Volume 8 Issue 3 - Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine

THE SOCIETYThe 2004 Beresford Buttery OverseasTraineeship experienceNerida Russell in PhiladelphiaAs a long-term rural radiographer/sonographer, choosing to work andlive in Central Queensland, with onlyteleradiology and telephone support,but personally armed with a passionfor obstetrics and an ever increasingdemand for gynaecological ultrasound,I was thrilled to learn thatthe story of my personal journey toachieving ultrasound qualification andaccreditation had provided me withthe opportunity of a lifetime . . .the opportunity to study overseas, inPhiladelphia to be precise.Philadelphia, famous for its oldworld charm, the Declaration ofIndependence and the AmericanConstitution is the home of theLiberty Bell and also the JeffersonUniversity Hospital. This was myrecent destination as the winner ofthe 2004 Beresford Buttery OverseasTraineeship. Sponsored by GE andproudly supported by ASUM, I undertookthe 4.5 day Core Obstetrics andGynaecology Ultrasound Course atJefferson Ultrasound Research andEducation Institute (JUREI).The course commenced with theobligatory ‘get them while they’refresh’ physics and instrumentation andbioeffects for obstetrics and gynaecologypresented by Nathan Pinkey– the USA’s equivalent to our own MrRoger Gent.We were engaged for several hoursby Dr Oksana Baltarowich with anexcellent presentation on transvaginalscanning. Dr Baltarowich also chaireda challenging problem solving/caseanalysis session later in the week. Asa sonographer working in an isolatedregion, this was a particularly usefulsession and helped me to draw practicalconclusions from the measurementsand observations obtained froma particular scan, impacting on thepatient’s immediate care plan.Dr Jason Baxter’s presentation ofobstetrical Doppler applications wasparticularly useful for someone in mysituation. Now I can confidently andcapably explain the implication ofabnormal Dopplers when the localresident asks, “but what does thatmean?”Other presenters included DrAlfred Kurtz, a name familiar to usall, who spoke on fetal anomalies,with excellent images and Dr GeorgeBega on placenta and cervix – twoareas that sometimes are not given theattention they deserve when there is acute or troublesome fetus taking centrestage. Dr Bega also introduced usto 3D and 4D ultrasound at all stagesof pregnancy and its use in gynaecology,especially for congenital uterineanomalies. Again, some terrific imagesand video clips were provided.Other participants in the coursehailed mainly from the USA butNigeria, Barbados and Singapore werealso represented. Most were obstetricians,residents or radiologists. Therewas only one other sonographer and asole midwife.Philadelphia is conveniently locatedbetween New York and Washington.My husband and I were able to spenda few days wandering around a sunnybut chilly New York.Central Park was a sight to beholdwith snow on the ground and saffronwrapped by artist Christo.During my course, I befriended awonderful obstetrician from the potatostate of Idaho. She organised a personaltour of the Capital Building inWashington through her local representative,Budd Otto – what a great name!Philadelphia is the USA’s best keptsecret. Beautiful buildings, amazingmuseums and art galleries (rememberthe steps in Rocky I?) and the shopping. . .Philadelphia also turned on thewinter weather with a couple of daysof snowfalls and minus 12 degrees C.A pleasant change from the 38 degreesC we had left behind us.Receiving this award and theopportunity it provided, has been overwhelming.One of my main reasonsfor applying for this traineeship wasbecause I believe that rural peopledeserve as high a standard of care asour city cousins. I wanted to improvemy skills so I could be confident Iwas achieving this goal. The supportand words of congratulations from mylocal community was heart warming.Of course, I couldn’t have doneall this without the assistance of somevery important others:My husband Tom, a true rockalways there and always encouraging;my mentor and friend, Dr JohnWilliams, thank you for trusting inme all those years ago and thank youfor guiding and nurturing my enthusiasm;ASUM’s own Judy Vickress,behind the scenes tireless coordinator,thank you. Katie, James and MadelynKennedy from JUREI, thank you foryour hospitality and assistance duringmy stay in your wonderful city; andlast, but not least, to GE, thank you foryour generous support of this award.To anyone sitting out there wondering,should I apply? Just do it.Nerrida RussellSonographer/RadiographerCQMI, Emerald, Queensland46 ASUM Ultrasound Bulletin 2005 August; 8 (3)