Dear SDMS Members,

2023 is here! Many exciting things are already underway at the SDMS, and I am pleased to share a brief overview of some of the projects we are working on.

In spring of 2023, the SDMS Board will meet to conduct strategic planning that will guide our efforts for the next five years. Strategic planning is an interactive and collaborative process between the elected Board members, staff, and the SDMS members. Be on the lookout for a survey that will be asking for your feedback on the challenges you face every day as a sonographer and how we can help you advance your career.

In 2023, the SDMS will also be launching a survey to gather data to update the SDMS Salary & Benefits Resources.  We know that you depend on these reports for current and comprehensive information on salary and benefits in the sonography profession. The accuracy and strength of these reports are directly tied to the amount of data that we collect. I encourage you to take the time to complete the survey. You will be responding anonymously, and the collected data will only be reported in aggregate.

Work is also underway on updating the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. In conjunction with this update, the SDMS will also be reviewing the model job descriptions for accuracy and needed updates based on the progression of the profession and the current needs in healthcare.

I am pleased to announce that the SDMS recently published in the SDMS Learning Center two learning activities that were created to support our sonography educators, program directors, clinical coordinators, and concentration coordinators. The first learning activity, Foundations of Curriculum Design, presents an overview of curriculum development, learning theory, and an introduction to the Instructional Systems Design Model.  The second learning activity, Instructional Methodologies, reviews various instructional methodologies that can be used in a diagnostic medical sonography program.

Being a sonographer requires a commitment to lifelong learning and the SDMS is pleased to provide you with up-to-date and easily accessible learning activities so that you can stay abreast of the changes in the sonography profession, serve your patients, and earn CME credits to maintain your credentials. The SDMS works with subject matter experts in all specialties to develop learning activities delivered in a variety of formats. From a robust virtual events calendar to original research and case studies published in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, on-demand learning activities in the SDMS Learning Center, and our in-person annual conference, you will find something that meets your learning needs.

Everything I outlined above would not have occurred without the efforts of our dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in using your skills and experience to support the sonography profession, I encourage you to view the current volunteer opportunities in SDMS Collaborate. There are a variety of opportunities ranging from short-term “micro” volunteer opportunities to projects that are more extensive in nature.

Thank you for being an SDMS member and for your continued support. I look forward to working on your behalf in 2023.

Sincerely,

Catherine E. Rienzo, EdD, RT(R)(ARRT), RDMS, FSDMS

SDMS and SDMS Foundation President