leadership | The Scan

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?

I’ve always had a deep passion for science and medicine, but what drives me most is the desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Associations like the AIUM uniquely offer the opportunity to blend those passions, advancing both the field and the broader good. After spending years in the for-profit sector, transitioning to a non-profit like the AIUM has been incredibly rewarding. It allows me to work closely with dedicated professionals and serve the members in a way that feels purposeful and mission-driven.

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.

Maya, the Meyers family Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever when she was a puppy.

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

At first, I was excited for the opportunity to write a piece for The Scan on Women in Ultrasound Leadership. I love ultrasound and I love trying to advocate for women in medicine, especially women in medicine leadership. Sounds great, right? Then my efforts quickly became like the purgatory on a page of my personal statement for internal medicine residency application. Next came a hard-core resurgence of the “Impostor Syndrome” I’ve been working pretty hard to quell, with the support of some great colleagues and friends. In case you’re one of the few people who have never experienced this, Impostor Syndrome is defined by Dr Google as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” So, how do you write for yourself and try to encourage others to keep waging and winning these internal AND external battles? Especially when you so very acutely remember all those doubts (and *may* have had to take propranolol for near panic over giving a Meet the Professor session on POCUS at the American College of Physicians convention last year)?! Here’s how: You look at the numbers, get fired up, think about yourself in the past—plus all of the other women out there—and get down to it. Renee

Since you’re probably wondering who in the heck I am, and why I am qualified to write about women in ultrasound leadership, let me introduce myself. I am a lifelong Oregonian outside of 3 years in Boston at Massachusetts General Hospital for my internal medicine residency. During my residency, I fell in love, first with simulation as an educational method, and later with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). I felt these methods could do so much to advance the care of medical patients beyond the ED, where POCUS was most common. Then, I returned home to my first attending role in the Division of Hospital Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). My passion for ultrasound developed further as I learned additional clinical uses and saw just how much you could use ultrasound to teach residents and students in the foundational sciences and beyond.

With the knowledge, support, and sponsorship of my former provost, Dr Jeanette Mladenovic, I started my ultrasound leadership journey. My first experience with the incredibly welcoming national POCUS community was when the World Congress of Ultrasound in Medical Education came to OHSU in October of 2014. With Dr Mladenovic’s encouragement, I helped out with logistics, including scheduling and faculty, room, and machine assignments, and did a bit of teaching. But mostly I fan-girled over my POCUS heroes, learned, and connected. There were probably only 10–15 other internists that year, but I was so inspired by their work and the POCUS community in general that I will forever fondly remember that meeting.

Since then, via connections, friends, mentors, and sponsors made at that meeting, I have been able to teach at national internal medicine (IM) pre-courses, give lectures, webinars, and podcasts, and create and deliver local, regional, and national/international POCUS curricula at OHSU, including for the AIUM (where I now also serve on the Board of Governors).

It’s been a wild ride, and I’d like to take a quick pause to define and highlight the concept of sponsorship, and what it has done for me. “The Real Benefit of Finding a Sponsor” in Harvard Business Review (HBR) asserted:

“The Sponsor Effect” defines a sponsor as someone who uses chips on his or her protégé’s behalf and advocates for his or her next promotion as well as doing at least two of the following: expanding the perception of what the protégé can do; making connections to senior leaders; promoting his or her visibility; opening up career opportunities; offering advice on appearance and executive presence; making connections outside the company; and giving advice. Mentors proffer friendly advice. Sponsors pull you up to the next level.

Another HBR piece I love highlights the importance of women supporting each other, instead of responding to inequality in the workplace by holding down other women. The article describes sponsorship as “connecting a protégé with opportunities and contacts and advocating on their behalf, as opposed to the more advice-focused role of mentorship.”

Setting aside the actual promotion piece of sponsorship (given the rather structured, CV-driven nature of the academic promotion process) in my mind really drills down to someone with influence going above and beyond suggesting high-yield activities and relationships for a mentee. Instead, a sponsor makes those connections for them, putting their name up there for that national committee, speaking role, suggesting them for that multi-site study, etc.

So why am I telling you all this? Because we NEED TO ACT. Across the spectrum, there are profound discrepancies between the two sexes: woman are paid less, promoted less, funded less, published less, and finally, invited to speak & peer review less (https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k5232).

I want to acknowledge that both men and women in the POCUS and ultrasound communities have supported me, but we all have more to do. The ultrasound community is not immune to the “manel.”

“Conceptually, the reason why a panel would be organized in the first place, whether at a conference, on cable news, or as part of a legislative session, is to ensure a diversity of opinions and perspectives are brought to the issue up for discussion…The term manel has, like its predecessors, become a useful way to take note of a circumstance in which men may not realize that something they’re involved in has the effect of marginalizing women.”

Once we acknowledge that there is gender inequality, we can all play an active role in addressing it. Here are a few places to start:

Don’t wait for women to come to you. Step up and volunteer to be a sponsor without being asked.
Nominate a female colleague for an award.
If you find yourself on a planning committee, make sure speaker suggestions include women as well.
Be fair in your authorship, and make sure if you suggest peer reviewers you suggest women and In fact, being inclusive of women can translate to all aspects of your life!

Finally, my message to junior female colleagues: Focus on your strengths and what you have to give. Don’t be like me and be petrified by your lack of formal training, supplemental degrees or certificates, being the only woman or internist or sonographer in the room. No one knows everything. Own what you don’t, be honest, and do NOT let obsession with limitations or perfection be the enemy of good. Take it from me. And if you don’t have one, get out there & find yourself a sponsor. Okay, actually that was my message to all female colleagues!

In closing, I am thankful for the ultrasound community and all of the opportunities I have had to contribute to the AIUM mission and ultrasound use in general. I am honored to be on the Board of Governors for an organization with a female CEO. I am proud to be on faculty at a university with a female Dean, Provost, Chief Medical Officer, and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education. Finally, I am thrilled to contribute my love of POCUS as both an educational & diagnostic tool, along with my love of “gab” & connections to help promote and bring this community closer together in any way I might.

Do you know of a woman whose career advanced with the help of a sponsor? Have you been a sponsor? Comment below, or, AIUM members, continue the conversation on Connect, the AIUM’s online community.

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Renee Dversdal, MD, FACP, is Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of OHSU Point of Care Ultrasound as well as General Medicine Ultrasound Fellowship Director at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

The Scan

The official blog of the AIUM

Tag Archives: leadership

Get to Know Steven R. Meyers, PhD, the New CEO of the AIUM