Author: aslocal

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2025 conference at the Gaylord Rockies, January 27–February 1, brought together thought leaders, researchers, and clinicians to discuss the latest advancements in AI, clinical informatics, telemedicine, and maternal health equity. AS Software was proud to be part of the conversation as an exhibitor, where we engaged with industry professionals and gained valuable insights into the future of MFM care delivery.

Here are the key takeaways from the most impactful sessions at this year’s event. 

Bringing AI and Informatics into MFM Workflows

The Luncheon Roundtable: Practical Tips for Incorporating AI and Clinical Informatics Into an MFM Practice explored how AI and informatics enhance documentation, clinical decision-making, and workflow efficiency.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM):

  • NYU‘s 11,000-patient RPM program actively manages 3,000 patients at any time, improving maternal glycemic control and reducing preeclampsia and neonatal hyperglycemia.
  • AI-driven predictive modeling is helping providers proactively identify high-risk patients and intervene earlier.

AI in Documentation & Billing:

  • AI solutions are streamlining clinical note reconciliation and automating denial letters, saving valuable time for providers.
  • NYU has also introduced a HIPAA-compliant ChatGPT platform to assist in clinical decision support and research.

Change Management for AI Adoption:

  • Melissa Wong, MD (Cedars-Sinai) highlighted principles from the book “Switch” (Heath & Heath) to drive adoption of AI-driven workflows.
  • The key? Find the feeling, shrink the change, and rally the herd—emphasizing incremental improvements, peer learning, and leadership buy-in.

Action Items for Practices: 
✔ Pilot AI-generated clinical notes and orders. 
✔ Align AI initiatives with institutional goals to drive adoption. 
✔ Work with IT to integrate CGM data into the EHR and predict glucose trends.

Addressing Maternal Health Deserts

The Quenching the Gap in Maternal-Fetal Health Deserts session tackled the pressing issue of maternity care facility shortages in rural areas.

The Crisis:

  • 35% of U.S. counties lack birthing facilities
  • Over 1,100 counties in the U.S. are without a single birthing facility in their country.
  • 1 in 12 women in the U.S. are affected by Maternal Health Deserts
  • Impacting 7 million women and 500,000 babies.
  • 200 rural hospital closures in the past decade have forced patients to travel long distances for maternity care.
  • By 2030, the number of obstetricians is expected to decrease by 7% while demand is projected to increase by 4%

Contributing Factors to Maternal Health Deserts

  • Geographic isolation
  • Economic barriers
  • Work Force shortages
  • Cultural/language barriers

3 Proposed Solutions:

  1. Diversifying the Perinatal Workforce: Expanding collaboration between family medicine physicians, midwives, and OB-GYNs.
  2. Specialized Transport Teams: The Stork 1 team (University of Texas San Antonio) demonstrated how high-performance transport teams reduce risks for high-risk pregnancies in rural areas. States like New Mexico, are awarding an annual rolling $4 million grant for programs like these.
  3. Telemedicine & Remote Ultrasound: Virtual visits, remote monitoring, and AI-assisted ultrasound are closing care gaps in underserved regions. Practices like Dr. Ruma’s group in New Mexico have used teleultrasound to expand access to care, increasing patient visits from 0 to 5,000 in three years.

Action Items for Practices: 
✔ Partner with family medicine and primary care providers to extend maternity care in rural areas.

✔ Create networks that improve continuity and training rural obstetricians. 
✔ Develop a telemedicine and RPM blueprint to expand access. 

✔ Advocate for policies supporting family medicine’s role in maternity care. 

Community Engagement to Improve Perinatal Outcomes

Another key theme at SMFM 2025 was bridging healthcare gaps through community involvement.

Birth Equity Initiatives:

  • A July 2021 initiative increased social determinants of health (SDOH) screening from 17% to 100% in hospitals.
  • Strategies included standardizing race/ethnicity data and building stronger patient-provider relationships.

Doulas & Community Partnerships:

  • Tennessee’s doula training program has improved maternal health literacy, trust, and patient outcomes.
  • Hospitals are exploring ways to integrate doulas into clinical teams through targeted training and policy updates.

