As the AIUM continues our commitment to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound, we are taking important, new steps into the world of advocacy. While this work is still relatively new for our organization, our approach is clear: remain firmly nonpartisan, stay aligned with our mission, and engage thoughtfully in conversations that shape the future of imaging and patient care. Our recent efforts demonstrate our growing readiness to be an active, informed voice on behalf of you, our members, the ultrasound community at large, and the patients and individuals we serve directly and indirectly.
As we complete our current stretch of advocacy in Washington, D.C., I want to share how the AIUM’s recent efforts positioned us for meaningful and influential conversations with policymakers recently.
In Summer 2025, the AIUM Board of Governors approved a structured, objective process for evaluating when and how we engage in advocacy. This framework has guided our actions, ensuring that every step we take aligns with our mission and strategic priorities.
Using this tool, in the face of suggested cuts of 40% and more to imaging research and development in the United States, the AIUM joined more than 400 organizations in November 2025 to request a full restoration of NIH funding for FY26 in the federal appropriations process. That collective effort had a measurable impact: when the FY26 appropriations minibus was signed in February 2026, Congress not only rejected proposed NIH cuts but increased funding to $47.22B, a $216M increase over FY25.
Our momentum continued when we were invited to support the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Ad Hoc Group’s FY27 NIH funding recommendation of $51.3B—an 8.7% increase over FY26. Just last month, I approved our participation and the AIUM signed that letter of support. At the time, 257 organizations had already publicly supported the request, and we continue to monitor developments as the FY27 process moves forward.
Now, we turn toward our recent advocacy moment.
The AIUM’s Recent Hill Days: March 24–25 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s activities, organized by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research, provided the AIUM with a significantly expanded platform to highlight the value of ultrasound, the importance of imaging research, and the need for strong, sustained NIH FY27 funding. The AIUM joined with 14 other imaging and radiology-focused organizations to advocate for uninterrupted funding, national investment in ultrasound and imaging advances, and highlight the benefits that ultrasound provides as a safe, effective, and portable diagnostic and therapeutic modality.
Kevin Haworth, PhD, FAIUM, FASA, who is an AIUM Fellow and Board Member, and I were joined by 50+ other individuals from across the organizations participating, representing a broad range of imaging expertise, modalities of interest, and from academic, non-profit, medical, and commercial sectors.
Here is an outline of our time on Capitol Hill:
March 24 – Full Day of Congressional Meetings
Hill Day itself included a full schedule of congressional discussions, including targeted outreach to legislative offices from Vermont and Ohio, which are Kevin and my home states, respectively. The organizers also paired my group with visits to the offices of Wisconsin lawmakers.
My group was able to speak to the offices of both Vermont and both Wisconsin senators, and the Vermont At-Large representatives, as well as the Representative from Wisconsin OH-05. Kevin was able to meet directly with Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, as well as the office of Senator Bernie Moreno. Kevin also held conversations with Representative Shontel Brown of OH-11, and briefly visited the offices of Representatives Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Warren Davidson (OH-08).
These conversations allowed us to share firsthand how ultrasound improves patient outcomes, strengthens access to care, and supports high-value clinical practice across diverse medical settings. This was also our moment to voice clear support for robust NIH FY27 investment.
March 24 – Evening: Medical Imaging Technology Showcase
That evening, we shifted further from policy to demonstration. At the Medical Imaging Technology Showcase, Kevin educated attendees about ultrasound and attendees were able to explore ultrasound imaging innovations firsthand. And thanks to the kind support of EchoNous of a portable, tablet-based ultrasound machine, we even had the opportunity to conduct live educational demonstrations for at least two of the Congressional staffers during the visits. This hands-on engagement helps ground our policy priorities in real-world applications, offering a powerful complement to the day’s meetings.
March 25 – Academy Research Roundtable: AI-Driven Advances in Imaging
Our Hill activities concluded with the Academy’s Research Roundtable, with the morning session this year focusing on AI-driven advances in imaging. This discussion explored how emerging technologies are reshaping diagnostics, improving efficiency, and expanding clinical capability, further underscoring the importance of sustained federal investment in imaging research and innovation. The afternoon sessions explored strategies to strengthen the talent pipeline, supporting researchers across their career stages while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
My Reflection on Our Time on Capitol Hill
Together, these three days reflect the full spectrum of what advocacy can be: preparation, conversation, demonstration, and collaboration. The AIUM’s presence in Washington underscores our commitment to advancing ultrasound, supporting research, and ensuring that policymakers understand the essential role imaging plays in modern healthcare.
If you have any feedback on this topic specifically, or on whether the AIUM should do more or less nonpartisan advocacy in the future, please reach out to me at president@aium.org.
I am proud to represent our organization and to continue our work to elevate the impact of ultrasound nationwide.
David C. Jones, MD, FAIUM
President, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
AIUM Member since 1993
Director, University of Vermont Medical Center Fetal Diagnostic Center
Professor of Obstetrics, Midwifery, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Larner College of Medicine
University of Vermont, Burlington
