Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) is celebrated every October to highlight the critical role of medical ultrasound in healthcare and to recognize the dedication and expertise of the professionals who operate this technology. At GE HealthCare, we're proud that many members of our client team began their careers as sonographers. After spending years—some even decades—on the front lines of patient care, these professionals now apply their knowledge to help implement VerisoundTM Ultrasound Digital and AI Solutions at healthcare organizations worldwide.
To honor MUAM, we spoke with a few standout members of our sonography team. Here are some key insights from those conversations.
Valerie Bauer, RDMS
| Training: | Argosy University, Eagan, MN |
| Specialty: | Maternal Fetal Medicine and OB/GYN |
| Role at GEHC: | Lead Clinical Applications Specialist |
What inspired you to become a sonographer?
I was inspired to become a sonographer due to my strong desire to help people – ultrasound was the perfect blend of technology and patient care. It offered me a chance to play a key role in both supporting mom and baby during their pregnancy. The first time I saw that little flicker of a heartbeat on the ultrasound screen, I was hooked.
What do you enjoy about working with Verisound digital ultrasound solutions?
The Verisound solutions simplify and enhance the day-to-day tasks for the clinicians we support. Everything from reporting to collaboration make it more intuitive and more efficient.
One thing about Verisound overall is its commitment to continuous improvement, from AI scan guidance to workflow and productivity to real-time collaboration. I think it empowers health care teams.
What excites you about the future of ultrasound?
AI is truly going to transform ultrasound—the precision in image interpretation, the quicker diagnosis, and better patient outcomes. I also think the trend towards smaller ultrasound devices and putting those devices in people's hands in rural areas to is going to help bridge the gap to bring imaging to the people who need it. And then just the overall improvement in image quality. Higher resolution, and 3D and 4D imaging, are pushing the limit of what we can see and what we can understand within ultrasound.
Barbara Cipiti, RT, RDMS
| Training: | Marymount Hospital and MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Specialty: | Women's Health Ultrasound |
| Role at GEHC: | Clinical Applications Specialist |
What inspired you to become a sonographer?
I started my imaging career in Radiology as a Radiologic Technologist and was inspired to do more in the imaging field, and ultrasound was interesting. The difficulty of the specialty was challenging to me. There is a unique skill set that's needed by a sonographer. That is what was so interesting to me, to have that skill set and to master it. I was accepted into an ultrasound program, obtained my registry certifications, and landed a job as a perinatal sonographer who specializes in ultrasounds of high-risk pregnancies. I worked in that clinical space for 28 years before coming to GE HealthCare.
What do you enjoy about working with Verisound digital ultrasound solutions?
Verisound is a large portfolio of digital solutions – you may need one solution, or you may need several solutions. Working with customers and being able to combine all the digital solutions to help them in their workflow and make it an expedient and accurate and simple for them, is where Verisound can shine. I enjoy the team of individuals I work with who are dedicated to customer. Bringing many digital solutions together to improve the workflow for doctors and sonographers is what I enjoy.
What excites you about the future of ultrasound?
The future of ultrasound looks very bright. We have AI coming into the mix. And with all these new digital technologies and innovative pieces, I think we can bring that all together with ultrasound and create better outcomes for patients.
Dennis Patterson, RDMS, RTR
| Training: | Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL |
| Specialty: | Registered Vascular Technologist |
| Role at GEHC: | Clinical Applications Specialist |
What inspired you to become a sonographer?
During our rotation within the x-ray training program, we got to rotate through CT, MR, angio, and then ultrasound. It looked challenging and interesting all at the same time, using your hands and your expertise. It wasn't just taking pictures. You’re really involved clinically with the physician, trying to understand what's going on with the patient.
What do you enjoy about working with Verisound digital ultrasound solutions?
Verisound has expanded our clinical capabilities. Before joining the Verisound family, I was primarily focused on supporting ViewPointTM 6, our ultrasound reporting solution. The recent combination of GE HealthCare’s ultrasound business with new digital and AI solutions has opened up a whole new range of possibilities for us. Now, we're gaining expertise in a wider range of solutions. This has allowed our team to branch out into new areas, develop our skills, and better support our customers in achieving more efficient and accurate clinical workflows. It’s rewarding to see how these advanced technologies can help improve patient care, and I’m excited to be part of this growing expertise that truly benefits the people we serve.
What excites you about the future of ultrasound?
What excites me about the future of ultrasound is the increased access to the technology. Seeing how it's getting into more people's hands, we’re able to expand the way ultrasound can positively affect patient care by aiding in earlier and more accurate diagnosis. This means more people can benefit from its life-saving potential.
Carol Grone, RDMS (OB/GYN, FE)
| Training: | St. Elizabeth Healthcare Maternal-Fetal Center, Covington, KY |
| Specialty: | Maternal Fetal Medicine |
| Role at GEHC: | Clinical Application Effectiveness Leader |
What inspired you to become a sonographer?
I had been working in OB for quite a few years before my first son was born, so the passion for OB was deeply ingrained. After the first glimpse of him at eight weeks, I was just in awe of the technology. At that moment, I knew that this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my career.
What do you enjoy about working with Verisound digital ultrasound solutions?
If I had to describe what I enjoy most about working with Verisound in one word, it would be "relationships." Our success is built on the connections between customers, global teams, and regional teams, all united by a common goal: helping our customers provide better care for their patients. We listen to their needs and develop products that enhance workflow, accuracy, and efficiency.
What excites you about the future of ultrasound?
From an OB and MFM perspective, I see tremendous potential in AI. I'm excited about its ability to enhance research and enable early diagnoses that improves outcomes.
Learn more about GE HealthCare’s suite of digital and AI ultrasound solutions: Verisound.
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