N E W S   R E L E A S E

Societies Join Together to Promote Medical Ultrasound Awareness

Plano, Texas - Recognizing the importance of increasing public awareness of medical ultrasound and promoting its value in health care, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) have joined together to sponsor Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month in October 2003.

The goal of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is to increase the public's knowledge about medical ultrasound. The 2003 campaign will focus specifically on acquainting patients with some of the terminology related to medical ultrasound, including terms such as echocardiography, sonographer, sonologist, Doppler, peripheral arterial disease, and more.

The AIUM, ASE, SDMS, and SVU are encouraging members of the medical community to participate in Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month by familiarizing and educating their patients about medical ultrasound through specially planned activities and educational materials.

To assist ultrasound professionals with planning activities for Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, a free information kit, which includes an ultrasound fact and terminology sheet, a list of suggested activities, logos to use in promotional materials, and information on how to get the media and local government involved will be made available.

To request more information or a free Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month information kit, contact any of the sponsoring organizations listed below or visit their websites for details.

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is a collaborative effort of the AIUM, ASE, SDMS, and SVU, who share the common goal of familiarizing and educating the public about medical ultrasound and its importance in health care.