Seeing the Heart in Motion: A History of Echocardiography

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Ultrasound has become one of the most important tools for examining the heart, but its role in cardiology developed gradually over decades of innovation. What we now know as echocardiography, ultrasound imaging of the heart, has a history rooted in physics, wartime technology, and creative medical problem-solving.

The story begins in the early 20th century with the discovery of ultrasound’s physical properties. Scientists learned that high-frequency sound waves could travel through materials and bounce back when they encountered different surfaces. This principle was first put to practical use in sonar systems during World War II to detect submarines. After the war, physicians began to wonder whether similar sound waves could be used to “see” inside the human body without surgery or radiation.

In the 1950s, this idea reached cardiology. Swedish physician Inge Edler and physicist Hellmuth Hertz were among the first to apply ultrasound to the heart. They adapted industrial ultrasound equipment to record moving structures inside the chest. Instead of producing an image as we know it today, their system created a one-dimensional tracing that showed how heart structures moved over time. This technique, later called M-mode echocardiography, allowed doctors to measure heart chamber size and observe valve motion for the first time in a living patient.

M-mode ultrasound showing echo pattern records of the motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve (left, normal; right, stenosis).
M-mode ultrasound showing echo pattern records of the motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve (left, normal; right, stenosis).

By the 1960s and 1970s, ultrasound technology improved significantly. Two-dimensional imaging replaced simple motion tracings, allowing clinicians to see cross-sectional pictures of the beating heart. These real-time images made it possible to visualize heart chambers, valves, and major blood vessels in motion. Doctors could now assess heart muscle thickness, pumping function, and structural abnormalities without opening the chest or exposing patients to X-rays.

Another major breakthrough came with Doppler ultrasound, which describes how sound waves change when reflecting off moving objects. Doppler techniques made it possible to measure blood flow. Applied to the heart, Doppler ultrasound allowed physicians to determine the speed and direction of blood moving through valves and chambers. This innovation transformed echocardiography from a purely anatomical tool into one that could evaluate function. Conditions such as valve narrowing, valve leakage, and abnormal blood flow patterns could now be identified and measured.

A longitudinal color Doppler image of the carotid artery.
A longitudinal color Doppler image of the carotid artery.

In the 1980s and 1990s, echocardiography became more portable and widely available. Machines grew smaller and more powerful, making it easier to use ultrasound at the bedside, in emergency rooms, and in outpatient clinics. Transesophageal echocardiography, in which a small ultrasound probe is passed into the esophagus, provided clearer images of certain heart structures by placing the transducer closer to the heart. This method proved especially useful for detecting clots, infections of the heart valves, and subtle structural defects.

As computing power increased, digital imaging and advanced processing expanded what ultrasound could show. Three-dimensional echocardiography offered more realistic views of heart anatomy, improving the assessment of valve disease and congenital heart defects. Strain imaging and other advanced techniques made it possible to evaluate how heart muscle fibers deform during each beat, helping detect early signs of disease before major symptoms appeared.

Today, ultrasound is a cornerstone of cardiac care. It is used to diagnose heart failure, guide procedures, monitor treatment, and screen for inherited or structural heart problems. Its advantages, including being noninvasive, radiation-free, and relatively affordable, have made it indispensable across healthcare settings. From large hospitals to small clinics, echocardiography provides critical information that once required far more invasive tests.

The history of ultrasound in heart imaging reflects a broader trend in medicine: the move toward safer, faster, and more informative diagnostic tools. What began as an adaptation of wartime sonar has evolved into a sophisticated technology that reveals the heart in motion, beat by beat. As innovation continues, ultrasound will likely play an even greater role in understanding and protecting one of the body’s most vital organs.

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

5 Ultrasound Trends to Watch in 2026

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1. Autonomous Ultrasound Robots—with Expert Oversight

Autonomous ultrasound robotics are emerging as a potential solution to workforce shortages and access gaps, particularly in rural or underserved settings. These AI-guided robotic systems can position probes, identify anatomical landmarks, and acquire standardized diagnostic views with minimal on-site expertise. Early research shows promising results for consistent image acquisition in areas like abdominal and vascular imaging. (Phys Med Biol 2023 Feb 6;68(4). doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/acaf46 and arXivLabs 2025 Oct 9. doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2510.08106.)

However, it’s critical to emphasize that these systems do not replace clinical experts. While robots may assist with image capture, trained sonographers and physicians are still essential for reviewing images, interpreting findings, and making clinical decisions. In practice, autonomous ultrasound is best viewed as a force multiplier, helping extend expert care to more patients by streamlining acquisition, not eliminating the need for professional judgment.

