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In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Dr. Judy Hung (Mass General Hospital, Boston) for a candid, sonographer-focused conversation on valvular heart disease—and why high-quality echocardiography drives real clinical decisions in today’s structural heart era. Dr. Hung shares what drew her to valve disease through the lens of physiology and hemodynamics, and why echo is the frontline tool for determining whether stenosis or regurgitation is truly hemodynamically significant. The discussion dives into common valve-assessment pitfalls—like failing to chase the highest aortic stenosis gradients with multiple windows, skipping the non-imaging (Pedoff) probe, and missing key steps in MR quantification (zoom, baseline shift, and PISA setup). They also unpack how echo data influences heart team decisions for TAVR, why sonographer training and career pathways matter for retention, and how the profession may evolve with AI-assisted measurements and improving 3D transthoracic imaging—without replacing the need for skilled sonographers. Plus: a few fun rapid-fire moments (equitherapy with "donkeys,” talking to chickens, and an echo myth Dr. Hung is ready to retire for good). If you’re ready to level up your valve game—this one’s 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/
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What really goes into building an echocardiography training program from scratch?
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Daniel Bourque for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching and sustaining a hospital-based echocardiography program at Orlando Health. Daniel shares the five-year journey of developing an employer-backed echo program—from navigating state licensing, board reviews, and massive documentation requirements to selecting students, building clinical rigor, and fostering real-world decision-making at the bedside. With over 1,300–1,500 clinical scanning hours, early hands-on exposure, and strong internal recruitment, this program is a powerful example of what’s possible when education stays rooted in clinical reality. Together, Lara and Daniel unpack:
Because strong programs don’t happen overnight—and the work behind them deserves to be seen. 💜💙 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 with Kelly Thorson, DHSc, MSRS, MS, ACS, RDCS, FASE, to talk about what it takes to build—and sustain—excellence in pediatric and fetal echocardiography. Kelly shares practical insight on recruiting and training pediatric echo sonographers, why mentorship and lifelong learning matter, and how sonographers can grow into research, education, and leadership pathways. They also dive into the real-world integration of 3D echo and strain in pediatric labs—how to train teams, improve consistency, and expand access to advanced imaging even outside academic centers.
💜💙#SonographersAfterDark #iHeartEcho #AllAboutUltrasound #LoveUltrasound #LoveEcho 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/ From Guidelines to Growth with Dr. Anita Moon-Grady: How Sonographers Excel in Fetal Cardiology1/23/2026 In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Dr. Anita Moon‑Grady, pediatric cardiologist at UCSF, for a deep dive into the evolving world of fetal echocardiography training and career development. Dr. Moon-Grady shares how fetal echo sonographers are trained within her program, and how additional fetal expertise is built through mentored learning, progressive responsibility, and certification.
Together, Lara and Anita unpack what true career progression looks like in fetal cardiology—from senior to principal sonographer roles—and why fetal board certification matters. The conversation explores the cross-training divide between obstetrics and pediatric cardiology, highlighting realistic training timelines, skill transfer, and the unique challenges sonographers face when entering fetal echo from different clinical backgrounds. Dr. Moon-Grady also reflects on her work with the American Society of Echocardiography and the AIUM to harmonize fetal echocardiography guidelines across specialties, helping standardize exams, expectations, and training pathways nationwide. ✨ This episode is a must-listen for sonographers curious about fetal echo, leaders shaping training programs, and anyone passionate about advancing fetal heart care through collaboration and education. 💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iHeartEcho #AllAboutUltrasound #LoveUltrasound #LoveEcho #FetalEcho #Fetal Echocardiography Watch the fullepisode 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/ What does it really take to build a hospital-based echocardiography program from scratch—inside one of the busiest labs in the country?
