Beyond the Four Chambers: Understanding the Depth of Fetal Echocardiography with Dr. Caroline Lee

What is it really like to go from ultrasound student to working sonographer? In this episode of The Seasoned Sonographer, host Lynn Flamm, BS, RDMS, sits down with the Lead Sonographer at Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) and two recent graduates of the SIU Carbondale Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program who are now working as sonographers at SIH. They talk about ultrasound school, preparing for registry exams, transitioning into a first job, managing the demands of a busy hospital ultrasound department, continuing education, and the challenges and rewards of the profession. The group also discusses how Sono Techniques Academy (STA) is being used as an educational resource at SIH and how its new tracking features can support new-hire onboarding and ongoing employee competency.

In this episode, Lynn Flamm, BS, RDMS, sits down with Megan Meade, RDMS, RDCS, Maternal Fetal Medicine Sonographer, fetal echocardiography educator, and Founder & CEO of Viable Solutions LLC. Megan shares her journey into Maternal Fetal Medicine and fetal echocardiography, discusses why congenital heart defects remain one of the most common birth defects, and explains how education can improve prenatal detection rates. The conversation explores the critical role of the general OB sonographer in fetal cardiac screening, AIUM and ACOG recommendations for fetal heart evaluation, practical scanning techniques, common pitfalls, and how understanding fetal heart anatomy can transform the way sonographers approach cardiac imaging. Megan also discusses her innovative fetal heart educational resources, including her fetal heart model and training materials designed to simplify complex anatomy and improve learning retention for sonographers at all experience levels.

In this episode, Lynn Flamm, BS, RDMS, sits down with Dr. Keith Sanford to discuss the critical role of first trimester ultrasound in modern obstetrical care. Topics include accurate pregnancy dating, confirmation of viability, evaluation of pregnancy location, AIUM-required first trimester imaging, early detection of abnormalities, and the role of Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening beginning at 11 weeks gestation. Together, they emphasize how sonographers play a vital role in recognizing abnormalities, guiding patient care, and helping provide reassurance during one of the most important stages of pregnancy.

The role of the sonographer continues to evolve beyond image acquisition and preliminary reporting. In this episode, host Lynn Flamm sits down with Kristalea Nestle, RDMS, RDCS (FE), RVT, to discuss one of the most exciting developments in the profession—the emergence of the Advanced Practice Sonographer. Krystalea shares her journey into ultrasound, her passion for maternal-fetal medicine and fetal echocardiography, and her experience as a student in a pilot Advanced Practice Sonographer program. Together, they explore what the APS role may look like in clinical practice, the responsibilities these professionals may assume, the educational pathways being developed, and how this evolving role could impact patient care, physician collaboration, quality improvement, and the future of the sonography profession. The discussion also examines how Advanced Practice Sonographers may help expand access to specialty imaging services in rural communities and maternal healthcare deserts, where shortages of obstetric and maternal-fetal medicine providers continue to challenge patient care. Whether you're a student, staff sonographer, educator, manager, physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or healthcare administrator, this episode provides valuable insight into where the ultrasound profession may be headed in the coming years.

In this episode, Lynn Flamm sits down with Joseph Calomo, COO of Roshal Health, to discuss how Roshal is redefining support for sonographers through flexible scheduling, innovative care delivery models, education and professional development opportunities. From individualized travel assignments to on-demand scanning options, Roshal Health is creating a more adaptable and supportive work environment for sonographers. Joseph also shares insights into Roshal University—an initiative designed to empower clinicians through education, leadership development, and career growth. With a strong focus on retention, innovation, and employee empowerment, Roshal Health is setting a new standard for supporting sonographers across the healthcare landscape.