Posted on: October 6, 2022
Sonographers are highly trained professionals who use sound waves to produce images. Island Health currently has approximately 115 sonographers performing over 136,000
different exams in Medical Imaging and 44, 883 exams in Heart Health each year.
Ultrasounds are routinely done for obstetrical and gynecological imaging, abdominal and genitourinary imaging, peripheral vasculature imaging, and cardiovascular imaging as well aiding with interventional procedures.
Sonographers are also involved in specialized exams, such as neonatal heads and pediatric hips for babies born prematurely or with congenital hip dysplasia; musculoskeletal imaging of extremities such as shoulders, ankles, feet, and knees to assess for tendon tears and pathology, fluid collections or cysts; peripheral vascular studies of varicose veins for treatment planning; and breast ultrasound, done in conjunction with mammography.
Stephan Tuomi, Leader of Ultrasound in collaboration with hepatologists and Dr. Chris King, Medical Leader, Ultrasound was instrumental in developing sonographers' skills in performing abdominal shear wave liver elastography, reducing the number of patients requiring a liver biopsy to stage levels of fibrosis.
At Cowichan District Hospital, Aman Dusanj, Ultrasound Supervisor was recognized for her work and leadership in specialized exams such as neonatal cranial and breast imaging ultrasound.
Right: Amandeep Dusanj, centre, with CDH Sonographers Lauren Adank and Dorothy Lore.
With Aman's involvement, CDH has a breast ultrasound room for diagnosis and biopsy, to enable immediate follow-up on abnormal findings on mammograms.
“This room, and the flexibility of our incredible technologists, allowed us to speed up the process of diagnosing breast cancers therefore expediting treatment for our patients." States Aman. “Aman's Celebration of Excellence award was based on her taking the lead in advancements in sonography within her department, combined with her focus on providing the best patient care possible, while being empathetic and supportive to colleagues", says Corilee Watters, Manager, Geo 3.
RJH Vascular Sonographer Byron Sahota
“Echocardiography continues to be an important imaging modality. Coupling advances in technology with a procedure that is typically non-invasive allows for a procedure that can provide considerable information about a patients' heart to help guide patient treatment, and diagnosis of heart disease", says Amanda Deforge, Manager, Cardiac Diagnostics, Heart Health.
With the development of the new Island Health Sonography Clinical Coordinator Practice Lead position, Jasmine Fieldhouse, along with the Ultrasound Modality Excellence Team is working to facilitate best standard Sonography practices across the island while liaising with Camosun College to provide their Sonography students with clinical placements across the island.
“As advancements are made in technology we are also advancing in our ability to provide the latest and best care to our patients by updating our current practices and graduating more sonographers than ever before", says Jeff Beresford, “It truly is an exciting time in Ultrasound."
From left: NRGH Echo cardiographers - Cassie Paolini, David Wight, Kevin Kim, Caedra Campbell, and Elvira Comas.