December - 20208In My OpinionMy first experience in sonography began in August of 1977. At that time, I was serving in the United States Air Force as a radiology technologist and was `volunteered' to learn the new technology. Making use of a single crystal probe and developing scan technique, we were able to produce diagnostic images of the kidneys, liver, gall bladder and related structures. This B mode imaging, no matter its limitations, was nothing short of amazing.Since that time, the field has continued to evolve and make tremendous advances in real time imaging, harmonics, blood flow velocities in color and Spectral Doppler, as well as Doppler Tissue Imaging. Engineers are still hard at work, squeezing every bit of diagnostic information possible out of this sound wave.I was fortunate to have gone on to specialize in cardiovascular sonography, with experiences in a wide range of environments. Staff and supervisory positions, working as a clinical representative for the industry leader in cardiac sonography and, for a while, as a traveler. It has been my honor for the past 13 years to be an educator in a formal program, training the next generation of cardiovascular sonographers. Part of this education is to understand where we came from, where we are, and to look to the future to see where our skills may fit the best. Medicine is challenged with becoming faster, better, stronger, and our field is no different.Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death and affect the health of over 90 million Americans. Recent advancements demonstrate the importance INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE FUTURE OF CARDIOLOGYDan Chambers RDCS, RVT, Cardiovascular Program Director, Providence Health Columbia SCBy
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