2. Real-Time 3D Ultrasound Tracking for Interventional Procedures

In interventional radiology and surgical guidance, a next-generation ultrasound innovation is emerging: real-time 3D tracking of instruments using ultrasound. A new system combines B-mode ultrasound with photoacoustic beacons embedded in needles, allowing clinicians to see the exact 3D position of a biopsy needle in real time during procedures (arXivLabs 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2511.20514). This could dramatically enhance safety, precision, and outcomes in biopsies and minimally invasive therapies.

This could more than improve imaging resolution—it could fundamentally change how ultrasound guides tools during procedures.

3. Ultrasound-Based Neuromodulation and Brain Interfaces

We’re now seeing ultrasound go where it has never gone before, deep into the brain for therapeutic neuromodulation and neurological intervention. One high-profile study showed development of an ultrasound “helmet” capable of targeting very precise brain regions non-invasively, with implications for treating Parkinson’s, depression, stroke recovery, and other conditions traditionally managed with invasive techniques (Nat Commun 2025 Sep 5;16(1):8024. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-63020-1).

Another ongoing research effort uses focused ultrasound to study human consciousness and explore potential treatments for mental health disorders, a direction of ultrasound research that blurs the line between imaging and direct brain modulation (AXIOS Boston).

4. Low-Cost, Ultra-Flexible Transducer Materials

A cutting-edge materials innovation is producing ultrasound transducers that are both extremely flexible and inexpensive. By integrating porous graphene with 3D-printed piezoelectric polymers, researchers have created flexible ultrasound patches that can be customized in frequency and produce high-quality images, all at very low cost (arXivLabs 2025 Oct 17. doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2510.15737. These could accelerate the adoption of wearable and patch-based imaging technologies beyond prototype labs and into widespread clinical use.

This trend in wearables can help produce more images in different settings.

5. Ultrasound for Non-Invasive Cancer and Tissue Ablation

Although still early in wide adoption, ultrasound therapy is transforming from purely diagnostic to a therapeutic tool that can treat disease directly. Techniques like histotripsy, which uses focused sound waves to mechanically destroy tumor cells without incisions, radiation, or chemotherapy, are already entering clinical practice in some hospitals, with regulatory pathways accelerating adoption (The Times).

This marks a major shift: ultrasound is not just about seeing disease, but treating it in a non-invasive, precise way.

Why These Trends Matter in 2026

What makes these trends stand out beyond incremental improvements is that they represent new functional roles for ultrasound:

  • Autonomy & robotics could solve skill shortage issues.
  • Real-time 3D guidance enhances intervention safety and efficacy.
  • Neuromodulation breakthroughs expand ultrasound into brain therapy.
  • Flexible materials change the economics and form factors of devices.
  • Therapeutic uses like histotripsy redefine clinical treatment paradigms.

Together, these innovations shift ultrasound from a supportive imaging modality to a central tool across diagnostics, therapy, and even autonomous healthcare delivery.

Therese Cooper, MS, RDMS, is a sonographer and the Chief Learning Officer at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 

The AIIUM logo.

Interested in learning more about the advancements in ultrasound? Check out these posts from the Scan:

Member Spotlight: A Celebration of AIUM Membership With Carol B. Benson, MD, FAIUM

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For many AIUM members, the organization serves as both a professional anchor and a source of inspiration. Carol B. Benson, MD, FAIUM, is one such member whose career reflects a deep dedication to ultrasound and to the collaborative learning environment the AIUM fosters. Her long-standing engagement highlights why the AIUM values its members, and how members, in turn, help advance the field of medical ultrasound.

After completing her training in diagnostic radiology, including a fellowship in CT and ultrasound, Dr. Benson chose to focus her academic career on ultrasound in clinical practice, research, and education. The AIUM quickly became a natural professional home, offering opportunities to share ideas, advance research, and learn alongside others equally committed to the specialty.

Carol B. Benson, MD, FAIUM

Below, Dr. Benson shares her reflections on her AIUM membership and its impact on her career.

Why did you choose to join the AIUM?
After finishing training in diagnostic radiology with a fellowship in CT and ultrasound, I decided to focus my academic career on ultrasound in clinical practice, research, and education. The AIUM provided the best opportunities for me to present my research ideas for the advancement of the practice of ultrasound in medicine and to learn from others with a similar passion for ultrasound.

From early in her career, the AIUM supported Dr. Benson’s goals by offering a platform for scholarship, discussion, and shared innovation.

