by
Aubrey Rybyinski, SDMS President
Dear SDMS Members,
I am pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the following SDMS awards. The recipients will be recognized at the 2026 SDMS Annual Conference. Please join me in celebrating their achievements.
SDMS Distinguished Educator Award
The SDMS Distinguished Educator Award honors exceptional educators in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. This award is given annually to an educator who is nominated by their peers for their dedication to teaching, innovation in education, and ongoing support of students through mentorship, research, and volunteerism.
Traci Fox, EdD, RT(R) (ARRT), RDMS, RVT, FSVU
Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award
The Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award was established to honor sonographers who have made innovative and outstanding contributions to the sonography profession. This award is not an annual award but rather awarded as qualified candidates are identified. Selection is based on contributions which have advanced or changed the field of sonography and increased the knowledge and/or welfare of sonographers.
Pamela Foy, MS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM
Stephen McLaughlin Memorial Lectureship Award
The Stephen McLaughlin Memorial
Lectureship was created as a tribute to past SDMS President Stephen McLaughlin
for his service to the SDMS and his dedication to promoting sonographer
professionalism within the healthcare community. The lecture is presented each
year at the SDMS Annual
Conference in his honor.
Presentation: Sonographers' Career Ladder Leading to Where? How the Demand for Sonographers Needs to Include Career Advancement
Kevin D. Evans, PhD, RDMS, RVS, FSDMS, FAIUM
Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM
Carolyn M. Sommerich, PhD, CPE, FHFES
2026 SDMS Fellow Member
The SDMS Fellow Membership category recognizes the lifetime achievement of individual members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of sonography and to the SDMS. An SDMS Fellow exhibits outstanding professional accomplishments as well as continued membership and sustained engagement in SDMS activities
Kathryn Wampler, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS
Congratulations to all for their hard work and dedication to sonography.
Aubrey Rybyinski, BS, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM
SDMS and SDMS Foundation President