PERSPECTIVES 25th Anniversary - Fall-Winter 2018

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences 37 Simultaneous with the implementation of the new program additions was the modernization of the main sonography laboratory. The program purchased new ultrasound equipment, including the latest upgrades in general, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, and cardiac sonography software. To keep up with modern teaching methodologies, the program pur- chased the highly sophisticated Medaphor and HeartWorks simu- lators. Another equipment upgrade included the purchase of Phantoms to facilitate and standardize teaching, learning, and training opportunities in critical areas. In 2015, a second sonog- raphy laboratory with simulation rooms was added in the Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center. The Medical Sonography Program continually strengthens didactic and course outcomes. The program seeks and recruits new clinical sites for rotations in general sono- graphy across the United States. Patricia Vargas, D.H.Sc., RVT, vascular clinical coordinator, noted the high levels of competition for clinical sites in the South Florida tricounty area and throughout the United States. Because of the recognized reputation of NSU’s Medical Sonography Program. “The program has been successful in obtaining new sites,” Vargas said. The Department of Health Science and the medical sonog- raphy administration strongly support faculty and student participation as members of the College of Optometry interprofessional research team. Deborah Mendelsohn, D.H.Sc., RDMS, RDCS, RVT, general clinical coordinator, described how the Medical Sonography Program promotes interprofessional educational opportunities. “As a program, we have provided ultrasound lectures and lab sessions to the Physician Assistant Program in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, the Fort Lauderdale Physical Therapy Program, and to the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine,” Mendelsohn said. “Faculty members and students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in annual conferences and profes- sional organization committees, such as the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.” The program participates in community service endeavors, such as the Interprofessional Diabetes Education and Awareness program. Benenati expressed his pride in being “part of this program that serves the community in a very positive manner.” The latest accreditation report reflected the sustained efforts to achieve and surpass the required thresholds: Attrition Rate (7 percent); Credential Success Rate (100 percent), and Job Placement Rate (87 percent). The program’s dedi- cated administrators, faculty members, students, and clinical preceptors overcame multiple challenges in plan- ning, implementation, and outcomes assessment to adjust to new challenges and demands in the medical field by expanding the medical sonography curriculum. As a result, the program’s reputation makes it one of the most sought-after programs in the country. ● Medical sonography students demonstrate sonographic techniques.