What is your favorite AIUM benefit?
I have more than one “favorite” benefit of being part of the AIUM. I continue to learn about new and exciting advances in ultrasound through AIUM.

At annual meetings, I very much enjoy networking with other medical professionals who share my enthusiasm for ultrasound.

I appreciate all the work the AIUM has done to work collaboratively with other societies to publish standards and guidelines for performance and interpretation of ultrasound. I believe these publications have improved the practice of ultrasound across the country.

Dr. Benson’s response reflects the breadth of value the AIUM offers, from lifelong learning and professional connection to national leadership in standards and guidelines.

What does the AIUM mean to you?
AIUM has been among my favorite societies for years because it focuses entirely on my interest in the advancement of ultrasound in medical practice.

This clear focus on ultrasound excellence is what continues to draw dedicated clinicians, educators, and researchers to the AIUM.

Has being a member of the AIUM helped you in your career? If so, how?
Through my participation and contributions to the AIUM, I have been able to network with and learn from others who share my love of ultrasound, which has helped me expand my research, teaching, and clinical practice. Overall, the AIUM has helped improve my clinical practice to provide better care to my patients undergoing ultrasound examination.

Dr. Benson’s experience underscores the lasting impact of AIUM membership: stronger professional connections, deeper expertise, and better patient care.

The AIUM is grateful to Dr. Carol B. Benson for her dedication to advancing ultrasound through clinical excellence, research, and education. Her story is a testament to the value of an engaged membership and to the shared passion that continues to move the field of ultrasound forward.

Carol B. Benson, MD, FAIUM, is a Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School and is affiliated with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA.

Member Spotlight: A Celebration of AIUM Membership With Peter Doubilet, MD, PhD

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For decades, AIUM members have driven innovation, education, and collaboration in medical ultrasound. Peter M. Doubilet, MD, PhD, FAIUM, is an example of how sustained engagement with the AIUM can shape both an individual career and the field as a whole. His long history with the AIUM reflects why the organization values its members—and why its members, in turn, value the AIUM.

Dr. Doubilet joined the AIUM in 1985, at a formative point in his career and in the organization’s history. From the beginning, the AIUM offered him more than membership; it provided a professional home grounded in academic rigor, shared purpose, and multidisciplinary exchange.

Below, Dr. Doubilet shares his perspective on what the AIUM has meant to him over the years.

Peter M. Doubilet, MD, PhD

Why did you choose to join the AIUM?
When I joined AIUM in 1985, it was primarily composed of radiologists, obstetrician/gynecologists, and ultrasound physicists. At that time, most academic radiologists with a subspecialty focus in ultrasound were active AIUM members. As an aspiring academic radiologist, joining AIUM was a natural and important step for me, providing opportunities to connect with leaders in the field and to become part of the broader academic ultrasound community.

Dr. Doubilet’s experience reflects a common thread among long-standing members: the AIUM has long served as a gathering place for leaders, mentors, and emerging voices in ultrasound.

What is your favorite AIUM benefit?
While I am a member of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and other Radiology organizations, AIUM is unique in bringing together ultrasound practitioners from a wide range of medical specialties. As the organization has grown and diversified, I have especially valued the opportunity to interact with and learn from OB/Gyn’s, emergency medicine physicians, sonographers, and colleagues from other disciplines. This multidisciplinary environment is one of AIUM’s greatest strengths.

This emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration is central to the AIUM’s mission, and a key reason members continue to find value as the field evolves.

What does the AIUM mean to you?
AIUM is the only organization that truly welcomes everyone involved in the practice, teaching, research, and technological advancement of ultrasound. Its diverse membership spans multiple specialties, educational backgrounds, and professional roles. Through its annual convention, journal, educational courses, and practice parameters, AIUM fosters collaboration, shared learning, and high standards that enhance the quality of ultrasound practice and improve patient care.

Dr. Doubilet’s words underscore how the AIUM serves as both a standard-bearer and a connector across the ultrasound community.

Has being in the AIUM helped you in your career? If so, how?
AIUM has had a very positive impact on my career. Opportunities to lecture at its annual conventions and courses, as well as to publish in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, have strengthened my professional credentials. These experiences have had a multiplicative effect, leading to additional invitations to lecture at a variety of meetings and courses, collaborate on research, and participate in guideline development. Being named an AIUM Fellow in 1988 and receiving the Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award in 2020 have further enhanced my professional standing within the field.

