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