2006 Annual Report - Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

All contents copyright 2006 Society of Diagnostic 

Medical Sonography. All rights reserved.

2 0 0 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T 

Table of Contents 

I. President’s Letter....................................................... 2 

II. Executive Director’s Report.......................................... 4 

III. SDMS Snapshot.......................................................... 6 

IV. Looking Ahead.......................................................... 10 

V. Membership Highlights............................................. 12 

VI. Education Highlights................................................. 20 

VII. Advocacy Highlights.................................................. 26 

VIII. SDMS in the News..................................................... 27 

IX. Financial Highlights.................................................. 28 

X. Summary.................................................................. 29

I. President’s Letter 

Dear SDMS Members: 

SDMS had another banner year in 2006. We continue to be the largest professional 

association for sonographers in the world, beginning the year with 17,507 members and 

ending with 19,034. Our annual growth rate continues to exceed comparable industry 

standards. This marked the 6th straight year that we have generated double-digit or near 

double-digit growth. 

Our Annual Conference (AC) in Denver was a resounding success. The conference was 

the largest in Society history. Over 1,700 participants had access to a total of 26.75 credits 

covering 4 specialty clinical tracks including OB/GYN, Vascular, Echocardiography, and 

Abdomen. Over 60 nationally-renowned faculty members were recruited as conference 

speakers. 

Jean Lea Spitz, MPH, RDMS, FSDMS 

The SDMS Annual Conference is the meeting for sonographers and sonography vendors. 

We provide high quality educational offerings, enriching professional networks, and 

FUN. If you have not participated in an SDMS Annual Conference in the last few years 

we encourage you to ‘join us.’ The 2007 meeting will be held at the sumptuous Red Rock 

Casino Resort Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada (October 11-14). I assure you this year’s SDMS 

meeting will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. 

Throughout 2006, the SDMS continued its pursuit of the goals and objectives reflected 

in the Society’s strategic plan. Available to all members on the association’s website, 

http://www.sdms.org/members/plan.asp, the strategic plan provides the ‘road map’ 

for organizational activities and resource investment. One of these initiatives was the 

formation of the National Education Curriculum (NEC) Task Force. This group was 

formed and worked throughout 2006 to produce a draft national education curriculum 

for sonography that will result in a national consensus conference involving the entire 

professional community in July of 2007. 

In July of 2006, the SDMS hosted the ‘Sonography Advanced Practice Consensus 

Conference’ in Washington, D.C. Participants representing 16 sonography-related and 

 

SDMS 2006 Annual Report

medical organizations convened to discuss the future of advanced practice within 

the profession. The work product of this effort was the generation of a sonographer 

advanced practice profile tentatively titled the Sonography Clinical Specialist (CSS). 

The CSS profile will be the subject of a national survey targeting sonographers to 

determine the level of interest and support within the profession for moving this 

concept forward. Additionally, medical specialty organizations will also be surveyed to 

determine the level of interest and support within the medical community. Work on this 

project will extend into 2007. 

SDMS continues to take the lead in supporting legislative and regulatory issues that 

may affect sonographers. The advocacy arena produced significant challenges to the 

entire healthcare community in 2006 as Congress passed and the President signed the 

Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), making dramatic cuts in reimbursement for Medicarebased 

imaging services. The SDMS partnered with other ultrasound and medical 

organizations to respond to the DRA challenges. We are committed to maintaining an 

active and informed ‘voice’ for our members and the patients they serve. 

We continue to collaborate with other professional associations and organizations with 

which we share common interests, such as the Coalition for Quality in Ultrasound 

(CQU), the CARE bill Alliance, and the Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month 

(MUAM). We regularly share liaison discussions and partner in activities with a wide 

network of physician, legislative, and clinical partners. 

We welcome member input, and encourage members to take the steps necessary to get 

involved. I know that you will find it to be, as I have, a most rewarding experience. 

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President. 

The 2006 SDMS Annual Conference 

An exhibit hall with many live scanning opportunities 

and the first ever Stephen M. McLaughlin Memorial 

lecture presented by Don Milburn were just a few of the 

many highlights of the conference. 


II. Executive Director’s Report 

I have the pleasure of serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the SDMS. It is a 

pleasure because I have the privilege of working with deeply committed volunteer 

leaders and a team of dedicated staff members. Together, the SDMS volunteerstaff 

leadership team has created a successful and vibrant non-profit professional 

association for sonographers. 

The SDMS is a non-profit professional association dedicated to serving its 

sonographer members. We understand that we exist to serve and support our 

members. We have a sincere commitment to customer service, and that commitment 

is reflected in all of our programs, products, and activities. In this fast-paced world 

where customer service is all too often an afterthought or a part of marketing 

hyperbole, we place our members’ needs and wants center stage. 

Donald F. Haydon, CAE 

All four SDMS operational areas experienced growth and success in 2006. These 

include: membership, meetings, educational products, and journal activities. At 

year-end, SDMS membership growth was almost 9% and included over 19,000 

sonographers, students, and associate members. Over 4,373 new members joined 

the ‘SDMS family’ in 2006. Our growth enables us to speak on behalf of the 

profession in addressing legislative and regulatory issues that effect the careers and 

jobs of sonographers. Our Annual Conference in October of 2006 in Denver set 

a new attendance record and generated rave reviews from the 1,695 participants. 

Our exhibit hall was filled with vendors providing praise for traffic and trade show 

management. Our 2006 product catalog offered over 65 educational products. The 

distribution numbers for the bi-monthly Society journal (JDMS) were the highest in 

SDMS history, and the entire historical archive of past issues of the JDMS was made 

available to the membership through an online-based program. 

 

SDMS 2006 Annual Report 

In addition to our four operational areas, we continued our Alliance partnership 

with OSHA to address the problem of sonographer musculoskeletal injury (MSI). 

This partnership resulted in the inclusion of OSHA representatives and counselors 

in the Annual Conference exhibit hall to address the MSI and ergonomic concerns 

of conference participants. SDMS continued its history of aggressive advocacy 

in support of sonographer issues in 2006. The number of states with Medicare 

requirements for sonographer credentialing and/or lab accreditation was increased 

in 2006 and the SDMS continued its active support of the Coalition for Quality in

Ultrasound (CQU). Additionally, the SDMS joined the CARE bill Alliance in June 

of 2006 and supported the Alliance efforts to pass the CARE bill during the 109th 

Congress. 

SDMS expanded its free CME offerings available to members in 2006 with over 60 

available through the Society’s website by year-end. The number of members receiving 

our monthly electronic newsletter, SDMS Sound News, was expanded to over 15,500. 

The SDMS member benefit package is the most robust source of benefits available 

within the sonography community. In summary, 2006 was another very good year for 

the Society. We remain committed to the idea that ‘there is nothing we will not do to 

try and help a member,’ and to the provision of exceptional customer service. 

