An innovative wave in the field of sonography has been ushered in by EchoMentor, an online community founded by Christina Werth ’13 and Hayley Bartkus ’17, both graduates of RIT’s diagnostic medical sonography program. This platform serves as a hub for professionals in the healthcare industry specializing in sonography, a critical imaging technique utilizing sound waves to visualize internal body structures.
EchoMentor stands out as a dynamic resource offering a range of educational opportunities including continuing education, mentorship programs, professional growth avenues, and case studies centered on patient care. The platform was launched by Bartkus with a course on “Approaching Appendicitis” and expanded by Werth with sessions on topics like kidney transplants and fetal skeletal dysplasia. Samantha Grimsley, another colleague, contributed by teaching a class on subclavian steal syndrome.
The courses offered through EchoMentor are accredited by various professional bodies, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for continuing education requirements in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.
The genesis of EchoMentor can be traced back to the experiences of its founders during the COVID-19 pandemic while working in maternal fetal medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Witnessing the pivotal role played by sonographers in healthcare, Bartkus and Werth recognized the need to elevate the profession’s visibility and significance in the medical landscape.
As an online platform, EchoMentor aims to bridge the gap in career advancement opportunities for sonographers, shedding light on paths for professional growth within the field. Werth, who works as an echosonographer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, emphasizes the importance of empowering sonographers to explore diverse career trajectories without leaving their core field.
EchoMentor also serves as a platform for advocating current healthcare issues, such as gender-affirming care and addressing disparities in Black maternal health. By fostering dialogue and engagement on these critical topics, the platform seeks to inspire sonographers to effect positive change in their profession and broader society.
The mentorship aspect of EchoMentor underscores the significance of guidance and support in the specialized field of ultrasound. The platform is set to expand its offerings to include a mentorship program building on the legacy of Hamad Ghazle, an influential figure in RIT’s diagnostic medical sonography program.
Graduates from RIT’s program are known for their commitment to excellence, inclusive approach, and dedication to enhancing patient care. EchoMentor serves as a testament to the values instilled by RIT, offering a space for continual learning, professional development, and contributing positively to the healthcare landscape.
Through EchoMentor, Bartkus and Werth aim to instill a sense of passion and purpose in sonographers, highlighting the transformative impact that dedication and enthusiasm can have on one’s career and, ultimately, on patient outcomes.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- Researchers made the first wireless wearable ultrasound device that images tissue below the skin while patients move freely. The system could allow monitoring of blood pressure, heart health, and lung capacity in real time during daily activities, including physical exertion.
- S2E6 SPOILERS – Chip Location: Continuity Error, or Clue
- MIT – Ultrasound has potential to damage coronaviruses: Simulations show ultrasound waves at medical imaging frequencies can cause the virus’ shell and spikes to collapse and rupture.