Action Items for Practices: 
✔ Implement SDOH screening in labor & delivery.
✔ Build partnerships with community organizations for better referrals.
✔ Train nurses & staff on doula collaboration.

Obstetric Innovation That Transcends Care Settings

The Philips-sponsored symposium with Perinatal Associates of New Mexico explored how technology is transforming obstetric care across rural and urban settings.

Telemedicine Expansion:

  • Ouma, a telehealth company, provides midwifery and behavioral health services to underserved areas, improving maternal health outcomes.
  • The growth of remote non-stress tests (NSTs) is making antenatal surveillance more accessible and affordable.

AI-Powered Ultrasound:

  • AI applications in ultrasound automation are reducing scan time, increasing accuracy, and improving workflow efficiency.
  • Future innovations aim to combine CGM data with ultrasound imaging to predict persistent diagnoses.

Action Items for Practices:

✔ Explore AI-powered solutions to automate ultrasound protocols. 
✔ Expand telemedicine services for perinatal care. 
✔ Engage with patient communities to understand their digital health needs.

Looking Ahead: How AS Software is Supporting These Advancements

AS Software is committed to supporting MFM providers by delivering cutting-edge ultrasound automation, AI-driven workflow efficiencies, and telemedicine-friendly reporting solutions.

  • Remote Diagnostic Access: AS Software enables real-time, cloud-based ultrasound reporting, reducing the need for in-person visits.
  • Seamless AI Integration: Our system integrates with EHRs and AI-powered documentation tools, improving efficiency and billing accuracy.
  • Scalable Solutions for Rural Care: Our vendor-neutral, cloud-hosted solution supports telemedicine and remote diagnostics, ensuring patients in maternal health deserts get the care they need.

Want to learn more? Connect with our team to discuss how we can help your practice elevate MFM care.

Sources SMFM 2025 Sessions:

Engaging Communities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes

Chair: Ann EB Borders, MD, MPH, MSc (she/her/hers) – Endeavor Health, Evanston Hospital

Chair: Ebony B. Carter, MD (she/her/hers) – University of North Carolina

Chair: Rolanda Lister, MD (she/her/hers) – Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Practical Tips For Incorporating AI and Clinical Informatics Into An MFM Practice 

Roundtable Leader: Hye J. Heo, MD (she/her/hers) – NYU Langone Health System 

Roundtable Presenter: Melissa S. Wong, MD, MS (she/her/hers) – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 

Obstetric Innovation that transcends care settings

Industry Session Presenter: Michael Ruma, MD, MPH – Perinatal Associates of New Mexico

Industry Session Presenter: Sina Haeri, MD, MHSA – Ouma Health

Industry Session Presenter: Richie Broth, MD – TLC PERINATAL

Quenching the Gap in Maternal Health Deserts 

Roundtable Leader: Alixandria F. Pfeiffer, DO – University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the exceptional dedication, expertise, and compassion that sonographers bring to their patients and communities. Each of these award winners embodies healthcare excellence and has made a lasting impact in their field. Join us in honoring these outstanding individuals who set the standard for patient care and professional leadership.

Elizabeth Fox

Lead Sonographer, RDMS

Reed Family Maternal Fetal Clinic

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Inspiring Leader Winner

“Elizabeth is exceptionally deserving for her outstanding contributions to patient care and ultrasound advancement.”
“Her expertise goes beyond technical proficiency, with a deep understanding of fetal pathology that guides accurate diagnoses.”
“Elizabeth mentors sonographers, ensuring the next generation upholds the highest standards of care.”
“Her empathy, combined with clinical expertise, creates a comforting environment that patients deeply appreciate.”
“Leaders and IT experts across our enterprise lean on her expertise as we grow our ultrasound program.”

Sarah Permelia

Sonographer, RDMS

Maternal Fetal Medicine

Novant Health

Team Player Winner

“Sarah embodies an ideal blend of compassion, expertise, and leadership.”
“Her mastery of imaging is remarkable, catching subtle abnormalities that may have gone unnoticed.”
“She is the ultimate team player, collaborating seamlessly with sonographers, clerical staff, and physicians.”
“Her expertise and demeanor naturally inspire trust and respect from her colleagues.”
“Sarah is a remarkable sonographer, compassionate clinician, lifelong learner, supportive teammate, and confident leader.”