On behalf of the SDMS staff, we thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) was founded in 1970 

to promote, advance and educate its members and the medical community in the 

science of diagnostic medical sonography. The Society achieves its purpose by: 

• Seeking the cooperation of similar organizations 

• Initiating and overseeing educational programs 

• Stimulating and encouraging research encouraging presentation and 

publication of scientific papers 

• Collecting and disseminating information pertinent to membership 

• Publishing a scientific journal and a newsletter 

• Reviewing and establishing policies regarding the professional status, 

legislative activity, and welfare of members 

2006 

by the numbers 

8.7 

110 

1,695 

3,070 

4,128 

4,373 

19,034 

percent total membership 

growth in 2006 

pages of valuable statistics in the 

SDMS Sonographer Salary and 

Benefit Survey Report 

2006 SDMS Annual 

Conference paticipants 

total pages on the 

SDMS web site 

members downloaded the SDMS 

Sonographer Salary and Benefit 

Survey Report 

new members joined 

SDMS in 2006 

total SDMS membership 

in 2006 


III. SDMS Snapshot 

SDMS Board of Directors 

Jean Lea Spitz, MPH, RDMS, FSDMS, President 

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, President-Elect 

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, Vice-President 

Lindi Quinn, RDMS, RVT, Treasurer 

Kathryn Kuntz, BA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, Secretary 

Laurinda Andrist, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS, Past President 

Joy Guthrie, DHSc, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, ROUB, At-Large Director 

2006 SDMS Board of Directors 

Cindy Rapp, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS, At-Large Director 

Dora DiGiacinto, MEd, RDMS, RDCS, At-Large Director 

Stephanie Ellingson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, At-Large Director 

Marsha Neumyer, BS, RVT, FSVU, FAIUM, At-Large Director 

Felicia Toreno, MSEd, RDMS, RVT, At-Large Director 

Nancy Chouinard, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, At-Large Director (International) 

SDMS Committees 

SDMS committees serve as a valuable resource to the Board of Directors. 

Committees serve as sounding boards and as sifters of opinion. Committees 

are also responsible for carrying out the projects and activities identified by 

the Board as critical steps in accomplishing our strategic plan. The Society’s 

success is based on a strong link to the grassroots membership. A solid 

committee structure and volunteer base are critical to the issue identification 

process as well as future leadership development. 

 


Advanced Practice Committee 

Michael Hartman, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, Chair 

Cindy Rapp, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS, 

Board Liaison 

Carolyn Coffin, MPH, RT, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, 

FSDMS 

Harris J. Finberg, M.D. 

Joyce A. Grube, MS, RDMS 

Catheeja Ismail, MA, RDMS 

Anne M. Jones, RN, RVT, RDMS 

Eric Meaders, MEd, RDMS, RVT 

Doug Roberts, RDMS, RDCS 

A. Thomas Stavros, M.D. 

Awards Committee 

Jeannetta Daniels-Barrion, RT, RDMS, RVT, 

Chair 

Felicia Toreno, MSEd, RDMS, RVT, 

Board Liaison 

Cathy Babiak, RDMS 

Darleen Cioffi-Ragan, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT 

Steve Comeaux, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Kelley McDonald, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RCT 

Jennifer L. Pysher, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Bylaws Committee 

Carolyn Coffin, MPH, RT, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, 

FSDMS, Chair 

Laurinda Andrist, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS, 

Board Liaison 

Katherine Benz-Campbell, MA, RDMS 

Mary Komora, RT(R), RDMS 

Joann Piatko, RT(R)(CV), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

David Rands, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Conference Management 

Committee 

Robert J. Daigle, BA, RVT, FSVU, Chair 

Laurinda Andrist, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS, 

Board Liaison 

Pamela M. Foy, BS, RDMS 

Mani Montazemi, RDMS 

Cindy A. Owen, RT, RDMS, RVT 

Richard A. Palma, BS, RDCS, FASE 

Catherine Rienzo, MS, RT(R), RDMS 

George W. Shepherd, PhD, RDMS, RVT 

Continuing Medical Education 

Committee 

Jill Herzog, BS, RT(R), RDMS, Chair 

Stephanie Ellingson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, 

RVT, Board Liaison 

Masoon Alsandook, M.D., RDCS, RDMS, RVT 

Darren Campbell, RDCS, RVT, RCS, RVS 

Kara Chickering, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Douglas Clem, RDCS, RVT 

Oscar Del Barco, RT(R), RDMS 

Susan DeWitt, BS, RDCS, RCS 

Conrad Fernandez, RDCS, RVT 

Karen Having, MSEd, RT(R), RDMS 

Harry Holdorf, MPA, RT(R), RDMS 

Doug Jones, BA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RCT 

Cheryl Kiesel, CCRC, COA, ROUB 

Brittany Kimble, RT(R)(M)(CT), RDMS, RVT 

Patty Moraino-Braga, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT(R) 

Ann Neilson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Timothy Oltman, RDMS, RVT 

Lisa Royle, RDMS, RVT 

Dana Salmons, BS, RT(R), RDMS 

Diana Strickland, BSBA, RDCS, RDMS 

Katherine Sumner, RVT 

Cheryl Vance, MA, RT(R)(M), RDMS, RVT 

Diane Youngs, MS, RDMS, RVT 

Education Committee 

Craig Peneff, BS, RDMS, RVT, Chair 

Katherine Kuntz, BA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, 

FSDMS, Board Liaison 

Marcia Cooper, RT(R)(M)(CT)(QM), RDMS, RVT 

Jacqueline Hollingshead, BS, RDMS 

Doug Jones, BA, RVT, RDMS, RDCS, RCT 

Robert Lilly, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Kim Michael, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Leif Penrose, BA, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)(CT) 

Educational Product 

Development Committee 

Cheri Fisher, MPA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, Chair 

Marsha Neumyer, BS, RVT, FSVU, FAIUM, 

Board Liaison 

Merri Bremer, RN, RDCS 

Kara Chickering, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Doug Clem, RDCS, RVT 

Oscar Del Barco, RT(R), RDMS 

Matthew Paul Esham, RCS, RDCS 

Lori Kimbrow, RT(R), RDMS 

Ethics Committee 

Jim Baun, BS, RDMS, RCT, FSDMS, Chair 

Nancy Chouinard, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

Board Liaison 

Audrey Fleming, RT(R), RDMS, RVS 

Pamela Chismar, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Finance Committee 

Lindi Quinn, RDMS, RVT, Chair/Board Liaison 

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Pamela Crawford, RT, RDMS 

Kevin Evans, PhD, RT(R)(M)(BD), RDMS, 

FSDMS, RVS 

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS 

Craig Peneff, BS, RDMS, RVT 

Government Relations 

Committee 

Terry Tye, Chair 

Joy Guthrie, DHSc, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

ROUB, Board Liaison 

Julia Dmitrieva, MPH, RDMS, RCVT 

Sergio Khomyak, MBA, RDMS, RVT 

Eric Meaders, MEd, RDMS, RVT 

Deborah Richert, AAS, RDMS, RVT 

Tammy Stearns, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Michelle Wilson, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Membership Committee 

Cheryl Boodt, BS, RDMS, Chair 

Lindi Quinn, RDMS, RVT, Board Liaison 

Katherine Bittner, RDCS 

Karen Bonham, RDMS 

Pamela Crawford, RT, RDMS 

Brenda Hoopingarner, MS, RT(R)(CT), RDMS, RVT 

Terrie O’Connell, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Paula Rhodes, RDMS, RVT 

Joleen D. Rodriguez 

Joe Rothgeb, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Winslow (Ted) Whitten, RDMS, RVT 

Nominating Committee 

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

Chair/Board Liaison 

Diana Burda, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS 

Susan Murphey, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Debbra Soffer, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Kerry Weinberg, RT, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Practice Management Committee 

Anne M. Jones, RN, RVT, RDMS, Chair 

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, Board 

Liaison 

Wretha Goodpaster, RT(R)(M)(CT)(QM), RDMS, RVT 

Carol Martin, MBS, RDMS 

Ruben Martinez, RDCS, RVT 

Margaret Park, RVT, RDCS 

Ron Sidi, RDMS, RDCS, CNMT 

Anthony Swartz, BS, RT(R), RDMS 

Sondi Troy, MSRS, RDCS, RVT, RDMS 


SDMS Liaisons to External Organizations 

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography maintains formal and 

informal relationships with medical and allied health care providers, 

government, third-party payers, scientific and research groups, and 

other organizations important to the practice of sonography. The Liaison 

Program facilitates communication of information and strengthens the 

role of SDMS in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. 