The AIUM’s commitment to education, scholarship, and recognition helps members amplify their expertise and extend their influence well beyond the organization.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
In addition to the many benefits I have received from AIUM membership, I have greatly valued the opportunity to give back to the organization. I have served on the Board of Governors (1995–1998 and 2013–2016), the Editorial Board of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, and multiple AIUM committees, including the Education Committee, which I chaired from 1991–1993. I have also contributed by directing or co-directing AIUM courses, moderating film panels at the Annual Convention, and developing educational videotapes. These roles have allowed me to support AIUM’s mission and contribute to the continued advancement of ultrasound education and practice.

Dr. Doubilet’s career illustrates the reciprocal nature of AIUM membership: members gain knowledge, community, and opportunity, and in turn, help advance the field for future generations.

The AIUM is grateful for Dr. Peter M. Doubilet’s decades of leadership, service, and dedication. His story is a reminder that the strength of the AIUM lies in its members and their shared commitment to excellence in ultrasound.

Peter M. Doubilet, MD, PhD, is a Radiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is a Professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.

State of the AIUM: Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2026

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As we start the new year, I want to share where the AIUM stands today and what’s ahead. Last year was a year of progress, collaboration, and renewed focus on our mission to advance the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine. 

Financial Progress 
After several years of operating at a sizeable deficit, we’ve worked diligently to close the gap. I am delighted to report that the Board has received a report that, for 2026, we are forecasting a budget with our first operating surplus in years. This is especially important as, without strong financials and operating surpluses, the AIUM cannot continue to serve our members and our mission as well as we do today. This is a significant milestone that positions us for long-term stability.  

Advocacy Efforts 
Due to the nature of the current national landscape, the AIUM is slowly moving into bipartisan advocacy work. The AIUM has been a signatory on a congressional letter supporting NIH funding, and we’re planning on participating in a small Advocacy Day in March in Washington, DC, to champion medical research and science broadly. 

AIUM Annual Convention
Looking ahead, we are excited to host the 2026 Annual Convention in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s leading medical and scientific hubs. In celebration of that setting and with an eye toward the future of the field, I am proud to share that I have authorized a new In-Training registration rate, designed to expand access for students, residents, and fellows and encourage early engagement with all that the AIUM has to offer. Early indicators are positive, with increases in abstract and session submissions compared to prior years. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

AIUM Educational Initiatives 
In early 2025, with input from the Board and a decision by the Executive Committee, education was elevated as the organization’s primary strategic initiative. Key highlights of the 2026 Course Calendar are below: 

  • A West Coast Advanced OB/GYN Seminar in San Diego in October 
  • Potentially, a POCUS Course in Portland in July 
  • A new Vascular course launch in November, driven by member interest 
  • A continued mix of in-person hands-on learning and virtual learning throughout the year 

Board Initiatives and Technical Work 
The AIUM Board of Governors met early in 2025 and discussed our governance ecosystem, how it functions, how it’s structured, and most importantly, how it serves the needs of our members. From those discussions, I have chartered 4 working groups that have a remit to review key areas of governance and return with recommendations on how to streamline and rejuvenate our functioning. Those four areas are: the Committees, the Board of Governors, the Communities of Practice, and the Membership and Recognition system.  

Future Fund Projects 
I am delighted to report that, in 2025, we also reviewed our Future Fund operations and reviewed membership interests to find the absolute best use of AIUM resources. From that, we authorized projects like funding POCUS equipment in The Gambia and supporting practice parameter development, all efforts that reflect our commitment to global impact and innovation. 

We couldn’t do this without you. Please consider the impact you can make on the AIUM with a generous donation to the Future Fund. Every amount helps. You can donate by bank ACH transfer, by including a contribution with your membership renewal, or through the AIUM’s giving site. For a bank ACH transfer, please send funds to Truist Bank, Account # 000463973, ABA Routing # 055002707. To give online (note: a processing fee applies), visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/american-institute-of-ultrasound-in-medicine.  

Practice Parameters & Official Statements 
The AIUM continues to set the standard in ultrasound in medicine, and I am delighted to report that in 2025, the organization updated 5 AIUM Practice Parameters this year, with a few in the process of being published, including the AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Diagnostic and Screening Ultrasound of the Abdominal Aorta in Adults (2025 Revision). The AIUM also issued an update to an Official Statement this year, Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel (2025 Revision). Updates to various other guidelines, standards, and statements also occurred thanks to the hard work and subject matter expertise of our tireless leaders. 

