The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is excited to welcome its new CEO, Steven R. Meyers, PhD, a visionary leader with a wealth of experience in healthcare and medical technology. As ultrasound technology continues to evolve, so does the role AIUM plays in shaping its future. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Steve to discuss his vision, leadership approach, and the exciting opportunities ahead for AIUM and the field of ultrasound medicine.

What inspired you to take on this role as CEO of the AIUM?

Since stepping into the CEO role, I’ve focused on listening—meeting with members and staff to understand their needs and aspirations. What has struck me most is the shared passion across the organization: a passion for the profession, the transformative potential of ultrasound technology, and the far-reaching impact of our mission on global healthcare. It’s this energy and commitment that not only validated my decision to join the AIUM but also fuels my vision for its future.

I believe we have the potential to harness this collective passion to build a sustainable organization, one that both nurtures the ultrasound profession and continues to make significant contributions to healthcare worldwide. With the AIUM’s rich history and strong foundation, the opportunity to help shape its next chapter is one I’m truly excited about. Who wouldn’t want to be part of leading this organization into the next 70 years of innovation and global impact?

How has your previous experience prepared you for this role, and what are some of your proudest professional accomplishments?

I see my career in two distinct phases. The first is rooted in hands-on science and medicine. I hold dual degrees in biomedical engineering and computer science, and I earned my doctorate in biomedical engineering, specializing in implanted medical devices and their interaction with human tissue. My work at the interface of technology and healthcare has been foundational. After graduate school, I gained experience in startups, working in ophthalmology and later founding a company focused on maternal and child health. This phase of my career gave me firsthand experience in research, publishing, conferences, business development, and clinical work—the very activities many of our members engage in. I saw the challenges and opportunities from their perspective, which was invaluable.

However, a pivotal moment came when I shifted into a role managing research funding for a transnational program in polymer chemistry, distributing $7 million to support cutting-edge work. This exposed me to a new way of contributing to science—through supporting others’ innovation. It was during this time that I began speaking at international conferences and made my first association contacts, leading to the next phase of my career in the nonprofit space.

In this second phase, I’ve led various facets of association management: membership, professional education, leadership development, CMEs, conferences, publishing, accreditation, and governance. Having been a researcher, attendee, author, and learner myself, I understand what support members need for their careers and how associations can best deliver it.

I’m proud of accomplishments in both phases. On the science side, I contributed to research and patents that have advanced ophthalmologic treatments for conditions like keratoconus. I also played a role in diagnostic research aimed at helping families with infants suffering from failure to thrive.

On the association side, I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built with members—chemists, endocrinologists, and others—at my previous organizations. I believe associations thrive when they are truly member-driven, and fostering meaningful volunteer opportunities has led to impactful collaboration. I’m also proud of leading the overhaul of a 140-year-old membership program to make it more inclusive and relevant, as well as launching new, targeted conferences that provided platforms for members to share their passions and research.

Tell us about your educational background and where your love of science came from.

My love for STEM started early. Even as a child, I was always drawn to science, experimenting in the kitchen and building simple machines—much like the kinds of experiments you’d see on shows like Mr. Wizard. It was a lot of self-directed tinkering, encouraged by my parents, who nurtured my curiosity. In elementary school, we didn’t have a formal science curriculum beyond a visiting science teacher, but by middle school, I finally had the chance to take dedicated science courses. That’s when I truly realized that a career in STEM was where I was headed.

By high school, my path became clearer. I had a deep interest in both biology and computers, so biomedical engineering seemed like the perfect way to combine those passions. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what a biomedical engineer did, and I didn’t have any STEM role models in my family or social circle—most people I knew worked in business. Still, my family was very supportive of my unconventional choice, and I became the first in my family to earn a degree in a STEM field and the first to earn an advanced degree of any sort.

What trends in medical ultrasound are you most excited about, and how will the AIUM support research and development in these areas?

While it’s been a while since I engaged deeply with ultrasound technology, my background in biomedical engineering gave me a solid foundation in the field. The advancements since my early experiences—particularly in cardiac catheter tracking—have been extraordinary. As I reacquaint myself with the current state of ultrasound in 2024, I’m excited to see how far it’s come. What really stands out to me now is the potential for ultrasound to revolutionize care in rural and underserved regions, where its portability and cost-effectiveness can provide critical diagnostic support. Additionally, the growing role of ultrasound in therapeutic and curative applications is a major breakthrough that could reshape how we think about noninvasive treatment options.