Dora DiGiacinto, MEd, RDMS, RDCS 

• SDMS Educational Foundation 

Stephanie Ellingson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

• Health Professions Network (HPN) 

Joyce Grube, MS, RDMS 

• AIUM Bioeffects/Technical Standards 

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS 

• Sonography Registries: 

- American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) 

- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) 

- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) 

- Canadian Association of Registred Diagnostic Ultrasound 

Professionals (CARDUP) 

• Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) 

Wayne Leonhardt, BA, RDMS, RVT 

• Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular 

Laboratories (ICAVL) 

Terry Needham, RVT, FSVU 

• Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular 

Laboratories (ICAVL) 

Lynne Schreiber, MS,RT(R),RDMS 

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 

(CAAHEP) 

Annette Smith, RDCS,FASE 

• Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography 

Laboratories (ICAEL) 


• American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) 

• American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) 

• American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 

• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) 

• World Federation of Sonographers (WFS) 

• World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) 

Felicia Toreno, MSEd, RDMS, RVT 

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical 

Sonography (JRC-DMS) 

Kerry Weinberg, RT, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical 

Sonography (JRC-DMS) 

 


SDMS Staff * 

A small, but dedicated staff 

provides support to the more 

than 19,000 members of the 

SDMS. Many of the staff 

wear “multiple hats” and 

use advanced technology to 

provide member service that is 

unmatched. 

*as of 01/31/07 

Chris Alcott, Communication & Marketing Manager 

Shawna Austin, Education &Meetings Coordinator 

Barbara Clay, Administrative Assistant, 

Membership Marketing & Services 

Christy Cowser, Bookkeeper 

Tierney Epstein, Education & Meetings Coordinator 

Scott Farmer, IT Support Manager 

Keith Gentry, Membership Marketing & Services 

Coordinator 

Donald Haydon, CAE, CEO & Executive Director 

Donald Kerns, COO & Deputy Executive Director 

Claudia Muñoz, Office Coordinator 

Connie Ponder, Executive Assistant 

Stephanie Rhymes, Membership Marketing & 

Services Coordinator 

Mary Rodriguez, Director, Accounting & Human 

Resources 

Dawn Sanchez, CAE, Director, Membership Marketing 

& Services; Executive Director, SDMS Educational 

Foundation 

Carol Smith, Receptionist 

Amy Westerman, Director, Education & Meetings 


IV. Looking Ahead 

The SDMS Strategic Plan 

Building on its 30-year history as 

a professional association for the 

field of sonography, the SDMS 

established a new strategic plan 

in 2004. The strategic plan will 

guide the organization for the 

next three to five years. 

C O R E P U R P O S E : 

To enhance the art and science of medicine by advancing medical sonography. 

C O R E V A L U E S : 

Leadership: 

Innovation: 

Integrity: 

Respect: 

We are a visionary community relentlessly committed to 

professional excellence in medical sonography. 

We are a professional community forever in pursuit of 

innovative practice. 

We are a credible community accountable for ethical stewardship 

of our profession’s interests and investments in the future. 

We are an inclusive community united by common dedication to 

professional status of sonographers and a shared appreciation of the 

value of diverse perspectives, experience and expertise. 

Note: All Core Values are of equal importance; no order of priority is implied. 

E N V I S I O N E D F U T U R E : 

Be responsible for credentialed sonographers achieving full professional status and 

sonography realizing its full potential within medical practice. 

Adopted by SDMS Board of Directors, 

April 16, 2004. 

G O A L S & O B J E C T I V E S : 

A. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE 

A1. Body of Knowledge & Standards Goal 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) will have universally 

accepted and clearly defined standards for education and practice. 

Objectives: 

1. Increase the number of accredited educational programs. 

2. Increase the number of accredited laboratories. 

3. Increase the number of sonographers who are graduates of 

accredited programs. 

A2. Patient Care & Quality Assurance Goal 

Health-care providers and patients will be assured quality sonography 

services. 

10 SDMS 2006 Annual Report

Objectives: 

4. Increase public awareness of the attributes 

of quality medical ultrasound services. 

5. Increase key audience understanding of the 

value and quality of medical ultrasound services. 

6. Increase awareness among potential 

students so that all sonographers enter the 

profession through an accredited program. 

B. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION 

B1. Influence Goal 

SDMS will be influential regarding issues of legislation, 

regulation, public awareness and career enhancement. 

Objectives: 

1. Increase SDMS’ political influence. 

2. Increase alliances with physician groups. 

3. Increase the knowledge of issues relating to 

members and sonography. 

4. Increase recognition of sonography with insurers 

and policy makers. 

5. Increase public awareness of quality sonography 

and what it should expect. 

B2. Reputation Goal 

Sonographers will be recognized as medical 

professionals who are formally educated and 

credentialed. 

Objectives: 

6. Increase recognition of the quality of the 

work and professionalism of sonographers 

by other professionals. 

7. Increase sonographers’ professionalism, 

positive attitude and pride in their career. 

8. Increase the educational requirements to 

be a sonographer. 

9. Increase the awareness of the need for credentialing 

in the field. 

C. ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY 

C1. Advocacy Goal 

SDMS will be the expert source of information for policy-makers 

on issues related to the sonography profession. 

Objectives: 

1. Increase the number and variety of policy makers 

seeking information from SDMS. 

2. Increase the size and scope of available data. 

3. Increase advocacy resources. 

C2. Partnership Goal 

SDMS will be viewed as a valued partner by public and private 

entities that share its vision and values. 

Objectives: 

4. Increase collaborative relationships with public and 

private entities. 

5. Increase the number and variety of collaborative partnerships. 

C3. Resources Goal 

SDMS will have the resources necessary to execute its work. 

Objectives: 

6. Increase membership retention. 

7. Increase recruitment efforts. 

8. Double the SDMS membership by increasing 

membership annually by 10%. 

9. Increase and expand non-dues revenue. 

10. Increase the pool of volunteer leaders. 

11. Increase staff resources. 

C4. Products & Services Goal 

SDMS will be the major provider of continuing education in 

sonography. 

