In this interview, we celebrate the remarkable journey of a longstanding member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), Abdelaziz Saleh, MD, PhD. With over three decades of dedication, this esteemed member reflects on the invaluable role the AIUM has played in shaping his career and advancing the field of ultrasound in medicine. From his early decision to join during his Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship to the impact of the AIUM’s resources, courses, and community, his story is one of passion and lifelong learning.
Through this dialogue, we gain insights into the profound influence of the AIUM’s educational offerings, from its esteemed journal to its cutting-edge postgraduate courses. We’ll also explore the broader meaning of AIUM membership, its impact across medical disciplines, and the lasting relationships built within its vibrant community.
In this, we honor Dr. Saleh, recognizing his member journey, celebrating his enthusiasm for ultrasound, and highlighting the excellence the AIUM inspires in professionals across the globe.
Why did you choose to join the AIUM?
I chose to join the AIUM in 1990 while doing an MFM fellowship. At that time, ultrasound became a big part of the MFM practice. In addition, the concept of Fetal medicine has evolved along with the Fetus as a patient. The AIUM offered a lot to learn. It offered the Journal [the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM)], annual meeting, and valuable courses. The AIUM always invited top national and international speakers. In fact, I met great physicians and researchers over the years such as Drs. L. Platt, Abuhamad, Romero, and Mari. These courses and the journal’s CME programs helped me get valuable ultrasound-related CMEs.
What is your favorite AIUM benefit?
My favorite benefit is the Journal and the post-graduate courses. The articles are very well written by clinicians who practice ultrasound. The way the articles are structured, they are very useful offering a question, background information, research results, differential diagnosis, and clinical utility of the studies. The post-graduate courses offered valuable learning opportunities to hear the most recent information by innovative scientists. In fact, many courses made me pay attention to new and future developments in my field (MFM and obstetrics).
What does the AIUM mean to you?
The AIUM means excellence in practicing ultrasound in many fields. My field is MFM, however, I like looking at ultrasound utility in other fields such as rheumatology, cardiology, and GI. Even areas such as dermatology have articles of great interest.
Has being a member of the AIUM helped you in your career? If so, how?
Of course, the membership did further my career. Learning at the annual meetings, post graduate courses, fine articles in the Journal, and CME opportunities. The scientific approach of the published articles helped me to put together good ultrasound and consultation reports. In addition, I made great educational presentations to the sonographers and the residents.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I have enjoyed being a member of the AIUM for more than 30 years. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the great team at the AIUM. I am a member of various professional societies, and AIUM membership is the most useful and the most important in the filed of ultrasound in medicine. I am a fan!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Abdelaziz Saleh, MD, PhD, is a maternal and fetal medicine obstetrician-gynecologist at Akron General Hospital in Ohio.
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