Accreditation 
AIUM Accreditation continues to be an important service that demonstrates our commitment to high-quality ultrasound practice. The number of accredited practices remained stable in 2025. Last year, we implemented several projects aimed at enhancing the customer experience, while also strengthening security measures and protecting patient privacy. 

Publishing 
Submissions to the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) were up 35% in 2025 over 2024, reaching the highest volume to date. Our editors have been working diligently to maintain the high standards and quality of the Journal, and as a result, the number of articles published remains consistent with the last four years. We are also actively exploring the possibility of launching new journals to expand the AIUM’s scholarly footprint. 

Membership 
Membership is at the heart of the AIUM, forming the foundation of our community and mission. In 2025, overall membership remained flat, reflecting stability as we continue to engage, support, and grow the value of being part of the organization. 

Looking Ahead 
I am proud to lead the AIUM in 2026, and I am proud of the members, staff, volunteers, and strong community that we’ve built. To continue to foster our community, I invite you to join us at the 2026 AIUM Convention in Philadelphia. It will be an opportunity to experience our renewed focus, connect with colleagues, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of ultrasound. Stay tuned for more details on programming and special events—we can’t wait to see you there. 

Thank you for being part of the AIUM’s journey. Together, we’re building momentum for an exciting future. 

David C. Jones, President, AIUM 

Empowering OB/GYN Trainees Through Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Bridging Imaging and Clinical Care

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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has rapidly become an essential advancement in modern clinical practice. By bringing real-time imaging directly to the bedside, POCUS allows the same clinician who examines the patient to also visualize anatomy, assess pathology, and immediately act on findings. This integration of imaging and decision-making has made POCUS indispensable across multiple specialties, and obstetrics and gynecology are no exception.

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has long recognized the importance of standardization and quality in ultrasound practice. Its Practice Parameter for the Performance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound1 provides clear specifications for evaluating the abdomen, retroperitoneum, thorax, heart, and extremities for deep venous thrombosis. These guidelines form the foundation for ensuring that the benefits of POCUS—speed, accuracy, and accessibility—are balanced with safety and quality.

POCUS in Everyday OB/GYN Practice

Within obstetrics and gynecology, POCUS is a natural extension of bedside care. On labor and delivery units, it enables rapid assessment of fetal presentation, amniotic fluid, and placenta and fetal well-being through biophysical profiles. In emergency and postoperative settings, clinicians can use POCUS to quickly evaluate for intraperitoneal free fluid, aiding in the diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy or postoperative bleeding.

Evidence continues to support the diagnostic reliability of POCUS in OB/GYN. For instance, Boivin et al2 evaluated its accuracy in diagnosing retained products of conception in 265 patients. They found that point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 93.8%, validating its value in streamlining diagnosis and guiding timely management.

Training Gaps and the Case for Structured Education

Despite its broad applicability, ultrasound training in OB/GYN residency and MFM fellowship remains highly variable. Currently, emergency medicine is the only specialty with formal requirements for ultrasound training and credentialing. This gap has led to inconsistent proficiency among new OB/GYN graduates, even though ultrasound is fundamental to the specialty.

A structured curriculum in POCUS can address this gap. Training should combine didactic instruction, hands-on scanning, and supervised image review, building both technical skills and diagnostic reasoning. Defining competency benchmarks and maintaining image portfolios reviewed by credentialed sonographers or MFM faculty can help standardize skill acquisition and ensure quality.

Expanding POCUS Applications in Obstetric Critical Care

POCUS offers unique advantages beyond fetal and gynecologic imaging, particularly in the management of acutely ill obstetric patients. In the setting of hypertensive disorders, sepsis, or peripartum cardiomyopathy, bedside ultrasound can provide immediate insights into maternal cardiopulmonary status.

  • Lung ultrasound helps identify pulmonary edema, distinguishing cardiac from non-cardiac causes of dyspnea.
  • Cardiac views allow assessment of contractility and pericardial effusion.
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements help estimate fluid status and guide resuscitation in acutely ill patients.

Learning Early, Learning Effectively

Training in ultrasound doesn’t have to wait until residency. Vyas et al3 demonstrated that even first-year medical students could perform a basic obstetric triage scan after only twelve hours of training. Students correctly identified fetal lie, placental location, amniotic fluid index, biparietal diameter, and head circumference in more than 90% of cases, showing that structured, feedback-driven instruction can produce reliable results even among novice learners.

Sustaining Competence Through Practice

Ultrasound is a skill that requires repetition, reflection, and review. A comprehensive program should integrate longitudinal opportunities for scanning, image storage, and expert feedback. Access to curated image archives can help trainees build pattern recognition and diagnostic confidence. Incorporating POCUS assessments into rotations, such as emergency triage, obstetric critical care, or ultrasound electives, reinforces learning through real-world application.