Objectives: 

12. Increase article submissions to JDMS. 

13. Increase the number and variety of CME activities. 

14. Reduce barriers for obtaining and reporting CME credits. 

SDMS 2006 Annual Report 11

V. Membership Highlights 

SDMS Membership - Going where we’ve never gone before! 

As a nonprofit membership organization of skilled, diagnostic medical sonographers, 

the SDMS once again reached a milestone in 2006 - 19,034 members! SDMS continued 

to establish itself as the leader in helping sonographers, educators, students and other 

sonography healthcare professionals by addressing their needs and interests. SDMS 

seeks, through information sharing, education, and advocacy, to provide all members with 

a superior level of customer service that is unparalleled by any. 

Operating from a position of strength, SDMS possesses a unique blend of member, 

volunteer and staff resources that allows us to tackle issues and champion the rights 

of our members. The continued growth of our membership offers “the power of 

numbers,” but members are not now and have never been considered to be numbers. 

Supporting .65% 

Student 9.71% 

Fellow .24% 

Associate 11.47% 

Corporate/Business/ 

Institution .20% 

Advanced Practice 

Sonographer .75% 

Active 76.98% 

Membership Category Distribution 


SDMS is “home” to sonography professionals in all specialty areas 

and clinical settings, as well as many sonography educators and 

students. The charts below illustrate the 2006 SDMS membership 

categories, specialties practiced by members, membership growth, and 

membership renewal rate. 

2006 

2006 SDMS Membership Growth 

19,034 

2005 

2004 

Abdomen 

68.1% 

Breast 

37.6% 

Cardiac - Adult 

25.2% 

Cardiac - Fetal 

2.1% 

Cardiac - Pediatric 

6.6% 

Neuro 

13.8% 

OB/Gyn 

70.5% 

Vascular 

54.2% 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

2000 

4000 

6000 

8000 

10000 

12000 

14000 

16000 

18000 

20000 

Specialties Practiced by SDMS Members 

(Many SDMS members practice multiple specialties.) 

2006 SDMS Membership Renewal Rate: 85% 


Member Benefits 

SDMS already offered a splendid menu of member benefits at the 

beginning of 2006, but volunteers and staff came up with a few 

“extras” this year. Member feedback was crucial to developing 

additional offerings to add to our benefits package and suggestions and 

comments from a member survey conducted in early 2006 identified 

the following “wish list” items. 

Sonography Examination Guidelines - Free online access to 

this popular SDMS publication of suggested protocols for many 

sonographic examinations. 

Free online Health Insurance Services - The online quote system 

allows members to research and purchase Individual Medical, 

Short-Term Medical, Travel Medical, and Global Medical 

coverage. 

Student Conclave - Free registration to SDMS Student members 

at this unique career information and education seminar, held in 

conjunction with the SDMS Annual Conference. 

Member-only discounts on many leading sonography textbooks. 

Member-only discounts for the purchase of a computer through the 

Dell Employee Purchase Program. 

More FREE CME opportunities - Sonocredits.com now offers 

access to all sonography continuing education material free to 

SDMS members - 25+ activities! 

SDMS continues its commitment to offer quality, professionally-driven 

benefits, products and services to its members. All additional benefits 

are carefully considered prior to offering them to our members so that 

we can offer members products that will help them reach their goals, 

both personally and professionally. 

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 

The Journal of Diagnostic Medical 

Sonography continues to be one of the 

leading peer-reviewed Sonography journals 

aimed at providing ongoing education and 

information about leading technologies in all 

sonographic modalities. This year circulation 

reached over 19,000 national and international 

sonographers, physicians, nurses and other 

personnel in sonography. Over the last year 

more than 50 articles have been published, 

including case studies, literature reviews, and 

original research written by sonographers, physicians and students. 

Each issue provided free CME credit, ranging from 1 to 3 credits per 

issue on a variety of sonography-related topics with continued online 

access to credits for your convenience. 

Articles from 1985 to the present are easily accessible through 

the online portal at http://jdm.sagepub.com/. Some of the most 

frequently downloaded articles published in the last year include: 

Sonographic Evaluation of the Portal and Hepatic Systems 

A Review of Fetal Circulation and the Segmental Approach in Fetal 

Echocardiography 

Integrating 3D Sonography With Targeted MRI in the Prenatal 

Diagnosis of Posterior Cleft Palate Plus Cleft Lip 

The Use of Sonography in the Identification, Localization, and 

Removal of Soft Tissue Foreign Bodies 

Vulvar Varicosities Presenting as Bilateral Vulvar Masses in 

Pregnancy 

Ectopic Pregnancy Within a Cesarean Section Scar 

Pediatric Hip Pain: Transient Synovitis Versus Septic Arthritis 


Sonographer education continues to be a main 

focus of the Journal by providing information 

on clinical application of sonography and 

advancements in sonographic imaging, as 

well as providing the latest scientific research 

in sonography. We continue to encourage 

submissions from all persons in the profession to 

enable the Journal to maintain its high standards 

of quality. Workshops and mentoring programs 

are also available to those interested in writing, 

but without the experience. 

JDMS Executive Editor 

Michele Bierig, MPH, RDMS, RDCS 

JDMS Associate Editor 

Sandy Hagen-Ansert, MS, RDMS, RDCS, 

FSDMS 

JDMS Editor-in-Chief 


JDMS Editors Emeritus 

Mimi Berman-Sandler, PhD, RDMS 

Daly Cyr, MBA, RDMS 

Julie Drose, BA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS 

JDMS Editorial Board 

Beth Anderhub, Med, RDMS, FSDMS 

Teresa Bieker, BS, RT, RDMS, RVT 

Diane Burda, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Jeanette Burlbaw, BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Catherine Carr-Hoefer, RT, RDMS, RDCS, 

RVT, FSDMS 

Carolyn T. Coffin, MPH, RT, RDMS, RVT, 

RDCS, FSDMS 

Peter L. Cooperberg, MD, FRCPC 

Marveen Craig, RDMS, FSDMS 

Reva Curry, PhD, RT(R), RDMS, FSDMS 

Marie DeLange, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Richard Dempsey, RDMS, RVT 

Janice D. Dolk, MA, RT(R), RDMS 

Terry DuBose, MS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM 

Stephanie Ellingson, BA, MS, RT(R), RDMS, 

RDCS, RVT 

Kevin D. Evans, PhD, RT(R)(M)(BO), RDMS, 

RVS, FSDMS 

Pamela M. Foy, BS,RDMS 

Kathleen Greene, BS, RN, RDMS, RVT 

Joyce Grube, MS, RDMS 

Rebecca J. Hall, PhD, RDMS, FSDMS 


Steven Herrmann, MD, PhD 

Diane M. Kawamura, PhD, RT(R), RDMS, 

FSDMS, FAIUM 

Harry J. Khamis, PhD 

Lori A. Koziol, RDMS, CRGS, RT, FSDMS 

Kathleen McDiarmid, MBA, RDMS, RT 

Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Kathleen Murphy, MBA, RDMS, RT 

Marsha Neumeyer, BS, RVT 

Wayne H. Persutte, BS, RDMa, FSDMS, 

FAIUM 

Priscilla Peters, BA, RDCS, FASE 

Cara Quedens-Case, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Susan Raatz Stephenson, Med, RDMS, RVT, 

RT(R)(CT) 

Lorrie Scherer, RDMS, RDCS 

Jacqueline Van Horn, RT, RDMS 

Alan Waggoner, MHS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Kerry Weinberg, MPA, RT, RDMS, RDCS, 

FSDMS 

Paula Wyatt, RDCS, RVT 

James A. Zagzebski, PhD 


Fellows 

The SDMS Fellow membership category 

recognizes individual members who have 

made outstanding contributions to the field 

of sonography and to the SDMS. A SDMS 

Fellow exhibits professional qualities and 

attributes by contributing to the advancement 

of sonography and sustained contribution 

to the SDMS. No more than two SDMS 

members may be elevated to “Fellow” status 

in a given year. Highlighted names indicate 

the 2006 Fellows. 

