Volume 8 Issue 3 - Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine

THE EXECUTIVEPresident’s messageDr David RogersWelcome to this August edition of theASUM Ultrasound Bulletin. It onlyseems like last week that the NewYear was being celebrated and alreadywe are in the second half of the year.2005 continues to be a very busy yearfor the Society, with many landmarksbeing achieved along the way.Indemnity insuranceThe most outstanding progress madein recent times has been in the area ofprofessional indemnity insurance (PI).Previously, ASUM could only offermembers a policy that was quite overpriced by comparison with other PIpolicies. After a tremendous amountof work, especially by Stephen Bird,a new policy has been negotiated thatprovides cover for sonographer membersfor only $100.00 per year. This isthe cheapest and most effective indemnitypolicy available in Australasiaand I offer my congratulations to theteam that negotiated it. This policyshould be of benefit to all, reducingoverheads for every sonographermember. It has been offered alongwith the ASUM annual subscriptionsbut, unfortunately, it was announcedafter the initial subscription noticeswent out. However, if you had alreadypaid your subscription before the newPI policy was announced, the ASUMSecretariat will be happy to arrangecover for you.Social scanningRecently, ASUM has been involved inconsiderable activity regarding 3D and4D fetal scanning for what can bestdescribed as entertainment purposes.Several new scanning companies havebeen set up for commercial 3D and4D fetal scanning, without any medicalinput. This is completely againstthe policies of ASUM; the Societyrecommends that ultrasound be usedin a judicious manner and not for mereentertainment. Undoubtedly, there isa consumer demand for pictures suchas these and public demand must beaccommodated. However, the majorconcern with this type of scanning isthat patients will become confusedas to whether they have had a medicalultrasound scan, or a non medicalpicture taking session. Further concernis raised regarding discovery offetal abnormalities. It is unlikely thatnon medical people will have skillsin dealing with patients where abnormalitiesare detected.Glenn McNally, on behalf ofASUM, has produced a statementabout social fetal scanning and isseeking agreement and support fromother professional colleges such asRANZCR, RANZCOG and ASA.David Rogers, Caroline Hong and Glenn McNally with GE China staffIn addition, ASUM is discussing theissue with the Medical Councils ofAustralia and New Zealand and theMinistries of Health on both sides ofthe Tasman. Hopefully, this type ofuncontrolled scanning can be limitedat an early stage.Elections, Annual Report andthe AGMAt this time of year, there are manyofficial processes that must be completed.The Annual Report is circulatedwith this issue and details ASUMevents and progress over the last 12months. This report is published priorto the AGM, which will be held duringthe Adelaide meeting in September.Also prior to this, elections will beheld for sonographer and medical/scientific positions on Council. Formany years, there has only been sufficientinterest to fill the exact numberof places that have become available.However, I am very pleased to see thatASUM is now in the healthy positionwhere there are many nominees forvacant positions. It can only be a goodthing for the Society to have suchinterest and I wish all nominees wellASUM Ultrasound Bulletin 2005 August; 8 (3)7