In this powerful episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Joy Guthrie, PhD., ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, FASE, to discuss the evolution of advanced practice sonography and what it truly means to elevate our profession.
Joy shares the story behind launching one of the first Advanced Cardiac Sonography programs in 2016—and how it expanded to include Advanced Perinatal Ultrasound and Advanced Vascular tracks. Designed for experienced sonographers with at least three years of clinical practice and a bachelor’s degree, these hybrid programs combine online coursework with immersive on-campus residency. The result? Graduates who return to their institutions with increased responsibility, new job descriptions, and higher compensation.
Together, Lara and Joy explore:
• The shift toward advanced roles in cardiac, vascular, and perinatal imaging
• Why many “advanced” roles aren’t labeled that way—but function at a higher clinical level
• How accreditation and positions like Technical Director have reshaped expectations (often requiring ACS-level expertise)
• The development of the CAAHEP Pathway program for advanced practice
• Gaining physician buy-in and aligning with collaborative, extender-style practice models
• Practical application tips for competitive advanced program admission
• The unique challenges of pediatric echocardiography training and why hands-on experience is non-negotiable
This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a roadmap for sonographers who are ready to expand their scope, elevate patient care, and help define the next generation of our profession.
If you’ve ever wondered what the future of advanced sonography looks like… this is it.
#SonographersAfterDark #AllAboutUltrasound #iheartecho #LoveUltrasound #LoveEcho💜
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Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Dr. Judy Hung (Mass General Hospital, Boston) for a candid, sonographer-focused conversation on valvular heart disease—and why high-quality echocardiography drives real clinical decisions in today’s structural heart era. Dr. Hung shares what drew her to valve disease through the lens of physiology and hemodynamics, and why echo is the frontline tool for determining whether stenosis or regurgitation is truly hemodynamically significant. The discussion dives into common valve-assessment pitfalls—like failing to chase the highest aortic stenosis gradients with multiple windows, skipping the non-imaging (Pedoff) probe, and missing key steps in MR quantification (zoom, baseline shift, and PISA setup).They also unpack how echo data influences heart team decisions for TAVR, why sonographer training and career pathways matter for retention, and how the profession may evolve with AI-assisted measurements and improving 3D transthoracic imaging—without replacing the need for skilled sonographers. Plus: a few fun rapid-fire moments (equitherapy “donkeys,” talking to chickens, and an echo myth Dr. Hung is ready to retire for good).If you’re ready to level up your valve game—this one’s for you. 💜💙🩵

What really goes into building an echocardiography training program from scratch?

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Daniel Bourque for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching and sustaining a hospital-based echocardiography program at Orlando Health.
Daniel shares the five-year journey of developing an employer-backed echo program—from navigating state licensing, board reviews, and massive documentation requirements to selecting students, building clinical rigor, and fostering real-world decision-making at the bedside. With over 1,300–1,500 clinical scanning hours, early hands-on exposure, and strong internal recruitment, this program is a powerful example of what’s possible when education stays rooted in clinical reality.
Together, Lara and Daniel unpack:

• What hospital-based ultrasound and echo programs do right
• The challenges of accreditation and why transparency matters
• Why hands-on clinical experience still trumps everything
• The growing need for adult and pediatric echo cross-training
• What students often underestimate about becoming a sonographer
• And why perseverance is the quiet superpower behind every successful program

Whether you’re a sonographer, educator, administrator, or someone dreaming of building a training program of your own—this episode pulls back the curtain on the long game of sonography education.
Because strong programs don’t happen overnight—and the work behind them deserves to be seen. 💜💙
Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara Williams sits down with Kelly Thorson, DHSc, MSRS, MS, ACS, RDCS, FASE, to talk about what it takes to build—and sustain—excellence in pediatric and fetal echocardiography.Kelly shares practical insight on recruiting and training pediatric echo sonographers, why mentorship and lifelong learning matter, and how sonographers can grow into research, education, and leadership pathways. They also dive into the real-world integration of 3D echo and strain in pediatric labs—how to train teams, improve consistency, and expand access to advanced imaging even outside academic centers.💜💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iHeartEcho #AllAboutUltrasound #LoveUltrasound #LoveEcho

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Dr. Anita Moon‑Grady, pediatric cardiologist at UCSF, for a deep dive into the evolving world of fetal echocardiography training and career development. Dr. Moon-Grady shares how fetal echo sonographers are trained within her program, and how additional fetal expertise is built through mentored learning, progressive responsibility, and certification.
Together, Lara and Anita unpack what true career progression looks like in fetal cardiology—from senior to principal sonographer roles—and why fetal board certification matters. The conversation explores the cross-training divide between obstetrics and pediatric cardiology, highlighting realistic training timelines, skill transfer, and the unique challenges sonographers face when entering fetal echo from different clinical backgrounds. Dr. Moon-Grady also reflects on her work with the American Society of Echocardiography and the AIUM to harmonize fetal echocardiography guidelines across specialties, helping standardize exams, expectations, and training pathways nationwide.
✨ This episode is a must-listen for sonographers curious about fetal echo, leaders shaping training programs, and anyone passionate about advancing fetal heart care through collaboration and education.
💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iHeartEcho #AllAboutUltrasound #LoveUltrasound #LoveEcho #FetalEcho #Fetal Echocardiography
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/
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Travel sonography sounds glamorous—but what’s it actually like? Lara and Lydia keep it real as they talk through the highs, lows, and logistics of life as a travel ultrasound professional.