David Adams, RDCS, FSDMS 

Beth Marie Anderhub, MEd, RDMS, FSDMS 

Laurinda Andrist, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Joan Baker, MSR, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Jim Baun, BS, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS 

Louise Berlin, JD, RDMS, FSDMS 

Mimi Berman-Sandler, RDMS , RDCS, FSDMS 

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Charlotte Brookshire-Quinn, RDMS, FSDMS 

Diane Burda, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Jeanette Burlbaw, BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Sharon Calton, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Jacqueline Carlson, BA, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Catherine Carr-Hoefer, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Carolyn Coffin, MPH, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS 

Marveen Craig, RDMS, FSDMS 

Reva Curry, PhD, RT(R), RDMS, FSDMS 

Dale Cyr, MBA, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Marie DeLange, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Julia Ann Drose, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS, FAIUM 

Terry DuBose, MS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM 

Kevin Evans, PhD, RT(R)(M)(BD), RDMS, RVS, 

FSDMS 

Melissa Foreman, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS 

Kathy Gill, RT(R), RDMS, FSDMS 

Linda Gordon, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS 

Sandra Hagen-Ansert, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Rebecca Hall, PhD, RDMS, FSDMS 

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Diane Kawamura, PhD, RT(R), RDMS, FSDMS 

Gale Kennedy, RT(R)(N), RDMS, RVT, CNMT, 

FSDMS 

Katherine Kisslo, RDCS, RCS, RCIS, FSDMS 

Joan Korfhagen, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Lori Koziol, RDMS, CRGS, FSDMS 

Kathryn Kuntz, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Linda London, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Kathleen McDiarmid, MEd, RDMS, RDCS, 

FSDMS 

Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Donald Milburn, RDCS, RVT ,FSDMS 

Wayne Persutte, BS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM 

Cynthia Rapp, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Laura Schorzman, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Lynn Schreiber, MS, RT(R), RDMS, FSDMS 

Andrea Skelly, MPH, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Nancy Spangler, MPAS, RDMS, PA-C, FSDMS 

Jean Lea Spitz, MPH , RDMS, FSDMS 

Alan Waggoner, MHS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Larry D Waldroup, BS, RDMS, ROUB, 

FSDMS 

Roger Warner, MS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS 

Kerry Weinberg, MPA, RT, RDMS, RDCS, 

FSDMS 


Advanced Practice Sonographer ® 

(APS) Members 

The Advanced Practice 

Sonographer ® (APS) 

is a membership 

category designed to 

create opportunities 

for advancement and 

recognition of the 

membership within the 

ultrasound community, to educate the medical 

community and healthcare consumers, and to 

assist in the establishment of a career ladder for 

advancement within the profession of sonography. 

The following were APS members in 2006: 

Janet Adams, RT(N), RDMS, RVT, CNMT 

Theresa Adams, RDMS 

Dana Adcock, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Jerome Adell, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Christine Allam-Ashe, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Amelia Allen, RT(R), RDMS 

Lisa Allen, BS, RDMS, RVT 

Susan Alvarez, RT(R), RDMS 

Caroline Anderson, RDMS 

Steve Baier, BS, RDMS 

S. Kay Ballard-Taraschi, RDMS 

Cathleen Barry-Kiefer, RDMS 

Lori Bateman, RDMS, RT(R) 

Constance Bennett, RDMS 

Carolyn Best, RT(R), RDMS 

Christine Bird, BS, RDMS, RVT 

Gretchen Blume, RDMS, RDCS 

Donna Bogdan, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Cheryl Boodt, BS, RDMS 

Joyce Bouffard, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Kevin Brennan, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS 

Laurie Briare, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Ulrike Brucks, RDMS, RVT 

Vida Camp, RN, RDMS 

Karen Capaccioli, BA, RDMS 

Robert Cardona, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Catherine Carr-Hoefer, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Nancy Carson, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Marilyn Catania, BA, RDMS, CNMT, RT(N) 

Darleen Cioffi-Ragan, BS, RT(R), RDMS, 

RDCS, RVT 

Heidi Clark, RDMS 

Susan Clements, RDMS 

Debbie Corrao, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Michelle Cozzo, RDMS 

Paula Criss, RDMS 

Letitia Curran, BS, RT(N), RDMS, CNMT 

Peter Dannevik, RDMs 

Debbie Davis, RDCS, RCS, CCT, FASE 

John Deyton III, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Julia Dmitrieva, MPA, RDMS, RVT 

Keri-leigh Doiron, RDMS 

Kimberly Dunn, RDMS 

Sharon Durbin, MS, RN, RDMS 

Linda Emerson, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Sylvia Epstein, BS, RDMS 

Eve Ann Felker, RT(R), RDMS 

Sheila Foote, AS, RT(R), RDMS 

Pamela Foy, BS, RDMS 

Anita Freeman, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Meredith Fresquez, BS, RDMS 

Lori Gaudette, RDMS, CMA 

Elizabeth Gibson, MS, RDMS, RVT 

Sharon Gieringer, RDMS 

Kathy Gil, RDCS, RVT 

Dianne Glassford, RDMS 

Candace Goldstein, BS, RDMS 

Kathleen Greene, BS, RN, RDMS, RVT 

Jonathan Greer, RDCS 

Lois Hart, RDMS, LPN 

Carolyn Hartfield, RDMS 

Dianna Heidinger, RT(R)(M), RDMS 

Susan Hettinger, RDMS 

Donald Hill, AS, RT(R), RDMS 

Jennifer Hill, RT(R), RDMS 

Cindy Hooper, BS, RDMS, RVT 

Linda Hosken, RDMS, RVT 

Deborah Hubacz, BA, RDMS 

Toni Hurton, BA, RDMS 

Teresa Johnson, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Anita Jorge, RDMS 

Elizabeth Juziuk, BS, RDCS 

Rod Khothsymuong, BS, RDMS 

Darla Kolb, RDMS 

Lauren Kopecky, RDMS, RVT 

F. Elizabeth LaBombard, RDMS, RVT 


Zulfikarali Lalani, RDMS, RDCS 

Laura Lamb-Susca, RN, RVT 

Connie Lanham, BS, RDMS, RVT 

Barbara Lavoie, BS, RDMS 

Tena Lechtanski, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

John Leighton, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Karen Lennon, RDMS, RDCS 

Wayne Leonhardt, BA, RDMS, RVT 

Beky Levzow, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Gerson Lichtenberg, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS 

Deborah Mangiacasale, RDCS 

Douglas Marcum, BA, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Deena Martin, RDMS, CNMT 