Conclusion

Point-of-care ultrasound represents both an art and a science, merging clinical intuition with immediate visual data. For OB/GYN residents and MFM fellows, POCUS is not simply a diagnostic adjunct but a core competency that enhances patient safety, efficiency, and confidence at the bedside.

By embedding structured POCUS training and competency assessment into OB/GYN education, we can ensure the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine. Doing so ensures that the next generation of clinicians will not only interpret images but truly see their patients more completely, more immediately, and more compassionately.

References

1. American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Examinations. J Ultrasound Med 2021; 40(8):E34–E52. https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.14972

2. Boivin J, et al. Utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Retained Products of Conception. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2020; 42(4):440–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2019.08.026

3. Vyas KS, et al. Point-of-Care Obstetric Ultrasound Training for First-Year Medical Students in Rural Settings. J Ultrasound Med 2018; 37(3):715–722. https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.14404

Ruchira Sharma, MBBS, MD, FACOG, is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Director of MFM Fellowship, and Director of the Obstetric Ultrasound and Antenatal Testing Unit at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Sara Buhmaid, MD, is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

A professional headshot of a smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a patterned blouse and a dark blazer, against a blurred blue background.
Ruchira Sharma, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ. 10/25/2021 Photo by Steve Hockstein/HarvardStudio.com

Advancing Your Career in Ultrasound: Opportunities for Sonographers and Physicians

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Ultrasound technology continues to evolve at an incredible pace, expanding far beyond its traditional role in obstetrics and gynecology. From emergency medicine and cardiology to musculoskeletal and critical care applications, the field of diagnostic ultrasound offers a wealth of professional growth opportunities for both sonographers and physicians. Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to take it to the next level, there are many paths to expand your expertise, enhance patient care, and stay at the forefront of this dynamic profession. 

Deepening Clinical Expertise 

One of the most effective ways to advance in ultrasound is through specialization. For sonographers, focusing on a subspecialty, such as vascular, musculoskeletal, or cardiac, can set you apart and open doors to leadership or advanced practice roles. Certification through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) signals your commitment to excellence and can lead to increased responsibility and compensation. 

Physicians who use ultrasound as part of their practice can also benefit from additional training. Many professional societies now offer structured educational pathways and credentialing opportunities. For example, clinicians in emergency medicine, critical care, internal, and family medicine, and other healthcare providers can pursue POCUS certifications that demonstrate proficiency in specific applications such as vascular access, trauma assessment, or cardiac evaluation. Continuous education ensures clinicians maintain high diagnostic accuracy and stay current with best practices and evolving technology. 

Embracing Technological Innovation 

Advancements in ultrasound equipment, such as portable and handheld devices, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and enhanced image resolution, have expanded how and where imaging can be performed. Staying ahead of these changes not only improves clinical capabilities but also helps professionals remain adaptable as the industry evolves. 

Attending professional conferences, workshops, and online training sessions allows sonographers, physicians, and other healthcare providers to gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies. Participating in research or collaborating on quality improvement initiatives can also deepen understanding of how these tools improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Those who embrace innovation often find themselves in leadership roles, guiding colleagues through the adoption of new techniques and tools. 

Developing Leadership and Teaching Skills 

Career development isn’t limited to clinical expertise. Many professionals find fulfillment by moving into education, management, or research roles. For example, experienced sonographers can become clinical educators, training the next generation of imaging professionals or leading quality assurance programs within their departments. Similarly, physicians skilled in ultrasound often become mentors, departmental champions, or leaders in developing institutional protocols and training programs. 

Strong communication and teaching skills are key in these roles. Consider pursuing opportunities to present at conferences, contribute to educational publications, or lead workshops within your institution. These activities not only strengthen your professional reputation but also advance the field as a whole by sharing knowledge and promoting best practices. 

Building a Professional Network 

Networking is another powerful component of career growth. Joining professional organizations such as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) or specialty-specific societies offers access to a supportive community of peers, mentors, and experts. Through committees, webinars, and continuing education programs, professionals can stay connected to industry trends and gain exposure to new career paths. 

Online communities and professional social media platforms can also serve as valuable networking tools. Sharing insights, discussing case studies, or participating in virtual learning opportunities can build your visibility and connect you with like-minded professionals across the globe. 