Lydia shares how she made the leap after hospital experience, why flexibility and new environments fueled her growth, and what surprised her most along the way. They dive into negotiating pay and schedules, understanding tax homes, extending contracts, and why adaptability and a good attitude go a long way at new facilities.

If you’re considering travel work—or already living out of a suitcase—this candid conversation will help you navigate the road with clarity, confidence, and community. 💜💙

What does it really take to build a hospital-based echocardiography program from scratch—inside one of the busiest labs in the country?

In this episode, Lara Williams is joined by Amy Dillenbeck, who leads the echo training program at Cleveland Clinic, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching a sonography school after COVID-era staffing challenges pushed facilities to think differently.

Amy walks through the early overwhelm (researching successful programs, navigating Ohio requirements, creating objectives and lesson plans, recruiting, marketing—plus all the unexpected parts like scheduling, payments, and yes… snow days). They discuss why the program intentionally accepts only 8 students per year, how clinical support from staff sonographers makes or breaks the student experience, and how the results have exceeded every expectation—100% graduation, placement, and board pass rates, plus 23 hires in 3 years helping strengthen staffing and elevate lab culture.

They also dive deep into HOCM, where Amy shares what she’s seeing shift in evaluation and why sonographers play a critical role in not missing LVOT obstruction. You’ll learn the practical “how-to” behind goal-directed Valsalva—a more standardized, measurable approach that can improve consistency and help unmask gradients without losing your images.

Finally, Amy and Lara talk ASE, attending Scientific Sessions, why involvement builds confidence and opportunity, and what the FASE designation can mean for sonographers who want to lead, teach, and level up.

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Lauren Castro, ACS, RDCS, to talk about one of the biggest career transitions in our field—moving from clinical sonography into the ultrasound industry.
After nearly a decade in hospital echo labs, Lauren felt pulled toward a different kind of challenge: more travel, more teaching, and a new professional mindset. Today she works as a clinical specialist supporting ultrasound-enhancing agents in the cardiac space—educating sonographers, optimizing machines, and partnering closely with sales teams.
Lara and Lauren dig into what that transition really feels like. They talk about adapting to the competitive sales culture, leveraging the credibility of hands-on clinical experience, and stretching into new skills like communication, team dynamics, and relationship building. Lauren shares inside tips on networking, tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding the personality traits that help clinicians succeed in industry roles.
They also get real about life outside of work—balancing travel with raising young kids, managing “mom guilt,” choosing the right employer for your family’s needs, and periodically reassessing your priorities as life changes. And yes… they touch on the physical relief that comes from not scanning every single day.
Whether you're burned out, curious about industry opportunities, or wondering how to take the next step in your sonography career, this conversation offers honest insight, practical guidance, and inspiration for anyone ready to grow beyond the scan room. 💜💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iheartecho
🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
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Watch the fullepisode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Debbie Dulin—educator, sonographer, and host of It’s All About the Frequency—for an unfiltered conversation about growth, mentorship, self-care, and the realities of life in the ultrasound profession.Debbie shares updates about her newest educational project launching at theultrasoundinstitute.org, and the two discuss how teaching, leadership, and community elevate the entire field. They dive into the value of professional organizations, advocacy around scan workloads, and how podcasts help bridge the gaps between sonographers who rarely get opportunities to connect.Lara and Debbie open up about the human side of healthcare—navigating personal struggles while still showing up for patients, learning from early-career mistakes, and creating shame-free spaces for new sonographers to grow. From boundary-setting to collaboration over competition, this episode is a reminder that our profession thrives when we support each other and share what we’ve learned along the way.🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down to reflect on gratitude, growth, and grace in the face of personal and professional challenges. She shares her journey from hardship and health struggles to becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for sonographers everywhere.
Lara opens up about the losses she’s endured, the resilience it took to continue showing up for patients, and the internal work required to transform her attitude, her relationships, and her career. She dives into the importance of mentorship, positive workplace culture, and the practice of daily gratitude as a tool for personal growth.
This heartfelt episode encourages listeners to look for the good, even in difficult seasons, and to invest in becoming the best version of themselves.

Drop what you’re grateful for in the comments—then use code “THANKFUL” for 25% off at www.allaboutultrasound.com and iheartecho.com as a token of appreciation for the community.