Vicki Mauk, RDMS 

Deborah McCollom, RT(R), RDMS 

Cyrethia McShane, BS, RDMS 

Dana Meads, RT(R), RVT 

Kimberly Michael, BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Laurie Miller, BS, RDMS 

Annitta Morehead, BA, RDCS 

Jayne Moser, BS, RT(R), RDMS 

Lawrence Myers, Jr., MBA, RDMS, RVT 

Patty Orin, BA, RDMS, RVT 

Richard Palma, BA, RDCS, FASE 

Rosemarie Patterson, RDMS 

Lisa Pearson, AS, RDMS, RVT 

Lee Pendergast, RT(R), RDMS 

Susana Perese, BS, RVT 

Bruce Peters, BS, RT(R), RDMS, CRA 

James Phan, RDCS, RVT 

Helen Polito, RDCS 

Marianne Pollaci, PNP, RDMS 

Dawn S. Pool, RT(R), RDMS 

Rhonda Poore, RDMS, RDCS 

Shawna Popylisen, RDCS, RCS 

Joanne Porter, RDMS, RVT 

Max Poye, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Patricia Prince, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Jeff Raines, PhD, RVT 

Amy Ratner, BA, BS, RDMS 

Karen Rawls, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Dawn Roberts, RDMS 

Ruth Roehrs, RDMS, RVT 

Diane Rohde, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Carol Rossa, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Nancy Rossley, RVT, LPN 

Denise Royer, RDMS 

Patricia Saliani, BS, RDMS 

Nayer Samadi, RDMS 

Michael Sampson, RVT 

Mahesh Sanghvi, MS, RDMS 

Maureen Sasaki, RT(R), RDMS, RVT 

Sharon Schneider, RT(R), RDMS 

Michael Schuveiller, RDMS 

Alan Schwartz, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Anita Sextro, RDCS, RCS 

Linda Shaw, RN, RDMS 

Karen Sheehan, RDMS 

Jerry Sherrow, BS, RN, RVT 

Gail Size, BS, RVT, RVS 

Marilyn Slutsky, RDMS, RVT 

Annette Smith, RDCS, FASE 

Kathryn Sorrell, BS, RN, RVT 

Joanne Spindel, RDCS, RVT 

Julie Steele, AS, RT(R), RDMS 

Flo Stein, PhD, RVT 

Pamela Switalski, RDMS, RDCS 

Susan Thompson, RDMS, RVT 

Laurie Troxclair, RDMS, RVT 

Cheryl Turner, BS, RDMS 

Terrence Tye, MS, RDMS, RDCS 

Judy Veal, MA, RT(R), RDMS 

Jeanne Wafalosky, RDMS, RDCS 

Shirley Wagner-Sevy, RDCS, RVT, RVS, RCS 

Andy Wallace, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Tracy Wallace, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Elaine Warrick, RT(R)(N), RDMS, CNMT 

Dorothy West, RDMS 

Charmin Whitsett, RDMS 

David Williams, MS, RDCS, RVT 

Michelle Wilson, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

Renèe Winborn, LPN, RDMS 

Patricia Wright, MS, RDMS 

Kimberly Yezewski, RT(R), RDMS 

Duoneng Zhang, MS, RDCS 


SDMS Website – 

Your Source for Sonography Information 

The SDMS website continues to serve as an important mechanism for 

delivering information to SDMS members, policy makers, and the general 

public. In 2006, the SDMS website had more than 950,000 visitors (2,600+ 

per day) – a 25% increase over 2005! It has also become an important source 

of information to the general public. In fact, the SDMS website is one of the 

top sites listed in most Internet search engines when searching for information 

on sonography. 

The SDMS website contains more than 3,000 web pages and is separated 

into public and members-only areas. Approximately 60% of the website is 

accessible to the public and 40% is restricted to current SDMS members. 

The email newsletter SDMS Sound News provided timely and relevant 

updates to more than 15,500 SDMS members each month. The 2006 issues 

of the SDMS Sound News highlighted new resources available on the SDMS 

website including: 

• Updates on policy decisions by the SDMS Board of Directors 

• Release of online webcasts including: 

- Perception is Reality - Image of a Professional 

- Legislative and Regulatory Update 

- Legal-Medical Issues for the Sonographer: What You Don’t Know Can 

Hurt You 

• Release of SDMS’ Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Make a Sound Career 

Decision sonography career recruitment video on Apple’s iTunes website 

• Release of SDMS Member logos which can be downloaded and used by 

members 

• Sonography Examination Guidelines (free to members) 

• And lots of exciting news affecting sonographers and their careers… 


VI. Education Highlights 

SDMS Annual Conference 

The SDMS Annual Conference is the largest sonographer 

conference in the world. More than 1,700 participants 

converged on Denver, Colorado, including some from as far 

away as New Zealand, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, 

United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. A total of 

14,309.50 SDMS CME credits were awarded at the conference. 

This year’s conference had several firsts. Included for the 

first time was a Student Conclave. With the theme Start Here, 

Go Anywhere!, 175 student members participated in sessions 

designed to address their unique issues. 

Another first in 2006 was the SDMS Awards Dinner and Rocky 

Mountain Highnotes Benefit. The awards dinner recognized award recipients, SDMS 

supporters and new Fellow inductees. The benefit supported the SDMS Educational 

Foundation. 

Also a first was the Stephen M. McLaughlin Memorial Lecture. The inaugural lecture 

‘Perception is Reality – The Image of a Professional’ was presented by Donald T. 

Milburn, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS. The presentation was captured and is available to all 

sonographers on the SDMS website. 

This year’s conference once again featured a “Meet the Board” breakfast session where 

participants could meet SDMS Board members and discuss issues facing the sonography 

profession. 

Here are some of the 2006 Annual Conference participant comments: 

After Anne Sandoval’s lecture I can’t wait to go home, call the perinatologist and see if I can 

learn first hand what fetal surgeries we’re doing in my area. She left me wanting to learn more. 

Maureen McDaniel, Fairfield, OH 

I learned a lot of useful information in all modalities of sonography and became very interested 

in legislative issues. 

Julie Thorin, Maverhill, IA 


Lot of interesting information for me to take back. 

I especially liked the Liver Masses and Pelvic Pain 

lectures-new things to think about. I really enjoyed 

Dr. Humor. 

Molly Siemens, McPherson, KS 

Don Milburn was awesome! Very inspiring. Please 

have Don make a video or DVD that educators can 

use in our classes (on professionalism). That way we 

can start our students off right. 

Jessica Murphy, Alvin, TX 

This is my first time attending the SDMS 

meeting and it was by far the best organized, most 

informative event I have attended. I will certainly 

be in Vegas. Thanks! 

Eric Tyler, Manchester, NH 

SDMS conferences are the best at combining 

learning with enjoyable events and professional 

recognition. 

Bill Greenhut, Ossling NY 

This has been a wonderful experience. The speakers 

were all great. (I did the vascular track.) Mr. 

Zang’s videos were hysterical and the information 

was mind-provoking. Ms. Primozich is an 

excellent teacher. I have heard Dr. Bendick before 

and he is always good. 