Erica Wiencek

Sonographer, BS, RDMS, RVT

McLaren Health Care

Sonocratic

Community Advocate Winner

“Erica personifies the community advocate award.”
“She founded Sonocratic to support low-resource sonographers and inspire underserved students to pursue careers in radiologic imaging.”
“Through the MSS, Erica pioneered a case study poster competition to empower students to share research with their peers.”
“Each project Erica takes on is intended to serve her community or her profession at large.”

We also extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who submitted nominations, shining a light on so many remarkable professionals. Congratulations, again to the 2024 winners!

The demand for integrated clinical software has never been higher. For maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) practices, these solutions aren’t just nice to have—they’re becoming essential. These tools help streamline workflows, enhance patient outcomes, and ultimately, raise the overall quality of care provided.

Why Integration Matters in Perinatal Care

Maternal-fetal medicine is a highly specialized field, that requires a lot of coordination between healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both mom and baby. Traditional systems often involve tools that don’t communicate effectively, leading to fragmented care, inefficiencies, and even potential risks for patients. This is where integrated clinical perinatal software comes in. It offers a seamless connection between different parts of the healthcare ecosystem.

Integration matters because it synchronizes data across systems like electronic health records (EHR), ultrasound imaging, lab results, and more. When these systems communicate effectively, MFM practices can access comprehensive patient information in real-time, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring accurate care decisions based on the most up-to-date information.

How Integration Improves Workflow Efficiency and Accuracy

One of the most significant benefits of integrated clinical perinatal software is how it streamlines workflows. In a typical MFM practice, doctors, sonographers, nurses, and other providers must collaborate closely, but often have to juggle multiple platforms to access the information they need. This can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes.

With an integrated system, providers can work within a single, unified platform. For example, when an ultrasound is performed, the images and data are automatically uploaded to the patient’s EHR, allowing immediate access to all relevant information. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and cross-referencing between different systems.

The Power of Integration in Ultrasound Reporting

Ultrasound reporting is a critical part of perinatal care, providing detailed visual and quantitative data that guide clinical decisions. In traditional systems, ultrasound data is managed in a separate system from the patient record, which can create bottlenecks in accessing this vital information. Integrated clinical perinatal software changes that by bringing ultrasound data directly into the main patient management system, offering several advantages:

  1. Automatic Data Transfer: Ultrasound images and measurements are automatically transferred into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR), eliminating manual uploads and reducing the risk of data loss or transfer errors.
  2. Real-Time Access: Providers can access ultrasound data right away, allowing for quicker diagnosis, which is particularly important in high-risk pregnancies where timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
  3. Enhanced Collaboration: Multiple Providers can view and discuss ultrasound findings simultaneously, regardless of their location, fostering better collaboration and more coordinated care.
  4. Faster Reporting: Automatically populate ultrasound reports using standardized templates, saving time and ensuring consistency and compliance with clinical guidelines.
  5. Improved Data Analytics: Combining ultrasound data with other patient information enables advanced analytics that can reveal trends in patient care, leading to better management of high-risk cases and improved outcomes.

Better Patient Outcomes Through Connected Care

Integrated clinical perinatal software doesn’t just help healthcare providers; it also has a positive impact on patient outcomes. With all relevant data at their fingertips, clinicians can make more informed decisions, leading to more personalized care.

For instance, if an ultrasound shows a potential issue, the integrated system can alert the clinician in real-time, allowing them to take action. This proactive approach is crucial in perinatal care, where early detection and intervention can make a big difference in the health of both mother and baby.

Also, integrated systems often include patient portals that allow expectant mothers to access their medical information, appointment schedules, and educational resources. This empowers patients to take an active role in their care and improves the patient-provider relationship.

The Growing Market for Clinical Perinatal Software

According to Global Market Insights, the clinical perinatal software market is expected to exceed $2 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in maternal-fetal medicine. This growth is fueled by the number of pregnancy-related complications and the growing government initiatives and awareness regarding fetal care.

