Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS

Shannon Boswell, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, is the Immediate Past President of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS). Shannon is currently the Radiology Performance Improvement Manager and Ultrasound Department Manager at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

How did you become interested in the field of sonography?

I began my college years as a mechanical engineering student.  About one and a half years later, I realized I didn’t want to be doing that kind of work.  I enjoyed math and the science, but it was not enough.  I was fortunate to attend Seattle University.  It was one of the seven colleges offering a Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  I made an appointment with Joan Baker.  As she illustrated the career of sonography for me, I knew I had found my niche.  Every step of the way has reinforced my great decision to change my career to sonography.

What are the most significant technological advances you’ve seen during your career? What advances do you see occurring in the next 10 years?

The first advance I remember was color flow Doppler.  It’s amazing to think of time before color Doppler.  We use it daily, and with almost all exams.  There have been continuous advances with harmonic imaging and compounding.  The images we see today are such an improvement over images of 10 years ago because of these changes.  Currently, I’m intrigued with 3D/4D sonography, fusion imaging (with CT or MR), whole breast automated imaging and elastography.  I think we are in the middle of the greatest leap in technology since the release of color Doppler.  It’s very exciting!  As we look to the next 10 years, I believe we will see a change in the way sonography is practiced.  I believe the amount of time necessary to provide a full image set will be a fraction of the time it takes today.  I believe technology will allow for wireless connections making our work easier to provide services at point of care.  For example, imagine performing sonography on a WII system! There would be wireless transducers, and wireless imaging to PACs.  I believe this will require an even more knowledgeable sonographer to utilize the technology to its fullest.  I feel very fortunate to be in this field as we continue to evolve.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable experience in sonography?

I would say my most rewarding experience in sonography would be working with a fabulous team of sonographers.  Although the faces may have changed over the years, the philosophy at Virginia Mason Medical Center has encouraged strong teaming.  There is a genuine desire to perform the best, and to continue growing.  Each member of our team values working together, and helping each other to be successful.  This is not the sort of thing you can find everywhere.   I truly appreciate my team mates.

Do you have any advice for new sonographers?

I recommend sonographers become credentialed as soon as possible.  I also believe it’s important for sonographers to continue to grow and develop.  This occurs on the job naturally within the first one or two years.  Another way to continue to develop as a professional is to volunteer to work within your professional community.  There are a number of societies representing sonography across all professions.  Find the society that fits your needs and work to make a difference for sonographers everywhere!  I truly value the experience I’ve gained working with the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.

In your opinion, how will the recent healthcare law impact sonography?

It’s very clear that the government is going to work to keep medical costs down.  I believe this means they are going to want quality for the money they spend.  One of the best ways to do this in sonography, in my opinion, is to assure the person holding the transducer has met minimum standards.  The CARE bill can help achieve this goal.  Our patients deserve a sonography exam by someone who has demonstrated they have had the education and experience necessary.  Our patients trust us blindly, and think that we are already doing this.  The time has come to make this a reality.  We should all be asking our congressmen and senators to support the CARE Bill.

What other fields are advantageous for sonographers to have or gain experience in?

I believe it’s important for sonographers to be knowledgeable in the government relations aspect of our work.  Ignorance around non-compliance is not an excuse.  The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers remains ever vigilant around legislation and regulations in the name of sonographers everywhere.  Visit their website to see how you can support or participate in that work (www.sdms.org).  They look out for us, even when we’re not paying attention!  I also believe it’s important for sonographers to understand, at least a little, about the business side of things.  If you look for waste in your systems and eliminate it, you will then understand how that impacts the bottom line.  This is even more important currently as the medical field is experiencing the impact of the recession and unemployment.