Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The SDMS Foundation Volunteer Leadership Program, offered every two years, invites a cohort of sonographers to be mentored as future leaders within the SDMS. The program provides participants with the opportunity to observe the SDMS volunteer and leadership structure, gain insight into governance processes, and network with experienced leaders and subject matter experts in the field.

The cohort will participate in a variety of volunteer and leadership education opportunities, designed to engage them in meaningful dialogue and projects related to volunteerism within the SDMS. The program culminates with the opportunity for all participants to be considered for future SDMS volunteer positions, with one member of the cohort selected to attend the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Fall and Spring meetings as a guest.

Eligibility

• Be a current member of SDMS in good standing throughout the application cycle, the duration of the program (a membership lapse will result in removal from the program), and the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Spring and Fall meetings.
• Be currently certified and registered by a national sonography credentialing body recognized by the SDMS Board of Directors and in accordance with the SDMS Position Statement: Recognition of Sonography Credentialing Organizations.
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in diagnostic medical sonography as a credentialed sonographer.
• Not have previously served in a formal SDMS volunteer role (i.e., Board of Directors, standing committees, advisory committees). Participation in short-term focus groups, peer review activities, or other informal engagement opportunities does not constitute prior formal volunteer service.
• Provide a letter of support from their direct supervisor to participate in the program (click here to download the form).
• Complete the Volunteer Leadership Program online application, including providing any required attachment(s).
• Attend scheduled calls and actively participate in educational activities and program assignments related to volunteer leadership development.
• Be available to attend the following year’s SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Fall and Spring meetings.

Restrictions and Limitations

• Completed applications, including all required attachments, must be received no later than 11:59 pm (central time) on the last day of the application period. An incomplete application will be disqualified.
• Applicants are required to adhere to the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board Policies: Volunteer Conflict of Interest and disclose any conflicts of interest that may prevent participation or arise during the program or during SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Fall and Spring meetings.
• If the cohort’s grant recipient is unable to attend the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Meetings, an alternate may be selected at the Board’s discretion.
• Participation in the SDMS Volunteer Leadership Program does not restrict participants from applying for or receiving other SDMS Foundation grants or scholarships, in accordance with the eligibility requirements of those programs. NOTE: The SDMS Foundation Volunteer Leadership Program cohort participants are ineligible to also receive an SDMS Educational Grant within the same calendar year.
• Previous participants in the SDMS Foundation Volunteer Leadership Program or the SDMS Foundation Emerging Leaders are ineligible to apply for future cohorts.
• If a supervisor who serves as an SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board member provides a letter of support for an applicant, the Board member cannot participate in the cohort selection or grant recipient selection processes.

Cohort Selection

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and comply with all restrictions and limitations. A maximum of five (5) applicants will be accepted into each cohort. If more than five (5) eligible applications are received, all eligible applications will be anonymized and reviewed by the SDMS Foundation Volunteer Leadership Program Mentors for selection. Applications are evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated interest, as evidenced by the applicant’s responses to required application questions.
• Leadership potential, as evidenced by the letter of support from their direct supervisor.
• Commitment and availability to attend scheduled calls and complete required program assignments.
• Consideration of a balanced and representative cohort reflecting diverse professional backgrounds, experiences, ideas, perspectives, areas of practice, and geographic distribution.

If a participant fails to fulfill program obligations (e.g., lack of attendance, participation, or completion of assignments), the participant may be removed from further participation and will be ineligible to receive any program benefits or recognition, including receipt of the grant award.