on the first attempt. The recertification examinations will be web based and available online (not at a testing center) for Registrants to take during the last three years of a 10-year recertification as-sessment period. Registrants may consult reference materials while taking the examinations and will have ample time to take and pass the examinations. Registrants will be required to take a recertification examination in each specialty area for which they hold active status. There will not be a separate physics recertification exami-nation. The recertification assessment program is being developed to meet a required standard of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Insti-tute* (ANSI), the accreditor of ARDMS. Visit and bookmark the Recertification Assessment section of the ARDMS website at ARDMS.org/Recertification.
*ARDMS has earned the prestigious ANSI-ISO 17024 accreditation for certifying bodies from the International Organi- zation for Standardization (ISO). Accreditation is granted through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Fast Facts About the ARDMS Recertification Assessment Program:
Log on to ARDMS.org/Recertification for the latest program updates. First Recertification examinations will be offered in 2019. There will be no charge for Registrants who pass the recertification examination(s) on the first attempt. The recertification examinations will be web based and available online (not at a testing center) for Registrants to take during the last three years of a 10-year recertification as-sessment period. Registrants may consult reference materials while taking the examinations and will have ample time to take and pass the examinations. Registrants will be required to take a recertification examination in each specialty area for which they hold active status. There will not be a separate physics recertification exami-nation. The recertification assessment program is being developed to meet a required standard of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Insti-tute* (ANSI), the accreditor of ARDMS. Visit and bookmark the Recertification Assessment section of the ARDMS website at ARDMS.org/Recertification.
*ARDMS has earned the prestigious ANSI-ISO 17024 accreditation for certifying bodies from the International Organi- zation for Standardization (ISO). Accreditation is granted through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lab1
Posting images from lab 1:
I have no idea why this did not load from the classroom computer. There were no problems loading from home.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Why go to an accredited school?
One of the most common questions I am asked, is "why should I wait to go to your school? You have such high entry requirements it is difficult to get into."
The entry requirements are high because we simply do not have the resources to take everyone who is interested. We must be selective. An alternative many potential students decide to follow is to go to private schools that are expensive, but do not make anyone wait. The following forum discussion should be read by anyone thinking of going to ultrasound school:
http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/ultrasound-technician/DO-NOT-GO-ULTRASOUND-SCHOOL-UNACCREDITED-CAAHEP/t45937
The entry requirements are high because we simply do not have the resources to take everyone who is interested. We must be selective. An alternative many potential students decide to follow is to go to private schools that are expensive, but do not make anyone wait. The following forum discussion should be read by anyone thinking of going to ultrasound school:
http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/ultrasound-technician/DO-NOT-GO-ULTRASOUND-SCHOOL-UNACCREDITED-CAAHEP/t45937
Sunday, July 11, 2010
GateWay Community College Sonography : Bringing Religion to Sonography
Post: Bringing Religion to Sonography
Link: http://gatewayultrasound.blogspot.com/2010/07/bringing-religion-to-sonography...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Bringing Religion to Sonography
From an article I found on Facebooks "Sonographers"
Jesus seen on ultrasound image!Posted by radRounds Radiology Network on July 10, 2010 at 10:09am
View radRounds Radiology Network's blog
.There have been numerous citings of Jesus Christ on numerous occasions ranging from artwork, clouds, food, you name it! Now it is radiology's turn - there has been citings of Jesus on ultrasound images! We knew we could pretty much see anything and anyone on ultrasound images--it is now again reinforced with a citing of Jesus. Check this image out - what do you think?
This image was taken of a family's baby in the UK. They claim that instead of seeing the baby simply sucking his thumb, there is Jesus. They believe that Jesus is there to watch over their baby and as a result, the mom decided to name her son Joshua (from the BIble).
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Jobs site with local jobs
I found a website with a lot of job possibilities. This one came from facebook’s Utrasound Technologists group. The link is http://radiologytechnologistjobs.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-Sonographer
I have no idea how many of the positions are full time, but there are a lot of possibilities out there. It certainly looks like there are jobs out there. Now, it is up to you.
Bryan Dodd
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Jobs available
Larry Bonno is looking for help at Abrazo Health Care.
He is looking for a sonographer to work there at least temporarily during the summer.
Contact him at
Larry Bonno VP, Imaging Services Abrazo Health Care 8620 N. 22nd Avenue, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85021 602) 674.6524 lbonno@abrazohealth.com
This is a great opportunity to get started on your career.