Jill Chapmon, Milledgeville, GA 

Excellent, can’t wait until next year. It just gets 

better and better. When I leave on Sunday, I’m 

more proud than ever that I am a sonographer. 

Joanne Ilijevieh, Cincinnati, OH 

This was my first conference. I enjoyed it. The topics 

were good. I had a hard time picking which ones to 

attend. The speakers were able to give us valuable 

information in a short time. I was impressed to see 

the number of attendees. I will return. 

Timothy R. Cybulser, Berul, IL 

As always, I have left this excellent meeting 

encouraged and proud of our profession and 

with a renewed determination to promote its 

advancements as such. 

Paula Criss, Portales, NM 

This was my first SDMS annual conference - I 

found it very informative and it re-energized my 

love of ultrasound and opened my eyes to many 

legislative & medical-legal issues that affect my 

profession. 

Donna Richardson, Rexford, NY 

Dr. Humor made me laugh until I cried! What 

a great way to start a seminar! The 1 st annual 

Stephen McLaughlin Memorial Lecture was so 

poignant. I did not know Mr. McLaughlin but was 

moved to near tears by the speech given by his friend 

on professionalism. 

Connie Caulbern, Brownsburg, IN 


SDMS 2005 Award Recipients 

The following awards were presented at the 2006 SDMS Annual Conference. 

Fellow Recognition 

Fellow Designation is the highest category of membership the Society 

can bestow on a member. The new 2006 Fellows are: 

Shannon Boswell, 

BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, 

FSDMS 

Daniel A. Merton, 

BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Scientific Presentation Competition 

First Place: Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS, FSDMS 

Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Swine with Melanoma Tumors: 

Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Sonogrpahy, Nuclear Medicine and 

Blue Dye With Surgical Dissection 

Second Place: Yu-Mi Lee, MS, RN, RDMS 

Nasal Bone Evaluation at 11-14 Weeks of Pregnancy in the Korean 

Population 

Sonographer Poster Competition 

First Place: Victoria Moore, RDCS 

Right Ventricular Dysfunction: New Evidence for Cardiac Sequelae in 

Obese Adolescents 

Second Place: Connie McCoy, RVT 

Measurement of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Pediatrics: Is 

Trace or Point to Point Measurement More Reproducible? 

Third Place: Eun Jung Park, RVT 

Three-vessel View of the Fetal Heart: In Utero Development of the 

Great Vessels 

Student Poster Competition 

First Place: Claire Beckmann, Shelly Albert, Shari Berg, Lori 

Cambell, Jill Guenther, Autumn Wegner 

Trisomy 18 

University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 

Second Place: Janell Snyder 

What is Echocardiography’s Role in Evaluation of a Left Ventricular 

Assist Device? 

University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Third Place: Tracy Haefner, Dennis Biles, Sarah Fleek 

Primary Sclerosing Cholanqitis 

Mayo School of Health Science, Rochester, Minnesota 

Distinguished Educator Award 


Carol Mitchell, PhD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R) 

Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award 

Dale R. Cyr, CAE, RDMS, RDCS 

Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. and SDMS Educational 

Foundation Research Award 

Ted Scott, MAppSc, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 


SDMS Educational Foundation Graduate Research Award 

Ted Scott, MAppSc, RDMS, RDCS, RVT 

Kenneth R. Gottesfeld Award 

First Place: Priscilla Peters, BA, RDCS, FASE 

Infective Endocarditis 

Second Place: Susan Raatz Stephenson, MEd, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)(CT) 

3D and 4D Sonography History and Theory 

Third Place: Carolyn T. Coffin, MPH, RDMS, RVT, RDCS and 

Susan L. Murphey, BS, RDMS, RDCS 

The Potential Reduction in Musculoskeletal Injury in the Nonscanning 

Arm by Using VoiceScan Technology During Sonographic Examinations 

W. Frederick Sample Student Excellence Award 

Original Research 

First Place: Pauline Suon 

Assessment of Left Atrial Size and Left Atrial Appendage Peak Velocity 

in Patients With Atrial Flutter 

Seattle University, Seattle, Washington 

Second Place: Kristine Barnhart 

Evaluation of Large Residual Right-to-Left Shunt Detected by 

Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiogram Post 

Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure 


Literature Review 

First Place (tie): Britta Fehst 

Sonography for Visualization of the Appendix, Normal or With Acute 

Appendicitis: A Literature Review 


First Place (tie): Nicole Tuning 

Does Spatiotemporal Image Correlation Enhance the Diagnostic 

Usefulness of 3D Fetal Cardiac Imaging? A Literature Review 


2006 SDMS Medal Level Supporters 

The SDMS and SDMS Educational Foundation wish to extend a 

special “thank you” to the following supporters for their generous 

contributions throughout 2006. 

Parker Laboratories, Inc. 

SonoSite, Inc. 

Unetixs Vascular, Inc. 

Biosound Esaote 

GE Healthcare Ultrasound 

Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. 

Keith Mauney and Associates 

Medison 

Pegasus Lectures 

Sonora Medical Systems, Inc. 

Allina 

Biodex Medical Systems 

CIVCO 

Davies Publishing, Inc. 

ESP Ultrasound 

Fujitsu 

Heritage Medical Products, Inc. 

Mayo Clinic 

Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. 


Continuing Medical Education (CME) 

SDMS CME Credit Accepted by Registries 

SDMS has established comprehensive guidelines and a review process 

for approval of continuing medical education (CME) programs. CME 

providers include study groups, local ultrasound societies, companies, 

and hospitals. CME providers submit applications for each educational 

program offered. The applications are reviewed by SDMS staff and 

members who volunteer to help ensure the program content and 

quality meets the SDMS standards. If a CME activity is approved, the 

CME provider can issue CME certificates to participants in the CME 

activity. 

Continuing Medical Education activities approved by the SDMS are 

accepted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography 

(ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and the 

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 

Applications for SDMS CME Credits (2006) 

Total number of approved CME providers 1086 

Total number of CME providers submitting applications in 2006 487 

Total number of CME activity applications approved in 2006 931 

Total SDMS CME credits for all approved applications 7,741.9 

SDMS CME Tracker 

As an exclusive member benefit, SDMS members who complete 

SDMS continuing medical education programs and products (through 

SDMS activities such as JDMS, Annual Conference, video/DVD, 

etc.) receive fee online scoring with instant results. The SDMS CME 

Tracker program provides SDMS members with a full-service CME 

program including an automated, individualized CME tracking log. 

More than 7,900 SDMS members took advantage of this free service 

in 2006. 

2006 SDMS CME Tracker Program 

CME activities completed 50,940 

Total CME credits recorded 72,933.25 

SDMS – A Leader in Sonography Education 

In July, 2006, the SDMS held a consensus conference on the issue of 

advanced practice in sonography (based on the ‘ultrasound practitioner’ 

concept) attended by representatives from sixteen organizations. The 

participants agreed to a continued dialog and investigation of the 

concept. 

In October 2006, the SDMS Board of Directors approved holding a 

consensus conference on the issue of development of national standard 

curricula for the sonography profession. The consensus conference 

will be held in July 2007 and will include representatives from various 

organizations in the sonography community. 

In 2006, the 

SDMS recorded 

over 70,000 CME 

credits for SDMS 

members. 