The report highlights that the demand for integrated solutions, especially those that incorporate ultrasound reporting, will continue to rise as healthcare providers look to improve clinical outcomes while reducing costs. For MFM practices, investing in integrated clinical perinatal software isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about future-proofing their operations and delivering the highest standard of care.

Meeting the Demand

The rising demand for integrated clinical perinatal software is driven by the need for efficiency, accuracy, and improved outcomes in maternal-fetal medicine. Practices that adopt these integrated solutions will be better positioned to handle the challenges of modern perinatal care.

At AS Software, we understand the unique needs of MFM practices and have designed our solutions to support seamless integration across all areas of perinatal care, including advanced ultrasound reporting. For over three decades, we’ve been committed to providing our clients with the most advanced tools, enabling them to provide the highest quality of care.

As the demand for integrated clinical perinatal software continues to grow, it’s clear these solutions are the future of maternal-fetal medicine. Practices that embrace this technology will not only improve their operational efficiency but also enhance the quality of care they provide, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and babies.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ & OVERLAND PARK, KS, October 1, 2024 — AS Software, a leader of enterprise ultrasound automation solutions, has appointed Poornima Gopalakrishnan as Chief Executive Officer. Gopalakrishnan brings extensive experience in product management and technology leadership, having held key roles at Danaher, Envista, and Fortive, where she most recently served as President of Censis Technologies, a healthcare software business within Fortive. Across her prior roles, she drove significant innovation and growth within the healthcare and dental technology sectors.

Visionary Leadership for Growth

Poornima Gopalakrishnan’s distinguished career spans over 20 years, during which she has led digital transformation initiatives, optimized product portfolios, and launched cutting-edge technology solutions in mature markets. Her strategic focus on aligning product innovation with business goals has consistently delivered sustainable growth. Gopalakrishnan’s ability to build scalable, user-centric solutions and her people-centered approach align perfectly with AS Software’s mission to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiencies through advanced technologies.

Gopalakrishnan’s expertise will be instrumental as AS Software continues to expand its presence in the dynamic healthcare technology landscape – particularly as hospitals and clinics adopt cloud environments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Osmania University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Transforming Healthcare with Innovative Technology

AS Software’s ultrasound automation platform stands out in the industry by streamlining workflows and reducing costs for healthcare providers. Its cloud-based, vendor-neutral technology removes traditional IT expenses like hardware, software maintenance, and system backups, adapting seamlessly to any healthcare environment. With over three decades of experience, AS Software’s tailored workflows and proprietary automated dictionary significantly reduce report completion times, enabling providers to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on delivering timely, patient-centered care.

Under Gopalakrishnan’s leadership, AS Software will continue enhancing its cloud-based solutions to provide secure and scalable platforms that seamlessly integrate with leading EMR systems. “I am honored to take on this role and join AS Software at such an exciting juncture. The company has undertaken an impressive growth journey and has great ambitions for its next chapter,” said Gopalakrishnan. “We will continue to invest in our leading solutions which empower healthcare providers to focus on what matters most to them—patient care. I am excited to join a passionate team and am committed to helping propel the business to its next phase of growth and innovation.”

Read the release on PR Newswire.

About AS Software

Founded in 1991 with offices in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and in Overland Park, Kansas, AS Software provides a cloud-based enterprise ultrasound automation solution specifically designed for the unique needs of Women’s Health, General Ultrasound, and Vascular specialties.

By integrating reporting, image management, and automation into a single platform, AS Software helps healthcare providers streamline every step of the ultrasound workflow—from image acquisition and documentation to diagnosis, billing, and archiving. Its vendor-neutral technology integrates seamlessly with hospitals and practices of all sizes, improving efficiency and ensuring comprehensive, accurate patient data management. AS Software’s solutions are used by over 8,000 clinical users and deployed in more than 35% of U.S. hospitals.

