DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER
Monica Chap, RDMS
Student Employment ePortfolio
CORE SKILLS
Students graduating from South Piedmont Community College are expected to have learned "core" skills prior to graduation. During my time in the Medical Sonography program, my instructors not only ensured that these skills were taught, but also ensured that these skills were mastered. It was through countless activities and assignments, both interactive and educational, that pushed me to become the student and person I am today. I have learned so much through the years in this program, and I feel that these assignments have helped me become a skillful, knowledgable, well-rounded professional. Below are artifacts of work that I have completed throughout this program that demonstrate that I have met each one of these core skills. I feel that each of these artifacts has allowed me to stitch many more "patches of experience" into my quilt.
Written Communication
You will organize and express ideas clearly through written communication in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.
This means you will learn to write your thoughts in a clear and organized way so others can understand you.
For the written communication core skill, my first goal was to be able to effectively portray the scenario of a case study to my readers that included informative and relevant material that was easy to follow and understand. My second goal was to be able to properly execute an APA-cited research paper with proper grammer and punctuation. English 111 and Introduction to Medical Sonography were two pre-reqrusite courses that I took prior to entering the Medical Sonography program that really gave me the knowledge and skills to be an effective written communicator. I learned how to properly compose a research paper with APA citations and the basics of ultrasound terminology. It was great preparation for all written components that were required throughout the sonography program.
For this artifact, I chose to showcase a research paper that I had written for a case study project in my SON 225 Case Studies course in the Fall of 2015. It describes a case that I had scanned with a sonographer at CMC-Main Hospital in which the patient had cancerous lymph nodes. I researched the patient's clinical symptoms and diagnosis and presented the information to my instructors and classmates. I composed this paper in APA format and ensured that there were no grammatical errors. I feel that this written work provided insightful information and was easy to understand. I feel that this artifact is a great demonstration of my written communication skills and that I met the goals I had set for myself.
Written communication is a vital skill in many careers, but it is imperative for medical professionals to have strong written communication skills. Findings are recorded by many professionals in the medical field and are permanently filed for many years in a way to communicate with several other medical professionals when oral communication cannot be used. For sonographers, the findings of each ultrasound scan must be accurately portrayed to the radiologist for proper dictation. When clearly stated, it allows the radiologists and physicians to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat their patients, which is of ultimate importance. I feel that this artifact shows my growth as a written communicator and has prepared me for communicating my findings with others.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The learner will apply the basic principles of individual or group behavior to current and future challenges of working and collaborating with others with respect to diversity and global issues.
I truly enjoy working with others. For the collaboration and team work core skill, my first goal was to be able to work with others in all aspects of the assignment without simply dividing the work among us. My second goal was to be able to compromise and collaborate as a team to create a unique and educational activity for our classmates to demonstrate their knowledge. I have successfully worked with others many times before, but it often does not happen without challenges. I met my greatest challenges in COM 110 and PHY 110 before being accepted into the Medical Sonography program. In both courses, I was assigned to work with others, and the work was divided among group members rather than working all together on each aspect of the assignment. While the assignments turned out well, I felt like the assignments would have been more successful and less stressful if we had collaborated together on every aspect. It’s difficult to “work together” if you do not actually work together.
This artifact was completed during the Fall of 2014 in my SON 140 Gynecologic Sonography course. I was placed in a group with two of my classmates, Kristen and Jared, and we were required to teach our class about endometriosis. We created a PowerPoint presentation, a written paper, and a fun, educational jeopardy game all together. Our game turned out great and we had so much fun with our class. Each one of us had skills to offer and we made sure to use them to our advantage. I found that our project was much better than any of us expected and we learned a lot about endometriosis by working together. It was not always easy due to our schedules, but we made it work and it was worth the extra effort. I feel that this artifact demonstrates the teamwork skills that we gained together.
As a sonographer, teamwork is very important. Although you may scan a patient on your own, most sonographers work as a member of an entire department and must collaborate with others, such as other sonographers, nurses, physicians, and radiologists, to care for their patients. In addition, sonographers often have to work with caregivers and family members to help care for patients. Without proper communication and teamwork, excellent care would not be possible for our patients.
Analysis and Interpretation
You will apply the basic principles of interpretation and analysis to synthesize information.
This means you will learn to synthesize information and make conclusions about it.
For the analysis and interpretation core skill, my first goal was to be able to accurately interpret and analyze new information. My second goal was to be able to accurately explain and relay the new information I learned. I feel like all the courses I have taken have provided me skills necessary to effectively analyze and interpret information, but I believe that PHY 110 and SON 111 have helped me the most. Physics is not an easy subject, but those courses not only taught me the new material, but they taught be how to interpret and analyze new material. This was achieved through multiple assignments and quizzes, and ultimately assisted me in passing my SPI examination.
For this artifact, I chose to showcase an assignment I completed in my SON 250 Vascular Sonography course during this last semester. The assignment required me to read an article that was presented by the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography that discussed Arterial Hemodynamics. This was new material for me. I have learned during my time in this program that I am a visual learner and learn best by being shown how to do things, so I sometimes struggle with being able to interpret new information that I have read. I believe this assignment demonstrates my ability to accurately interpret the information and diagrams in the article in order the properly answer the associated questions. I feel that in answering these questions, I was able to meet my goals.