SDMS Products 

In 2006, we were pleased to introduce several new items to our SDMS 

line of products, including: 

Sports Water Bottle 

This durable 20 oz. 

polycarbonate water 

bottle features our 

United We Scan logo. 

SDMS Member Pin 

This jewelry-quality hard 

enamel pin is a great way 

to show SDMS pride! 

SDMS also began offering the following educational products to its 

members at a discount: 

• Diagnostic Ultrasound, 3rd Edition 

Rumack, Wilson, Charboneau, Johnson 

• Clinical Guide to Ultrasonography 

Henningsen 

• Textbook of Diagnostic 

Ultrasonography, 6th Edition 

Hagen-Ansert 

• Ultrasound Secrets 

Dogra, Rubens 

• Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography, 5th Edition 

Zwiebel, Pellerito 

• Diagnostic Ultrasound, 7th Edition - Principles and Instruments 

Kremkau 

• Emergency Ultrasound - Principles and Practice 

Gaspari, Fox, Sierzenski 

• Pediatric Ultrasound - How, Why and When 

de Bruyn 

• Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound, 2nd Edition - How, Why and When 

Thrush, Hartshorne 

• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, 4th Edition 

Hedrick, Hykes, Starchman 

• Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound, 2nd Edition 

Nyland, Mattoon 

Public Awareness Highlights 

The SDMS continues its efforts to increase public awareness of the 

attributes of quality diagnostic medical sonography services. 

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) is held annually in 

October to increase the public’s knowledge about sonography. Six 

sonography-related organizations participate in promoting MUAM. 

The 2006 SDMS design brings a fresh new look to one of our most 

popular slogans, Image is Everything. 

Six Image is Everything products were made available for 

sonographers to participate in promoting sonography awareness. In 

addition, free downloadable resources such as sample letters to public 

officials, logos, and other promotion tips were made available on our 

web site. 


VII. Advocacy Highlights 

2006 was a year of challenges within the SDMS advocacy arena. These challenges came 

in the form of both legislative and regulatory activities. On the legislative front, Congress 

passed the ‘Deficit Reduction Act’ (DRA), which targeted significant cuts in Medicare 

reimbursement for imaging services, specifically for a multitude of vascular ultrasound 

examinations. DRA reimbursement cuts for vascular sonography services averaged 

over 30%, with some cuts exceeding 50% of previous reimbursement levels. SDMS 

joined other healthcare organizations, including the Society for Vascular Ultrasound 

(SVU) and the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in an attempt to educate and inform 

congressional offices on the impact that such dramatic reimbursement cuts would have on 

patients and providers. Despite these efforts, the DRA cuts took effect, as scheduled, on 

January 1, 2007. 

On the regulatory front the news for advocacy efforts was better in 2006. The number of 

states that have required sonographer credentialing and/or lab accreditation standards in 

place for reimbursement of vascular and/or echocardiography ultrasound services was 

expanded to 30. The Society continues to maintain an active role within the Coalition for 

Quality in Ultrasound (CQU), which, in addition to addressing Medicare Carrier policy, 

also serves as a legislative/regulatory information exchange vehicle for ultrasound-related 

organizations. 

In June of 2006, the SDMS was accepted as a member of the Alliance of organizations 

supporting the CARE bill. For the remainder of the year, SDMS aggressively promoted 

and supported the passage of the CARE bill, an effort targeted at passing a congressional 

bill which would establish education and credentialing standards for those individuals 

providing the technical service component of ultrasound examinations. The CARE bill 

fell just short of passage in the waning hours of the 109th Congress in 2006, but will be 

re-filed in the 110th Congress in 2007. 

In 2004, the SDMS was designated as an ‘Alliance Partner’ for the Occupational Safety 

and Health Administration (OSHA). This partnership between the SDMS and OSHA 

has provided the impetus and support for collaborative efforts on reducing workrelated 

musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in the sonographer population. In 2006, the 

OSHA/SDMS Alliance cosponsored an information booth in the SDMS Pavilion in the 

Annual Conference exhibit hall, and continues to hold training programs and workshops 

throughout the country addressing the issue of sonographer MSI and proper ergonomic 

prevention techniques. 


VIII. SDMS in the News 

In 2006, SDMS continued to build 

a strong public presence in the 

news and in the global community 

through press releases and 

through its own media outlets. 

SDMS Launches Sonography Career Recruitment Effort 

The SDMS developed a new 5-minute career video, Diagnostic Medical Sonography 

– A SOUND Career Decision, which provides a snapshot of the profession of Diagnostic 

Medical Sonography and is easily viewed on the SDMS website or downloaded on a 

mp3/video player via the Apple ® iTunes website. A new companion career brochure 

provides an introduction to the profession, with an added benefit to educators and 

counselors - the brochure can be customized and printed with individualized career 

contact information. 

Sonograms Safe if Done Properly 

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography issued a press release urging caution in 

light of media reports about a Yale University study that showed ultrasound used on mice 

fetuses could adversely affect brain cell development. 

Start Here. Go Anywhere! SDMS Announces Student Conclave 

The SDMS announced the 2006 SDMS Sonography Student Conclave, which took place 

in Denver on October 12, 2006. This was a great opportunity for sonography students 

to explore their professional opportunities and to network with employers, recruiters, 

manufacturers, and sonography publishers. SDMS student members attended at no 

charge, and non-members registered for just $40, which included a complimentary oneyear 

SDMS student membership. 

Department of Labor Updates Diagnostic Medical Sonography Entry in 

Occupational Outlook Handbook 

The U.S. Department of Labor updated the entry for “Diagnostic Medical Sonographers” 

in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and referenced the Society of Diagnostic 

Medical Sonography. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized 

source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals 

making career decisions. 


IX. Financial Highlights 

SDMS experienced another phenomenal year of growth. The dedication of volunteers and 

staff ensure the continued growth of SDMS as a whole, as well as its program activities. 

The SDMS’ total fiscal budget for 2006 was $3,374,247, which was an increase of 

approximately 20% over 2005. The Advanced Practice Consensus Conference, expanded 

Advocacy Program, and two new staff positions are just few of the items included in 

the 2006 Fiscal Budget. SDMS would like to thank the Finance Committee and Board 

of Directors for their work and effort in developing a prudent and financially sound 

operational budget for the Society. 

Each year, the SDMS financial records are audited by an independent auditing firm. 

The following charts show the distribution of SDMS revenue and expenses in 2006. 

Management/General 4% 

Education & 

Meetings 31% 

Management/ 

General 25% 

Education & 

Meetings 34% 

Membership 

Marketing & Services 

65% 

Membership 

Marketing & Services 

41% 

Revenue (2006) Expenses (2006) 


X. Summary 

2006 was again a successful year for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 

and its members. The Society’s strategic plan continues to guide the Society as it again 

reached a membership record. SDMS continues to be a recognized leader in the field of 

sonography. 

Each SDMS member should be proud of the accomplishments of the Society and its 

volunteers and staff. In 2007, please encourage your co-workers to join the SDMS and 

become actively involved in the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 

2745 N Dallas Pkwy, Suite 350 

Plano, TX 75093-8730 

(214) 473-8057 (800) 229-9506 

www.sdms.org

2006 Annual Report - Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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