Celebrating Women in Medical Imaging

Throughout history and across the globe women have played important roles in health care. Today you can find women in leadership positions across a wild variety of medical imaging positions and specialities. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, women make up 72.5% of Medical and health services managers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, women have driven 80% of the overall growth in the booming health care field since the turn of the century.

Supporting women working in medical imaging is part of our mission, and we’ve had the privilege of interviewing a wide variety of leaders, pioneers, and experts working in sonography. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments and knowledge.

7 Female Pioneers in Medical Imaging

In the first article of our Women in Medial Imaging series, we introduce you to some individuals who have, or are currently, making their mark in the field.

Some are no longer with us but have left us with lessons that continue to benefit human lives; others are just in the beginning of their careers but are already making advancements in medical imaging technology.

The History of Ultrasound

History of Ultrasound

The history of ultrasound. This story begins with the women and men (and yes animals) from across the world who have contributed to the evolution of ultrasound over the past 225+ years.

Let’s take a look back at the history of ultrasound and learn how the use of sound waves as a diagnostic tool made their way into clinics and hospitals across the globe.

Adina Pupko, BS, RDMS, RDCS

Adina Pupko, BS, RDMS, RDCS

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director Adina Pupko, BS, RDMS, RDCS

Ms. Pupko has been the Program Director for the Echo-Vascular track of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Center for Allied Health Education (CAHE) since its inception in August 2018.

Lynn at school in scrubs

Why I Chose Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Why choose a career in sonography? Join Sonography Student & Contributor Lynn Nguyen on her journey as she pursues a 2nd career as a sonographer.

Joan P. Baker

Sonographer, Educator, Pioneer and Ergonomics Expert, Joan P. Baker

It was truly an honor to interview Joan P. Baker MSR, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS. Originally from England, Baker was invited to the United States in the 1960s – due to her sonography passion and practice – and she’s been here ever since.

It is no surprise that the SDMS has created an award in her name (the Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award.)!

Sonographer, Author and Program Director Yonella Demers, MSRS RDMS (Ab, Ob/Gyn, PS) RVT

Interview with Sonographer, Author and Program Director Yonella Demars, MSRS RDMS (Ab, Ob/Gyn, PS) RVT

Yonella Demars has been a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for over nine years. She has a BS and Master’s degree in Radiologic Sciences and is currently in the candidacy phase of a Radiation Science PhD degree.

Her interest is burnout and organizational commitment among sonographers in the U.S.  She is also an author and entrepreneur

Joyanna Osborne - Spring 2021 Scholarship Winner

Joyanna Osborne

Our scholarship committee has selected Grand Valley State University’s Joyanna Osborne as the Spring 2021 sonography student scholarship award recipient!

Please join in in congratulating Joyanna and the rest of this term’s finalists.

Candice Sellers, A.S., RDMS

Candice Sellers, A.S., B.S., RDMS

My experiences with being pregnant left me fascinated with the ultrasound profession.

Once I began the research, I realized that there were so many ways that ultrasound can be used, I was totally sold on becoming a Sonographer so that I can make a difference in the healthcare community!

Emily Downs

Emily Downs, DMS Program Director at University of Colorado

Emily Downs is an experienced Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with a BS in Radiation Science. 

She is currently the Program Director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of Denver in Colorado, where she has served for the past three years.

In 2014, she received the IFSER (International Foundation For Sonography Education and Research) International Outreach Advocate Award

Melessa Cizik, RDMS

Interview with Ultrasound Tech and Tutor, Melessa Cizik

Melessa Cizik has been an ultrasound tech for over 10 years with extensive experience performing general, OB/GYN, small parts and vascular ultrasound exams.

Having graduated the top of her sonography class at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, Cizik now offers ultrasound tutoring services online, using video, audio and whiteboard technologies.

Tricia Turner Shares Her Passion for Sonography

Tricia Turner Shares Her Passion for Sonography

Tricia Turner (BS, RDMS, RVT) graduated from the South Hills School of Business & Technology (SHS) Sonography program in 1999.  

Today, she is the program’s Director.

Articles & Interviews Celebrating Women in Medical Imaging

“My advice is raise your hand and say, ‘I can make a difference.’”

– Nancy Howell Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic in Virginia

Explore ultrasound training and program information by degree level

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Bachelors Degree in Sonography

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Masters Degree in Sonography & Health Science