For many sonographers, the traditional career path can feel limiting. But what if you could create a role that combines clinical excellence, education, leadership, and patient advocacy—all while continuing to do what you love?
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark™, Lara Williams is joined by Krysta Nestle to explore the evolving role of the Advanced Practice Sonographer (APS) and how it's opening new doors for career growth across the ultrasound profession.
Krysta shares her journey from general ultrasound into maternal-fetal medicine, how she discovered advanced practice sonography, and why she's passionate about helping shape this emerging role within her own healthcare system. Together, they discuss the power of lifelong learning, mentorship, quality improvement, cross-training, and collaborating with physicians to improve patient care.
Whether you work in general ultrasound, echocardiography, vascular, OB/GYN, or maternal-fetal medicine, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the traditional job description and recognize that your career doesn't have to fit into someone else's mold. Sometimes the best opportunities aren't found—they're created.
In this episode, we discuss:

• What an Advanced Practice Sonographer (APS) is
• Creating new career opportunities within your organization
• The importance of mentorship, education, and quality improvement
• Cross-training and expanding your clinical expertise
• Rural healthcare challenges and improving access to specialized imaging
• The future of advanced practice in diagnostic medical sonography
• Why sonographers should advocate for their own professional growth

If you're ready to move beyond simply performing exams and begin shaping the future of your career—and the profession—this episode is one you won't want to miss.



Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

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In this episode of Sonographers After Dark™, Lara Williams sits down with newly retired sonographer Pam Foy, whose remarkable 47-year career has spanned nearly the entire modern history of diagnostic medical ultrasound.
Pam shares how her journey began after graduating from Thomas Jefferson, her years working in Philadelphia before relocating to Columbus, Ohio, and the incredible changes she's witnessed throughout the profession. From early ultrasound technology to today's advanced imaging systems, she reflects on the evolution of sonography, memorable patient experiences, career milestones, and the lessons that only decades of clinical practice can teach.
Whether you're a student just entering the profession, an experienced sonographer, or simply passionate about ultrasound, this conversation offers valuable insight into where our profession has been—and where it's headed.
Join us for an inspiring discussion about dedication, lifelong learning, and leaving a lasting legacy in sonography.


Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
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In this heartfelt solo episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara Williams gets real about the emotional weight, purpose, and impact behind the work sonographers do every single day.

From moments of self-doubt and burnout to powerful reminders of why showing up matters, this episode dives into the unseen side of healthcare — the sacrifices, the pressure, the passion, and the lives impacted scan after scan. Lara reflects on the value sonographers bring to patients, coworkers, students, and the profession as a whole, while encouraging listeners to keep showing up authentically and remember that their work truly matters.

Whether you’re a student, seasoned sonographer, educator, clinical specialist, or healthcare professional, this episode is a reminder that even on the hard days… your impact is bigger than you realize.​

Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
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#sonographersafterdark #allaboutultrasound #iheartecho 💜🩵

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark™, Lara Williams sits down with sonographer, entrepreneur, and author Victor Bonney to discuss his new book, Beyond the Probe, and the evolving role of sonographers in healthcare. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond being viewed as "just a tech" and embrace the knowledge, critical thinking, and professionalism that define modern sonography.
The conversation dives into the realities of starting and scaling an ultrasound business, lessons learned from successes and failures, the challenges of mobile imaging, and why so many sonographers are never taught the business side of healthcare. Lara and Victor also discuss credentialing, patient advocacy, communication skills, advanced practice roles, and the importance of building systems that create long-term freedom and sustainability.
Whether you're a student, staff sonographer, educator, manager, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into professional growth, leadership, and the future opportunities available within the ultrasound profession.

Tune in for an honest discussion about what it takes to build a career—and a business—beyond the probe.


Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down in person with soon-to-be graduate Camryn Womeldorf to explore what it really takes to become a sonographer—from the classroom to clinicals and into the real world.
This conversation pulls back the curtain on ultrasound school, highlighting the challenges that test students the most—physics, clinical performance, and the mental pressure of patient care. Camryn shares firsthand insights on building confidence, developing technical skill, and learning how to navigate patient interactions while maintaining professionalism.
They also dive into what separates students who succeed from those who struggle, the importance of initiative during clinicals, and how small habits—like communication and work ethic—can shape an entire career.
From landing a competitive role at Ohio State to preparing for registry exams, this episode is a real and honest look at the journey of becoming a sonographer—and what it takes to thrive beyond graduation.
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Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
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🎙️ In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara Williams sits down with Christina Fields, BS, ACS, RVT, RDCS, RDMS, FASE for a real, unfiltered conversation about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between in the world of sonography.
From stepping into leadership as a technical director to navigating accreditation, mentorship, and the evolving expectations of advanced practice, Tina shares what it truly takes to grow in this field. But beyond the clinical and professional side, this episode dives into something deeper—the emotional weight of the job.
They talk about burnout, showing up for patients on their hardest days, and what it means to keep going even when life outside of work feels heavy. Tina also shares powerful insights from her volunteer experiences, including international work in Nepal, and how those moments reshaped her perspective on purpose, patient care, and gratitude.
This is more than a conversation about ultrasound—it’s about resilience, mindset, and remembering why you started.
Because at the end of the day…
the hard days will come—but they don’t have to win.

Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
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Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in healthcare—it’s already reshaping what happens inside the ultrasound room.
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara talks with Caroline Christopher from Cycle Clarity - the conversation explores how AI is actively transforming fertility ultrasound, with a closer look at CycleClarity and its role in automated follicular monitoring. From reducing scan time and improving measurement consistency to enhancing workflow efficiency, this technology is changing how sonographers approach high-volume, high-stakes imaging.
The discussion breaks down how AI supports—not replaces—the sonographer, helping reduce physical strain, streamline repetitive tasks, and create more standardized, reliable data across scans. It also addresses the real concerns many professionals have about AI, including job security, increasing patient loads, and shifting expectations in clinical practice.
Beyond the technical side, this episode highlights the impact on patient care—showing how improved visualization, reporting, and communication can help patients feel more informed and connected throughout their fertility journey.
As demand continues to rise and staffing challenges persist, AI is emerging as a critical tool to help bridge the gap—supporting sonographers, improving efficiency, and ultimately elevating the standard of care in fertility imaging

Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
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In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, host Lara Williams sits down with Douglas Richardson to explore the journey from clinical sonographer to healthcare leader.
Doug shares how he progressed from an uncertain start in college to leading accreditation efforts across multiple hospitals and stepping into a system-level strategy role. His experience highlights the realities of growth in healthcare—where clinical expertise must be paired with business insight, leadership skills, and the ability to influence change.
The conversation covers:

• The transition from bedside scanning to leadership and strategy
• What accreditation truly involves beyond meeting minimum standards
• The importance of communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building
• Challenges of aligning large teams across multiple hospitals
• The growing need for sonographers to understand healthcare operations and business
• The evolving role of AI in echocardiography and lab efficiency
• Actionable advice for sonographers pursuing leadership, education, or advanced practice roles

This episode offers insight for sonographers at every stage—whether entering the field, navigating career growth, or exploring leadership pathways. It reinforces that leadership is not defined by title, but by initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to improving patient care.
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Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
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What does it really mean to be an advanced practice sonographer—and where is the profession heading next?
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, we explore the evolving role of the sonographer beyond traditional scanning. From clinical expertise and pre-read responsibilities to remote work opportunities and expanded influence in patient care, this conversation dives into how sonographers are stepping into more advanced, high-impact roles across healthcare.
Joined by Cherish Hockey, we unpack what it takes to transition into these positions—from building trust with physicians and strengthening diagnostic confidence, to navigating imposter syndrome and embracing continuous learning. We also talk about the realities of moving away from full-time scanning, the growing demand for quality-driven workflows, and how technology is opening new doors for sonographers willing to adapt.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in your career—or how to position yourself for more—this episode is your roadmap to rising beyond the probe and into your full potential.

Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

#sonographersafterdark #iheartecho #allaboutultrasound #loveultrasound #AdvancedPracticeSonographer #ultrasound #sonographer

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Carlton Hartwell, ACS, RDCS, FASE and they dive into the evolving role of the Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) and what it truly means to move beyond scanning into leadership, education, and quality-driven practice.
While the ACS credential has been around for years, many healthcare organizations are still trying to define how to fully utilize these highly trained professionals. We explore the real-world responsibilities of the ACS—from protocol development and lab leadership to research involvement and advanced procedures like TEE.
They also break down the pathway to credentials like ACS and American Society of Echocardiography fellowship, and why these designations are becoming increasingly important in today’s echo landscape.
The conversation expands into:

• The growing need for leadership—not just technical skill—in echo labs
• The role of ACS in quality improvement, accreditation, and appropriate use
• The integration of AI in echocardiography and where human expertise still matters
• The future of echocardiography training, including immersive programs and cross-training pathways

Lara highlights innovative tools like the iHeartEcho™ EchoAssist™ app, designed to bring guideline-based clinical intelligence directly to the bedside.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in your career as a sonographer—or how to elevate your role within your lab—this episode is for you.


​Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

#sonographersafterdark #iheartecho #allaboutultrasound #loveecho #loveultrasound #bettercardiology #echoquality #cardiacultrasound ​