Media Contact: 

Stephanie Gunter

VP Marketing 

sgunter@as-software.com 

As the 2025 budget planning cycle approaches, healthcare organizations are tasked with making critical financial decisions that will shape the future of their operations. This process isn’t just about balancing expenses; it’s about making smart, strategic choices that drive growth, improve patient outcomes, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Strategic Preparation and Budget Structure

So, where do you start? The key to a successful budget is aligning your financial plan with the broader goals of your practice. Whether you’re aiming to expand services, improve patient care, or invest in new technologies, your budget should reflect these priorities. It can feel overwhelming, but a tool like our Business Case Template can help. It guides you through building a structured, compelling case for your financial decisions, making sure they stay connected to your practice’s overall vision.

Free Business Case Template
Need inspiration to get started? Use this template + examples for your resource justification.

Download for Free

4 Foundational Steps for Successful Budget Planning

Now, let’s get into the practical steps. Budgeting may seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down into four key areas can make the process more manageable:

  1. Set Clear Priorities: Start by using your data to identify where your practice needs the most support to meet your goals or growth. Whether it’s expanding services to meet increasing patient demand or investing in technology to improve efficiency, make sure your budget reflects these priorities.
  2. Engage Stakeholders Early: Budget planning works best when it’s a collaborative effort. Bring administrators, clinicians, and financial staff into the conversation early on. This not only ensures that all perspectives are heard but also helps you uncover opportunities for cost savings or growth that you might not have considered.
  3. Utilize Data-Driven Insights: Leverage the data your practice collects to make informed decisions. The insights shared by Dr. Ruma and Caleb King on the importance of data in healthcare, underscore the value of using data analytics to drive decision-making. Incorporating these insights into your budget process can lead to more strategic investments and better outcomes.
  4. Build Flexibility into Your Budget: In healthcare, change is inevitable. Whether it’s a surge in patient volume, new regulations, or technological shifts, your budget needs to be adaptable. By planning for some flexibility, you give your practice the breathing room to adjust to whatever comes your way.

Measuring Performance: Key Metrics to Consider

Once you have a solid budget plan in place, how do you know if it’s working? This is where key performance metrics come in. These metrics not only guide your budgeting decisions, but also allow you to track progress over time. Here are some that should be on your radar:

  • Operational Efficiency: Operational metrics, such as average wait times, appointment scheduling efficiency, and resource utilization, are critical indicators of how smoothly your practice is running. Improvements in these areas can lead to cost savings and better patient experiences, both of which are important considerations during budget planning.
  • Technology Adoption and ROI: Investing in new technology is often a significant part of the budget. It’s important to track the return on investment (ROI) for these technologies. For instance, are your cloud-based solutions improving data accessibility and patient care? The insights shared by Dr. Ruma at Perinatal Associates of New Mexico and Caleb King from AS Software in this article highlight how harnessing data through advanced technology can transform healthcare practices, making a strong case for investing in innovative solutions.
  • Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes: Patient satisfaction scores and clinical outcomes are not just metrics for quality—they are also indicators of the effectiveness of your care delivery and patient engagement strategies. These metrics should be closely monitored and factored into your budget decisions, especially when considering investments in areas like staff training, patient communication tools, or new diagnostic equipment.
  • Patient Volume and Retention Rates: Understanding your patient volume trends and retention rates is fundamental to evaluating the growth of your practice. Are you attracting new patients? Are existing patients returning for follow-up care? Tracking these metrics can help you identify opportunities for expanding services or improving patient engagement.
  • Revenue per Patient: This metric gives insight into the financial health of your practice. By analyzing revenue per patient, you can assess the effectiveness of your billing processes and identify areas where additional services or improved efficiency could enhance profitability.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 budget planning cycle is a pivotal time for your healthcare practice. By focusing on strategic priorities, leveraging key growth metrics, and utilizing data-driven insights, you can create a budget that not only meets your immediate needs but also positions your practice for long-term success. Remember, the budget you create today will be the foundation of your practice’s future—make it count.

Why download the white paper?

Healthcare is evolving, and traditional ultrasound processes are being replaced by modern automation. This white paper aims to provide you with actionable insights into how automation can streamline your ultrasound workflows, reduce costs, and enhance patient care.

