For Pamela M. Foy, MS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM, the AIUM has been a constant companion throughout nearly her entire career in diagnostic ultrasound. From accessing cutting-edge research through the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine to presenting at Annual Conventions, participating in scan labs, and supporting AIUM accreditation initiatives, her membership has provided opportunities for professional growth, education, and connection. Over the course of almost 40 years as an AIUM member, Pamela has seen the organization play a pivotal role in advancing ultrasound practice while helping professionals stay at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.
For nearly five decades, Pamela has witnessed the remarkable evolution of diagnostic ultrasound firsthand. From beginning her sonography career in the late 1970s to becoming a respected educator and leader in maternal-fetal imaging, Pamela’s commitment to advancing ultrasound has been closely intertwined with her longstanding involvement in the AIUM.
For nearly five decades, Pamela has witnessed the remarkable evolution of diagnostic ultrasound firsthand. From beginning her sonography career in the late 1970s to becoming a respected educator and leader in maternal-fetal imaging, Pamela’s commitment to advancing ultrasound has been closely intertwined with her longstanding involvement in the AIUM.
In this Member Spotlight, Pamela reflects on the value of AIUM membership, the importance of professional education, and the relationships that have enriched her career.
Why did you choose to join the AIUM?
I attended a one-year certificate sonography program at Thomas Jefferson University beginning June of 1978. After completing the sonography program, I was hired by the Division of Ultrasound at Thomas Jefferson University, splitting my time equally between clinical work and research. At this time, diagnostic ultrasound was in its infancy and was growing tremendously with transducer development, analog ultrasound system designs, and new types of ultrasound examinations that could be used to evaluate the human body. The radiologists would share articles so that the sonography team could become proficient at performing ultrasound examinations, but also stay aware of industry changes that were occurring regularly. When I relocated to central Ohio in 1986, I joined the AIUM to ensure I could maintain access to these vital articles within the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.
What is your favorite AIUM benefit?
My favorite benefit of the AIUM is attending the AIUM Annual Convention at a reduced rate. This event brings together physicians, scientists, sonographers, students, other medical professionals, and vendors, creating a wonderful environment to learn and grow. I always enjoy networking with my peers. It is both inspiring and a morale boost to catch up with longtime friends and meet new colleagues. Additionally, ultrasound companies showcase their latest innovations in the exhibit hall, often releasing new technology. Having been a sonographer for 47 years, I know many of the representatives who work the exhibits, and it is always fun to reconnect with them.
What does the AIUM mean to you?
The AIUM has always been an integral part of my professional career. The first AIUM Annual Conference that I attended was in New Orleans in 1980, the 25th anniversary of the organization. This meeting was a joint venture for the AIUM and the SDMS. I remember the exhibit hall showcasing major technological breakthroughs in ultrasound systems. As a young sonographer, I was in awe attending a major ultrasound event and knew that I would continue to attend national ultrasound meetings. Since then, I have attended many AIUM annual conferences and have given presentations, as well as have been involved with scan labs. Education is a passion of mine, and contributing to the obstetrical scan labs allows me to connect with individuals striving to become proficient in obstetric ultrasound examinations.
Has being a member of the AIUM helped you in your career? If so, how?
Membership with the AIUM has numerous benefits that have helped me throughout my career. I particularly value the practice parameters and training guidelines for the specialty areas that are important to me, obstetrics and fetal echocardiography. The practice parameters and training guidelines are frequently updated to help professionals stay current, and they are available to non-members as well. The practice parameters also include an image library, which serves as a helpful reference. If you are uncertain what an image should look like, you can review a specific image within the online library for each specific examination.
During my time at The Ohio State University, the Women’s Imaging Lab has been continuously accredited by the AIUM since 1999. While accreditation is voluntary, it has always been important to our MFM physicians and sonographers. It demonstrates that our imaging lab meets strict safety and quality standards, has up-to-date procedures and guidelines, and regular preventative maintenance on all ultrasound systems. All pregnant women should have an ultrasound examination performed by sonographers and read by qualified MFM physicians. Additionally, the AIUM staff are wonderful, knowledgeable, and are there every day to assist you when you have questions, and most likely you will have questions. They are just a phone call away!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
If you are a member of the AIUM, but you have never experienced the Annual Ultrasound Convention, I highly recommend you consider attending. It is a great opportunity to earn medical CME credits, learn about emerging artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, explore cutting-edge research, participate in a scanning lab, and visit the exhibit hall, to name a few of my favorites. Most importantly to me, it is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for diagnostic ultrasound—a profession that has grown leaps and bounds over the past 50 years!
Pamela M. Foy, MS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM, is a Department of OB/GYN Clinical Associate Professor (retired) from the Ohio State University.