In this episode, Lara Williams is joined by Amy Dillenbeck, who leads the echo training program at Cleveland Clinic, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching a sonography school after COVID-era staffing challenges pushed facilities to think differently. Amy walks through the early overwhelm (researching successful programs, navigating Ohio requirements, creating objectives and lesson plans, recruiting, marketing—plus all the unexpected parts like scheduling, payments, and yes… snow days). They discuss why the program intentionally accepts only 8 students per year, how clinical support from staff sonographers makes or breaks the student experience, and how the results have exceeded every expectation--100% graduation, placement, and board pass rates, plus 23 hires in 3 years helping strengthen staffing and elevate lab culture. They also dive deep into HOCM, where Amy shares what she’s seeing shift in evaluation and why sonographers play a critical role in not missing LVOT obstruction. You’ll learn the practical “how-to” behind goal-directed Valsalva—a more standardized, measurable approach that can improve consistency and help unmask gradients without losing your images. Finally, Amy and Lara talk ASE, attending Scientific Sessions, why involvement builds confidence and opportunity, and what the FASE designation can mean for sonographers who want to lead, teach, and level up. 💜💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iheartecho 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET. Watch the fullepisode 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 with Lauren Castro, ACS, RDCS, to talk about one of the biggest career transitions in our field—moving from clinical sonography into the ultrasound industry.
After nearly a decade in hospital echo labs, Lauren felt pulled toward a different kind of challenge: more travel, more teaching, and a new professional mindset. Today she works as a clinical specialist supporting ultrasound-enhancing agents in the cardiac space—educating sonographers, optimizing machines, and partnering closely with sales teams. Lara and Lauren dig into what that transition really feels like. They talk about adapting to the competitive sales culture, leveraging the credibility of hands-on clinical experience, and stretching into new skills like communication, team dynamics, and relationship building. Lauren shares inside tips on networking, tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding the personality traits that help clinicians succeed in industry roles. They also get real about life outside of work—balancing travel with raising young kids, managing “mom guilt,” choosing the right employer for your family’s needs, and periodically reassessing your priorities as life changes. And yes… they touch on the physical relief that comes from not scanning every single day. Whether you're burned out, curious about industry opportunities, or wondering how to take the next step in your sonography career, this conversation offers honest insight, practical guidance, and inspiration for anyone ready to grow beyond the scan room. 💜💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iheartecho 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET. Watch the fullepisode 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 special Thanksgiving episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down to reflect on gratitude, growth, and grace in the face of personal and professional challenges. She shares her journey from hardship and health struggles to becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for sonographers everywhere.
Lara opens up about the losses she’s endured, the resilience it took to continue showing up for patients, and the internal work required to transform her attitude, her relationships, and her career. She dives into the importance of mentorship, positive workplace culture, and the practice of daily gratitude as a tool for personal growth. This heartfelt episode encourages listeners to look for the good, even in difficult seasons, and to invest in becoming the best version of themselves. Drop what you’re grateful for in the comments—then use code “THANKFUL” for 25% off as a token of appreciation for the community. 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET. Watch the fullepisode 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, Lara and Lisa dive into the realities of navigating career transitions within the medical imaging world — from shifting roles to redefining what a sustainable, fulfilling path looks like as a sonographer. They talk openly about balancing demanding schedules, managing burnout, and finding your footing when your professional identity begins to evolve. The conversation also explores the newest advancements in ultrasound, including the rise of AI technology, and why it’s more important than ever for sonographers to advocate for their well-being, their workflow, and their voice in shaping the future of the field. This one’s all about growth, resilience, and staying empowered in a rapidly changing industry.
🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET. Watch the fullepisode 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/ Episode 4 - From the Scan Room to the Showroom: Interview Risa Schneck Clinical Applications10/24/2025 Ever wonder what it’s like to leave the day-to-day of scanning and step into the world of ultrasound industry and innovation? 💡 Om this episode, Lara sits down with Clinical Applications Specialist Risa Schneck to talk about the real transition from scanning patients to supporting sonographers, training teams, and working alongside cutting-edge tech. We’re talking: ⚡ The ups and downs of leaving clinical life 🌍 Life on the road and working with new systems 🎯 The skills that translate — and the surprises that don’t 🚀 Finding freedom, balance, and growth outside the scan room If you’ve ever thought about switching gears in your ultrasound career, this episode is for you. #SonographersAfterDark #AllAboutUltrasound #UltrasoundPodcast #UltrasoundLife #Sonography #ClinicalApplications #UltrasoundIndustry #SonographerCareer #IHEARTECHO 
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