ARRT examination
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The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is offering 2010 graduates of sonography programs to take the sonography certification exam for free. The exam is available August 1 – October 31, 2010. Applications are accepted until September 30th. For more information and to apply visit www.arrt.org/SonographyPilot
Bryan Dodd
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Graduates wanted
"The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is looking for a recent graduate of a CAAHEP program to serve as a commissioner. This position is a great opportunity for a new graduate to make a difference in their profession. If interested, see the links below.
WANTED: Recent Graduate Commissioner
CAAHEP is looking for a recent graduate of a CAAHEP accredited program to represent the students' interest on the Commission. A Recent Graduate Commissioner is someone who has graduated no more than three years prior to appointment. The candidate must be willing to represent the students' interest on the Commission, currently work in the health science field for which he/she was trained, and be a member of a professional organization representing his/her health science field.
The Recent Graduate Commissioner must attend the CAAHEP Annuall Meeting, participate in the business of the Commission, including such activities as electing the CAAHEP Board of Directors, bring educational concerns that impact the accreditation of academic programs to the Commission, participate as an observer in a CAAHEP accreditation site visit, and address the Commision at the Annual Business Meeting on a topic of his/her choice.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving the Commission in this capacity, please nominate yourself (or them) for the position. Use this form for nominations of this position. The CAAHEP Board hopes to select this new Commissioner at its meeting in July. Please submit your nomination by July 2, 2010.
Should you have any questions on this position, please contact Kathy Megivern."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Graduates
May 14 we graduated 25 new sonographers. It is encouraging that they are all passing their SPI exam, and I expect them to all pass the Abdomen and OB/Gyn examinations. Good luck and God Bless to all of you.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Another Job opening
Ultrasound Specialties in Show Low, AZ has an opening. As a caveat, I neither support nor receive support from anyone asking me to post openings. I just move the information along.
Here is the pertinent information:
SONOGRAPHER
POSITION OPEN IMMEDIATELY
We have one position open for a qualified sonographer in our outpatient independent testing facility in Show Low, Arizona. Our office is located in the beautiful pine forested setting of the White Mountains in Northeastern Arizona.
The position open is for a full-time sonographer. No on-call time with a flexible schedule.
We are looking for a person who is RDMS and/or RVT (will consider those who are not registered, but are registry eligible). RDCS is not required, but would be a strong plus.
We would appreciate the opportunity to share more information with interested individuals. There are many exciting and interesting points relating to this position and living in this community!
Please call us at the number listed below. Ask for Jim Savage when calling, and state the call is related to the open position.
Visit our website for more information about our business at www.ultrasoundspecialties.com
Slacker time
Okay, I admit I have not been on lately. My goal was to open this up to others to add onto as they see fit. Well, no one added anything; I guess I need to take ownership and do this myself. We will see if things progress.
Friday, March 21, 2008
interesting web site (like there are no others out there)
I found a wealth of information on this site pertaining to human pathophysiology.
http://focosi.altervista.org/
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Deer Valley Job
Phil is looking for someone with at least one year experience. Unfortunately for our GateWay students, he does not want new graduates. My own opinion is that a new grad should not work a shift where they are the only person in the ultrasound department, but you gotta take what's out there. So if you can find a position where you work with others its good. If you are on your own and you are putting food on the table, well may have to do that too. For any sonographer on their own, it helps to have a network of peers available. The new graduates will have each other, their former clinical instructors, and the school as resources. I am not worried about them taking a night shift. As long as they wait until morning to call with a question :)
Another Job Opportunity
From Phil Kinsey at JCL Deer Valley:
Greetings all, I am pleased to announce a 32 hr Full-time weekend position has been created and I am currently interviewing. The hours are Friday 2p-10p, and Sat/Sun 6a-6p. Please let me know if anyone is interested or if you have any referrals.
Thanks,
Phil
Phillip M. Kinsey,BSRT,(R),RDMS
John C. Lincoln Hospital-DV
Ultrasound Supervisor
623-879-5756
phil.kinsey@jcl.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Job Posting
A private MD practice in central Phoenix and Ahwatukee is interviewing for full-time sonographer. For more information Fax at 602 274 9181 Attn: Mary Frazee. I will keep the posting in my office for a month if you need more information.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
OB/GYN Ultrasound Conference
Fetal and Women's
OB/GYN
ULTRASOUND
Conference
Dr. Nyberg's conference is in Scottsdale again this year. March 28-30, 2008 are the dates. It is approved for 22.0 CME catagory 1 AMA credits.
For those that have been to Dr. Nyberg's conferences in the past know this is one of the best OB/GYN meetings available anywhere. If you are interested in attending call 1-323-456-0166 or go to www.cmebyplaza.com
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