What’s inside?

  • Operational Efficiency: How automation reduces manual tasks and speeds up diagnostic processes.
  • Business Growth: Ways to boost revenue by increasing patient throughput and minimizing downtime.
  • Cloud-Based Advantages: Benefits of cloud platforms, including enhanced security and reduced overhead.
  • System Assessment: Evaluate your practice’s position on the Automation Maturity Curve.

Who should read the white paper?

  1. CIOs: Strategies for reducing costs and improving system reliability.
  2. Ultrasound Technicians: Methods to enhance efficiency and job satisfaction.
  3. Physicians: How automation improves accuracy and streamlines workflows.
  4. IT Directors: The benefits of simplified maintenance and robust security.
  5. Financial Officers: Insights on cost savings and revenue growth.
Download Now

About AS Software

AS Software delivers cloud-based ultrasound automation solutions that streamline workflows, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve patient outcomes.

Sonographers play a pivotal role that is both technically demanding and critically important. Their expertise in capturing and interpreting ultrasound images is crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective patient care. Despite their essential contributions, sonographers often work behind the scenes, with little recognition. The Sonography Impact Awards aim to change that, providing a platform to honor those who go above and beyond in their profession.

The Critical Roles of Sonographers

Sonographers are skilled professionals who operate ultrasound equipment to capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures. These images are vital for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from monitoring fetal development in pregnancy to detecting cardiovascular diseases and assessing organ function. The precision and accuracy required in this role cannot be overstated; a sonographer’s work directly impacts patient outcomes.


Yet, the work of sonographers extends beyond the technical. They interact with patients during vulnerable moments, often providing comfort and reassurance. They collaborate with physicians, contribute to team member development, and continuously update their skills to keep pace with advances in technology. It’s a profession that demands both expertise and empathy.

Recap of the 2023 Sonography Impact Award Winners

Last year’s Sonography Impact Awards celebrated outstanding individuals who exemplify the best of this profession. The 2023 winners were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Let’s revisit the achievements of last year’s awardees:

These individuals not only excelled in their roles but also set a standard for others in the field, demonstrating the profound impact sonographers have on both patients and colleagues alike.

Nominations Now Open: 2024 Sonography Impact Awards

As we launch the 2024 Sonography Impact Awards, we invite nominations to recognize the sonographers who embody the spirit of excellence in their work. This year’s categories continue to highlight the diverse ways sonographers contribute to healthcare:

  • Team Player: Honored for exceptional collaboration and support within their healthcare team, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.
  • Inspiring Leader: Recognized for their ability to lead by example, inspiring colleagues through their dedication and professionalism.
  • Community Advocate: Awarded to a sonographer who goes beyond their professional duties to make a positive impact in their community.

Nominations are now open, and we encourage all healthcare professionals to participate in recognizing the contributions of their colleagues. Whether it’s someone who consistently supports their team, leads with vision and compassion, or actively works to improve their community, your nomination can help bring their achievements to light.

How to Participate

To nominate a deserving sonographer or learn more about the award categories, visit the Sonography Impact Awards Page. Submissions will be accepted through October 15th, 2024, with winners announced at the end of October in celebration of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

The awards not only serve to recognize individual excellence but also to inspire the entire sonography community by sharing stories of dedication and impact. We look forward to celebrating the remarkable work of sonographers and their vital contributions to healthcare.

Nominate a Sonographer Today
Meet Our 2024 Winners

Sonographers are at the heart of patient care, working tirelessly each day to capture highly technical images while putting patients at ease. We want to help recognize the hard work and dedication of sonographers, who each deserve to be celebrated and appreciated!

Recipients receive a $250 digital gift card award of their preference from a selection of over 200+ popular retailers, restaurants, and service providers.

Award Categories

Team Player

The Team Player award recognizes a sonographer who demonstrates outstanding teamwork skills and collaboration, and consistently uplifts their peers.

Inspiring Leader

The Inspiring Leader award recognizes a sonographer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and the ability to guide their colleagues towards excellence.

Community Advocate

The Community Advocate award recognizes a sonographer who goes above and beyond to serve their community and exemplifies the true spirit of giving back.

