My 56 Year Career in Cardiac Sonography
I’ve been working as a cardiac sonographer at Bronson for 56 years. When I first started, there were only two of us working with adult and pediatric patients. Today, our team has grown to 36 sonographers, including six who specialize in pediatrics.
Several years ago, as our department expanded in both size and expertise, we divided into specialty areas including adult echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography and vascular. I moved into the lead pediatric sonographer role, which I still hold today.
Committed to Excellence
IAC accreditation is a recognition status that hospital cardiac imaging departments earn. Holding accreditation shows that a program meets national standards for quality, safety and consistency in imaging. This year marks Bronson’s 25th year as an IAC accredited facility.
I was part of the team that achieved our very first accreditation, and I still remember how arduous that process was. It was truly a team effort. At that time, everything was recorded and documented on paper.
We had to build new processes, including quarterly case study reviews, quality checks and timely reporting. We also updated policies and confirmed that all physician and sonographer credentials and continuing education were current. It took a lot of coordination, time and dedication to pull everything together. We were fortunate to have strong support from our pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Loker.
Earning that first accreditation meant a great deal to us. We took pride in our work and wanted to set ourselves apart from other echocardiography programs.
That same commitment continues today. Maintaining accreditation takes a dedicated team. Within the pediatric team, I rely heavily on the support of our pediatric sonographers and cardiologists, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Halas.
Reaching our 25th accreditation is something I am incredibly proud of. It speaks to the hard work of our entire department—peds and adult echo as well as vascular—the commitment we have to our patients and families and the love we have for this work.
Years of Growth and Expansion
Looking back, the growth of our cardiac imaging program has been remarkable. In the 1980s, we recorded images on VHS tapes, which made it difficult and time-consuming for physicians to review and compare studies.
Sonographers measured everything by hand, and all calculations were done manually. We also didn’t have color flow Doppler, which helps show how blood moves through the heart. If we suspected a defect, patients often had to go to the cath lab for a diagnosis.
Today, we can see those details during an echocardiogram, allowing us to make faster, less invasive decisions. With modern imaging and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), physicians can view studies side by side, and machines handle many of the measurements.
As the program grew, so did our ability to care for patients. Specialization within the team has made a real difference in the quality and reach of our care—both for adult patients and for the pediatric population I work most closely with.
Training the Next Generation of Sonographers
I’ve been training sonographers since 1995, back when learning happened entirely on the job. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping train many sonographers, and that is very rewarding.
We’ve also partnered with Grand Valley State University to offer clinical experience, including pediatric echocardiography. Our first graduating class was in 2008, and we were one of only two sites providing that opportunity. I continue to stay involved through my work on the CAAHEP advisory board.
Health in Harmony: The People Behind the Work
Our team is what makes everything work. We support each other and work collaboratively across the system to make sure patients are seen, prioritized and cared for.
Being part of a large health system, our patients can access a wide range of services in one place, from cardiac care to additional support like nutrition and social work. It allows us to care for the whole patient, not just the heart.
As Bronson marks 125 years, I think about how much has changed. Patients who once had little hope are now living full lives. We’re caring for them from childhood into adulthood through our adult congenital program.
I’ve stayed with Bronson my entire career because I love what I do. I love working with patients and families, and I believe in this team. I feel very fortunate to say I still enjoy coming to work every day.
That’s what makes this milestone meaningful. It’s not just about accreditation—it’s about the people, the progress and the care behind it, year after year.