Shaping the Future of Ultrasound 

Ultrasound is one of the most dynamic and accessible imaging modalities in medicine. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled, knowledgeable professionals will only grow. By investing in lifelong learning, embracing innovation, and contributing to the professional community, sonographers, physicians, and other healthcare providers can shape not only their own careers but also the future of patient-centered imaging. 

Every scan offers a chance to learn something new, and every professional development step helps ensure that ultrasound remains a cornerstone of safe, effective, and compassionate care. 

Therese Cooper, MS, RDMS, is a sonographer and the Chief Learning Officer at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 

AIUM Joins 400+ Organizations in a National Effort to Support Robust NIH Funding for FY 2026

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The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is proud to join a nonpartisan coalition of national organizations in signing a letter to Congressional leaders urging well-funded, sustained federal investment in medical research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

The letter, circulated by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research and endorsed by a broad range of patient, clinician, scientific, academic, and industry organizations, calls on Congress to prioritize finalizing the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill with no less than $47.2 billion for the NIH, in addition to funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). At the time of signing on, 455 other organizations also signed on to support this letter, supporting a bipartisan commitment to predictable and sustained growth in medical research funding.  

The Ad Hoc Group’s message is clear: consistent and predictable NIH funding is vital to advancing medical innovation, supporting the next generation of researchers, and improving health outcomes for patients nationwide. NIH-supported research has been central to breakthroughs that address cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, medical imaging, autoimmune conditions, and countless other medical challenges that affect our communities and members. To continue this outstanding research, and by extension fuel innovation in the United States’ centers of higher learning, medical schools, and research institutions, NIH must receive a robust investment for 2026. 

As an organization committed to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine, the AIUM recognizes that innovation in imaging and diagnostics depends on the continued strength of our nation’s research infrastructure. As AIUM President, I am proud to add our voice to this united call for sustained, bipartisan investment in medical research.

The AIUM will continue to advocate for policies that support the research community, promote advancements in ultrasound, and improve patient care through evidence-based medicine. I welcome our members to message me with your thoughts at president@aium.org.  

To read the full letter and see the list of signatories, visit https://www.fundnih.org/media/10096/download. 

About the Author

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David Jones, MD, is President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and Professor and Director of the Fetal Diagnostic Center in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. He is committed to advancing excellence in medical ultrasound through innovation, education, and collaboration.

Shear Wave Elastography Shows Reliable Consistency in Breast Imaging

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Shear wave elastography (SWE), a technique that maps tissue stiffness in ultrasound imaging, continues to gain clinical interest, especially when evaluating lesions classified as BI-RADS 3 or 4. A recent multicenter investigation assessed how consistently SWE delivers reliable measurements, both when the same operator examines a lesion multiple times and when different operators perform the evaluation.

Key Insights: Reliability Across Scenarios

The study found strong agreement both within individual operators and between different operators. In practical terms, this means that SWE produces dependable, consistent results whether one sonographer repeats the scan or if multiple clinicians assess the same lesion separately. That kind of stability is particularly valuable when clinical decisions hinge on minor changes in stiffness measurements.

Why Consistency Matters for Practice

  • Enhanced Diagnostic Confidence: Reliable SWE readings help clinicians interpret subtle differences in lesion characteristics more confidently. This consistency could improve the decision-making process when ultrasound images don’t clearly show whether a lesion is benign or malignant.
  • Reduced Re-exams and Variability: High repeatability minimizes the need for unnecessary retests, cuts down on variability, and reduces patient anxiety about potentially inconsistent results across scans.
  • Better Standardization in Clinical Workflows: For departments aiming to standardize assessment protocols—whether for quality assurance or multicenter trials—knowing that SWE holds up regardless of the operator is a clear advantage.

Clinical Benefits for Patients and Practitioners

For patients, reliable SWE can mean fewer follow-up scans, more consistent recommendations, and potentially less invasive follow-up. For ultrasound professionals, it supports smoother integration of SWE into routine workflows without worrying that interpretation will vary based on who’s scanning.

In Summary

This study confirms that SWE offers dependable and reproducible measurements in breast imaging, regardless of who performs the scan or whether it’s repeated by the same operator. These findings strengthen SWE’s role as a trustworthy imaging adjunct. By reinforcing consistency, SWE supports clearer clinical pathways and may ultimately reduce unnecessary procedures, benefiting both providers and patients.

For a more detailed look at the study’s findings and statistical analysis, you can read the full article on the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jum.16344

Interested in learning more about breast imaging? Check out the AIUM’s on-demand webinar: Personalized Screening for Breast Cancer.