Meet Our 2024 Winners

Selection Committee

Derek DellaVecchia

RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSR

Melanie Young

Melanie Young

RDMS, CLEAR, NT

Brenda Kazee

Brenda Kazee

R.T. (R) (ARRT), RDMS, RVT, RDCS

2023 Winners

Terms and Eligibility

Nominees must reside in the United States and be a current, or former, licensed sonographer. A nominee may be nominated for more than one category. Nominators can submit more than one nomination for different nominees. Nominations may be submitted by peers, community members, or employers, and self-nominations are accepted. Nominations must be completed through the nomination form before the submission deadline of October 20th, 2024. Award recipients who are prohibited from retaining the monetary value of the award can either donate it to a charitable cause of their choice, or decline it.

Telemedicine has changed the way healthcare is delivered today. By leveraging information and communications technology, telemedicine makes it possible to give care to people, no matter where they live. Now, the growing use of telemedicine for general and obstetrical ultrasound has given rise to a new term: “tele-ultrasound.” Tele-ultrasound is a great example of how far we’ve come in the practical application of telemedicine, providing critical ultrasound services in areas where access to specialized expertise is limited.

What does the future hold for tele-ultrasound? We’ll explore how it is not only improving access to ultrasound services across the globe, but also helping manage healthcare costs, and advance medical education.

Improving Access to Ultrasound Specialists

Tele-ultrasound isn’t just for rural areas; it’s a powerful tool in urban settings as well. It enhances the healthcare system, particularly in isolated or under-resourced regions, by improving patient outcomes. For patients in remote areas, such as Anchorage, Alaska, telemedicine has become a lifeline. Corinna Muller, DO, is an OB-GYN and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Aurora Maternal-Fetal Medicine. In her article: “Illuminating the path: Maternal-fetal medicine in Alaska and the dance of the aurora borealis”, she writes about her use of video consultations and remote monitoring.

“Although I am located in Anchorage, the largest city in the state, services can be limited due to the lack of subspecialty physicians in the area, and this is where a physician has to rely on creativity when searching for resources that may be more readily available in significantly populated states.”

In the article she goes on to explain how specialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) can use telemedicine to guide healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that even those far from major medical centers receive expert care.

What is a Maternal Care Desert?
Learn more about the lack of access to essential maternal care and how it’s being addressed.

Read On

 Managing Costs Without Compromising Quality

One of the challenges of implementing tele-ultrasound is balancing costs. In traditional healthcare, the expense of medical experts, particularly specialists like MFMs and OB-GYNs, is a significant part of the overall budget. Telemedicine offers a way to increase the efficiency of these experts by reducing the need for their physical presence. This approach not only saves money but also enables specialists to serve more patients, thereby enhancing the overall standard of care.

While telemedicine consultations can lead to savings on traditional costs, such as patient transfers and human resources, they often come with additional technological expenses. However, the rapid development of medical devices and SaaS applications has made these costs more manageable. These tools offer the flexibility to perform ultrasounds anytime and anywhere, without the need for specialized settings, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all.

Enhancing Education Through Tele-Ultrasound

Software-based, personalized learning is becoming the norm, and tele-ultrasound devices are a key part of this educational evolution. By incorporating tele-applications, ultrasound skills can be taught anywhere in the world, breaking down geographical barriers to learning.

The latest advancements, such as tele-guided ultrasound, allow remote control of the ultrasound probe and device settings, providing real-time feedback that enhances both the quality of the scan and the proficiency of the operator. These tools, coupled with cloud-enabled ultrasound reporting & image management, means that even in remote or resource-limited areas, healthcare workers can receive the training they need to provide high-quality care.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tele-Ultrasound

As technology advances, tele-ultrasound’s role in healthcare continues to expand, especially in remote areas. With ultrasound machines becoming more portable and real-time image and data transfer possible with just an internet connection, tele-ultrasound is set to break through traditional barriers in healthcare.

In the end, it’s not just about overcoming distance; it’s about bridging the gaps in our healthcare system, ensuring that every patient has access to the best possible care.