In September, Yonella Demars, Ph.D., RDMS (Ab, OB/Gyn, PS), RVT attended the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) conference in Colorado, where she had the opportunity to network, stay up to date on topics, emerging trends and new technology in sonography. She was also able to discuss ideas with other educators, speak with sonography program accreditors and gain knowledge related to sonography specialty imaging areas.

This year, all posters submitted from the Class of 2026 to the SDMS were accepted for display.

Sonography lab expands to serve more students

The sonography lab transitioned into a bigger lab space that can now hold a lab of six students. Since opening, the DMS program added another machine to their lab, a Unetixs Vascular machine, and several more phantoms that allow students to learn without live patient models.

Students broaden skills in elective courses

Students in the Intro to Vascular and Intro to Echocardiography elective courses were in 100% learning mode. It’s exciting to see students pursue knowledge in specialty areas not required in VCU's DMS current curriculum. Kudos to these students and instructors.

Celebrating students and affiliates during MUAM

Students and affiliated sonographers were celebrated during October for Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM). From random prizes and sweet treats, a MUAM dinner for sonographers and time to mingle at Carter's Mountain in Charlottesville. Celebrating them was top tier.

Class of 2026 hits 100% on passing initial registry exam

As of October, all members of the Class of 2026 have passed the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation registry exam. They are now preparing to take the OB/GYN and/or Abdomen registry starting in March.