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

Ultrasound’s Hidden Superpowers and Why We Celebrate Them Every October

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Every October, the medical imaging community comes together to observe Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM), a period dedicated to raising public understanding of the ultrasound’s vital role in healthcare. Sponsored by organizations such as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), MUAM seeks to dispel the common misconception that ultrasound is mainly for pregnancy and to shine a light on its many other life-changing uses.

While many people immediately think of fetal imaging when they hear “ultrasound,” that’s only one of many applications. In fact, ultrasound helps patients at every stage of life, from newborns to seniors, across numerous medical fields. MUAM is a perfect time to celebrate the often-unseen breadth of ultrasound and the professionals who use it.

Why a Special Month for Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe, widely available, and cost-effective. Because it doesn’t rely on ionizing radiation (as with X-rays or CT scans), it offers a gentler imaging option, particularly for soft tissues.

The purpose of MUAM is to encourage professionals to educate patients, colleagues, and the public about how ultrasound supports diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment across a diversity of conditions.

Beyond Babies: Diverse Applications of Medical Ultrasound

Here’s a look at just a few of the many ways ultrasound is used outside obstetrics:

1. Cardiac / Echocardiography

  • Ultrasound is widely used to visualize the heart’s structure and function, assess valve integrity, detect fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), and monitor things like left ventricular ejection fraction.
  • Doppler ultrasound can also show blood flow velocities, helping to detect stenosis or regurgitation in valves.

2. Vascular and Circulatory Imaging

  • Doppler vascular ultrasound can assess veins and arteries, detecting blockages, clots (eg, deep vein thrombosis), or stenosis.
  • It’s used to examine carotid arteries (for stroke risk), peripheral arteries (leg circulation), and vascular grafts.

3. Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging

  • Ultrasound is often used to evaluate organs like the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and bladder.
  • It can detect gallstones, kidney stones, hydronephrosis, liver masses, or fluid collections (eg, ascites).
  • In the pelvis outside pregnancy, it helps assess uterine/ovarian pathology, fibroids, pelvic fluid, or masses.

4. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging

  • Ultrasound is used to image muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
  • It helps in diagnosing tendon tears, bursitis, muscle strain, nerve entrapment (eg, carpal tunnel), and joint inflammation.
  • It also guides injections or aspirations.

5. Pediatric Imaging

  • In infants and children, ultrasound is often the first-line imaging for soft tissues, head/neck, hips (developmental dysplasia), and neonatal brain (via fontanelles).
  • Because it’s radiation-free, it’s especially favorable for young patients.

6. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

  • In emergency, critical care, and bedside settings, physicians use handheld or portable ultrasound to rapidly evaluate ailments such as fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), free fluid in the abdomen, cardiac tamponade, or guidance during central line placement.
  • This real-time use can expedite diagnosis and treatment.

7. Interventional / Intraoperative Ultrasound

  • Surgeons sometimes use ultrasound during procedures to locate lesions, guide resections, or assist in biopsies or ablations.
  • Interventional radiologists may use ultrasound guidance for needle placements (biopsy, drainage) and local therapies.

8. Therapeutic Ultrasound & Special Applications

  • Beyond imaging, ultrasound has therapeutic uses (eg, high-intensity focused ultrasound, ultrasound-assisted drug delivery).
  • In neurology and neuroscience, for example, therapeutic ultrasound is being explored in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other brain disorders.
  • In space medicine, ultrasound is one of the few imaging options available aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As part of the Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity project, astronauts use ultrasound to assess various organ systems in microgravity.

How You Can Support Ultrasound Awareness
(Especially This October)

  • Share knowledge: If you’re a clinician or educator, talk with colleagues or patients about the many roles of ultrasound.
  • Use social media: Companies and organizations often use hashtags like #MUAM2025 to share educational images, infographics, or stories.
  • Celebrate sonographers and ultrasound technologists: Recognize the skill, dedication, and meticulous work of these professionals.
  • Invite engagement: Host a webinar, post Q&A content, or distribute simple “Did you know?” facts about ultrasound to patients.

Final Thoughts

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is more than a promotional event. It’s an opportunity to correct a common misconception: ultrasound is not just for pregnancy. From the heart to the knees to the kidneys, even to outer space, ultrasound plays a vital, versatile role in modern medicine.

Let’s use October’s spotlight to help people see inside, not just for babies but for better health at every age.

Cynthia Owens, BA, is the Publications Coordinator for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

Logo of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) featuring the words 'Association for Medical Ultrasound' and 'American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine' in blue.