Interpretation and analysis is vital for all medical professionals. As sonographers, we must be able to analyze and interpret ultrasound images, physician orders, patient history, exam results, patient signs and symptoms, and much more. Without the skills to analyze and interpret information, it would be very difficult for a sonographer to care for his or her patients.
Oral Communication
You will organize and express ideas clearly through oral communication in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.
This means you will learn to talk with others and in public in a clear and organized way so others can understand you.
Oral communication has always been a weakness of mine. I feel comfortable speaking in public in informal situations, but I tend to get nervous and speak rapidly when I have to give a speech or make a presentation. For the oral communication skill, my first goal was to be able to verbally present a case study to my audience in an effective way that supported my visual research. My second goal was to be able to speak in a clear, concise manner, and at an appropriate pace so that I am easily understood by my audience. Many of the classes I have taken over my time at South Piedmont, such as COM 110, SON 110, SON 140, and SON 225 have trained and prepared me on how to be an effective oral communicator. I learned how to use the correct tone, how to project my voice, and how to speak in a clear and organized fashion so that I can effectively portray my point.
For this artifact, I chose to showcase an obstetrics case study project that was created with WIX for my SON 242 OB Sonography II course in the Fall of 2015. The case study involves a diagnosis of D-Transposition of the Great Arteries that I witnessed during my clinical rotations at Novant Maternal Fetal Medicine. The project guidelines required me to present my website and case findings to my peers. I thoroughly researched the condition so that I was well prepared and confident about the information I was presenting. I feel like my presentation went well and that I did not speak too quickly. I believe I met the goals I have set for myself. I felt like my audience was able to follow along and that this artifact is a good representation of the oral communication skills I have developed.
Oral communication is very important in Sonography. In many of the clinical sites I have been to during this program, sonographers are required to verbally and visually present cases to radiologists on a regular basis. It is vital for sonographers to have the skills to speak confidently and clearly to radiologists and other medical professionals. Physicians and radiologists need to trust and feel comfortable that sonographers are knowledgeable and competent. In addition, sonographers must be able to effectively communicate with their patients and be able to properly explain exams and instructions. I believe that this artifact, along with many others, has prepared me for being an effective oral communicator and that the skills I have learned compliment my written communication skills.
Technology
You will choose and utilize appropriate technologies to access, organize, and analyze and communicate information.
This means you will learn to use the technology that is right for a given task.
For the technology core skill, my first skill was to be able to effectively use a technological program to demonstrate a proper right upper quadrant sonographic protocol. My second goal was to be able to identify accurate and optimal sonographic images to demonstrate a correct protocol. I chose to use Microsoft PowerPoint to display my sonographic images and descriptions. COM 110 and HUM 120 and courses in high school prepared me for creating effective PowerPoint presentations.
For this artifact, I chose a right upper quadrant protocol assignment that I created in my SON 110 Introduction to Sonography course before being accepted into the Medical Sonography program. This assignment was difficult for me. Using PowerPoint was not difficult because I had already gained the skills necessary to create an effective presentation. What I found to be challenging was identifying what images were included in a right upper quadrant protocol and what those images looked like. This was before I was truly introduced into scanning and sonography, so I was not as knowledgeable as I am now. I had to do a lot of research for this assignment, including speaking to sonographers in order to get a better understanding of the protocol. The technology involved in assignment involved a lot more than using PowerPoint. It required me to research online, scan with an ultrasound machine, and identify sonographic images. I believe this assignment showcases the skills I learned and that I met the goals I set for myself.
Looking back, I realize that this assignment taught me so much and was a good introduction into my future career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Technology is vital for sonographers. We must be able to efficiently operate multiple brands of ultrasound technology to perform several types of exams. In addition, sonographers often have to use other types of technology, such as patient charts and computer programs. The better our understanding of the technology we use, the better we can care for our patients.
Problem Solving
You will apply the basic principles of mathematics and/or scientific inquiry to identify, interpret and evaluate and solve problems.
This means you will learn the basics to solving problems.
For the problem solving core skill, my first goal was to create a step-by-step plan to solve a problem. My second goal was to enlist the assistance of knowledgeable and skilled professionals to help me in solving my problem. I have been taught problem solving skills throughout my life, but I feel that SON 110 and SON 225 really helped to set the foundation for becoming a problem solver in regards to ultrasound. I learned how to scan with ultrasound machines, identify normal anatomy and abnormal pathologies, and how to problem solve signs and symptoms through case studies.
For this artifact, I chose to present one of my favorite assignments. At the time, I found it very frustrating and time consuming. However, as I look back at that time, I realize how much it helped me and how much I have grown since then. It was an assignment I completed for my SON 130 Abdominal Sonography course in which I had to become an “expert” of an organ. I chose the pancreas because it was the organ I struggled with the most. I had to practice scanning the pancreas over time, research its anatomy, functions, and pathology, interview sonographers for advice, and reflect on my experience. It was not easy, but I found it to be a very fulfilling assignment and I felt like it helped me to become the sonographer I am now. I believe this assignment demonstrates the skills I gained from this experience and that I met the goals I set for myself as a problem solver.
As a sonographer, I will be required to problem solve every day. With every patient I care for, it will be my responsibility to correlate their medical history, signs and symptoms, and what I see sonographically to assist the radiologist in their diagnosis. Since many radiologists do not scan the patients themselves, sonographers are their eyes, ears, and hands. The better my ability to problem solve, the more efficiently we can care for our patients.