As I continue to immerse myself in the latest trends, I’m convinced that ultrasound science and practice are on the verge of even more transformative breakthroughs. I’m excited to collaborate with our members, leaders, and staff to ensure the AIUM stays at the forefront of supporting these innovations.

The AIUM is uniquely positioned to support these emerging trends. We have a rich history and unparalleled convening power within the ultrasound community. Whether it’s through our conferences, which serve as incubators for cutting-edge ideas, our highly regarded journal and publications, or our communities of practice, the AIUM is the hub for advancing ultrasound knowledge and implementation. We also provide critical infrastructure, such as accreditation, continuing education, and member networks, all of which are essential for fostering research and development. As ultrasound technology continues to evolve, the AIUM will be leading the charge, ensuring that these advancements are realized and disseminated across the global healthcare landscape.

What is your leadership style and philosophy?

My leadership philosophy is rooted in passion and service. I believe that passion is something you can’t teach, and I’ve been deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of every AIUM member I’ve met. Their commitment to the profession, the field, and this organization is remarkable. Case in point, not a single person among the dozens upon dozens I’ve met with has been late to our discussions—I’ve never seen that before. Everyone is really busy but everyone ensured they made time to share with me about the AIUM and the good that it can do.

I believe associations exist to serve their members, and my leadership approach reflects that. My focus is on ensuring that everything we do directly benefits our members and advances the field of ultrasound. To achieve this, I prioritize transparency and open communication, making sure that members are informed about what’s happening within the organization and why. I also rely heavily on data and information to guide decision-making, ensuring that our actions are grounded in what will have the most positive impact.

I’m a firm believer in an open-door policy. I genuinely enjoy connecting with our members and hearing their thoughts, and I view these interactions as invaluable for shaping our direction. As we continue to evolve, member feedback is essential, which is why I encourage everyone to participate in our upcoming survey and share how we can best serve their needs.

Are there any new initiatives or programs you plan to introduce to enhance the member experience?

It’s still early in my tenure, and my first priority is to truly understand the diverse needs of our members before implementing any new initiatives. The AIUM exists to serve its members, and I want to ensure that any enhancements we introduce are fully aligned with what will bring the most value to our community. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and I believe we have significant opportunities to increase both the emotional and practical benefits we provide.

In collaboration with the Board of Governors and our dedicated staff, I’m excited to explore ways to strengthen our offerings over the coming months and years. We are committed to continually improving the member experience, and I want to make sure our efforts reflect what matters most to you.

To that end, we’ll soon be launching a comprehensive survey to better understand our members’ needs, how they’re engaging with the AIUM, and what we can do to enhance their experience. I encourage all members to participate, as your feedback will guide our decisions and help shape the future of the AIUM’s programs and services. Members, please keep an eye out for the survey, and in the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts directly with me at ceo@aium.org.

Give us a few fun facts that members may find interesting!

• I’m the kind of person who likes to keep my hands busy, so I’m often tackling DIY projects around the house. Over the years, I’ve built sheds, repaired appliances, and dabbled in everything from electrical work and plumbing to HVAC and landscaping. Of course, I’m not too proud to call in the experts when a job is beyond my expertise, but I enjoy the challenge of fixing things myself.
• Before we had kids, my wife and I lived in Boston and loved hiking with our dog on weekends. We found ourselves hitting the same trails, so to mix things up, we started geocaching. For those unfamiliar, geocaching is like a global treasure hunt where people hide small containers and share clues on how to find them. It’s a great way to discover new places! I’ve made it a goal to find a geocache in every state and country I visit. So far, I’ve found them in 29 states and 17 countries. While I’ll see you all in Florida for the Advanced OB course in February and the 2025 AIUM national conference in April, I’ve already found one there—so the hunt will have to continue elsewhere!
• When my wife and I were looking for our first dog, we couldn’t agree on a breed. I grew up with Golden Retrievers and she had a Shetland Sheepdog. One day we saw a photo of a dog that looked like a combination of the breeds, which is how we discovered what Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were. We agreed they were the ones for us, and now over 15 years later, we’re firmly a Toller family and welcomed our second three-and-a-half years ago.

Steven R. Meyers, PhD, is the CEO of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).