Navigating the intricate world of sonography, it's easy to lose sight of the human touch amidst the whirlwind of technology and constant progress. But every ultrasound reveals a story, a life touched, making each day in this dynamic industry worth it. From revealing new life through pregnancy ultrasounds to diagnosing critical health issues, every procedure awakens gratitude. And when gifted with the chance to share their skills on an international medical mission? That's when they truly understand, it's more than a job - it's an act of service. Just ask Karen Klimas, MS, RT RDMS.

A Recurring Volunteer

In March of 2025, Karen traveled to Santiago, Dominican Republic for a five-day volunteer service trip centered around sonography. Once there, the medical professional team was equipped to handle a wide array of healthcare aid, not just a singular specialty.

“We performed a variety of ultrasounds, abdomen, renal, pelvis, small parts vascular and echocardiography.”

Carrying the torch as a professional sonographer and educator, Karen attended the volunteer mission alongside three of her senior sonography students. Throughout the course of five days, the team performed approximately 100 exams. Aside from Karen’s sonography team, there were 81 healthcare professionals volunteering their services, from nurse practitioners and physicians to physical therapists and pharmacists. 

Karen was introduced to the ILAC volunteer effort through a former student who had gone on this trip, and encouraged her to take part, now Karen has gone on this trip four times with hopes to return again.

“I love to volunteer my time and skills to help the people of the Dominican Republic. It also gives my students the opportunity to do the same to promote the charisms of Misericordia University, which are mercy, service, justice, and hospitality.”

Blossoming Sonographers Experience a Variety of Screenings

Karen experienced a multitude of different specialties in her recent trip, from abdominal to OB/GYN.

“We did everything,” Karen said. “We scanned abdomens, pelvises, small parts, lumps, bumps, thyroids… We completed endovaginal scans, transabdominal, and echo as well.”

This was an incredibly opportunity, not only for Karen, but also her small team of sonography students – some of which were very recent graduates.

Karen, who is not an echocardiographer, worked alongside the team’s cardiologist to scan and provide medical information through ultrasound when tasked with echo scans. While this is not her specialty, she thought it was incredibly important to take this opportunity to learn more about this realm of sonography and be an example for her team.

“I try to tell me students and show them that they can do this. They can scan outside of their comfort zone. The ultimate goal is to do what you can to help, because any little thing when volunteering at this level is helpful and appreciated.”

Having a willingness to step in and help while on the service trip is imperative for sonographers to understand when committing to any volunteerism efforts. Karen was pleased with her team of sonographers, who were eager to step up to the plate and make waves through practicing sonography.

“A lot of students want the opportunity, and they are excited about the opportunity to volunteer.”

Through experiencing the plethora of sonography specialties, the newly graduated sonographers she brought with her blossomed into a team ready to work long hours and tackle as many scans as possible to make a difference to the people of Santiago.

This was a rewarding experience for Karen as an educator, and she loved seeing her students thrive in this environment and grow. Without her students, this volunteer trip would not have been as rewarding.

“My hope is to keep attending as long as I am able to and bring students with me.”

The Ongoing Search for Echocardiographers

“I was taught how to perform echos in my schooling…  Each mission, I will scan them for the cariologist, but he needs to be present to interpret as I am not well versed in this area.  I know the anatomy, however, have difficulty evaluating for any abnormalities.”

With that perspective, Karen’s passion for making a difference through sonography does not go unnoticed. While she continues to volunteer and make a difference in Santiago, she encourages sonographers of the echocardiography specialty to join her.

“Having someone who is educated in this area would make things run more efficiently,” Karen said. She hopes this experience resonates with echocardiographers and encourages them to take the leap into volunteerism, because this specialty is in high demand in the Dominican Republic, and sonographers within this specialty (as well as others) have a great opportunity to change lives and make a lasting impact.