The Sonography Lounge

How can point-of-care ultrasound help close diagnostic gaps in regions where access to traditional imaging and other healthcare resources may be limited?

In this episode of The Sonography Lounge, Lori Green and Trisha Reo  of Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute sit down with Dr. Philip Angelides, an internal medicine hospitalist at the University of Colorado whose work focuses on global health, tropical medicine, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education.

Dr. Angelides discusses his work at Hospital Nacional de Coatepeque, a 230-bed public hospital in southwestern Guatemala, where he leads a ward-integrated POCUS curriculum in collaboration with local physicians and educators. The conversation explores how portable ultrasound can provide an accessible, affordable, and immediate diagnostic tool in resource-limited environments.

A major focus of the discussion is IM-FAST. Dr. Angelides explains how this structured approach can help clinicians integrate focused ultrasound into everyday internal medicine practice and how it is being implemented in Guatemala.

The program continues to grow, with POCUS initiatives being developed alongside internal medicine training, including FAST exams for trauma, ultrasound-guided central line placement, triage, and so much more.

• POCUS in global and resource-limited healthcare

• Addressing diagnostic gaps with portable ultrasound

• The development and implementation of IM-FAST

• Case Studies from rural settings

• Building sustainable POCUS education in Guatemala and other resource-limited environments

• Expanding POCUS globally

• Making diagnostic solutions more accessible and affordable

• Opportunities for POCUS clinicians to teach, mentor, review images, or collaborate in Guatemala

Dr. Angelides welcomes clinicians and educators interested in learning more about IM-FAST, implementing it within their own programs, or supporting the team's work in Guatemala and worldwide through teaching, mentorship, image review, or direct collaboration.

POCUS-trained clinicians who are fluent in Spanish are especially encouraged to connect.

Contact Dr. Philip Angelides:

[email protected]

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Check out Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute's Live and Online Internal Medicine & Family Medicine POCUS programs:

https://www.gcus.com/cme/point-of-care-pocus-ultrasound

The Sonography Lounge – Episode 54Updates to the Thyroid Stratification Protocol with Dr. Jennifer A. Sipos

As thyroid ultrasound continues to evolve, so do the guidelines that help clinicians evaluate and manage thyroid nodules. In this episode of The Sonography Lounge, hosts Lori Green, BA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, and Trisha Reo, AAS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, welcome Dr. Jennifer A. Sipos, one of the nation's foremost experts in thyroid ultrasound and thyroid cancer, for an inside look at the upcoming updates to thyroid nodule risk stratification.

Dr. Sipos shares the latest developments in thyroid ultrasound risk assessment, explains the evidence driving these anticipated changes, and discusses how the updated recommendations are expected to influence diagnostic protocols, reporting practices, biopsy decision-making, and patient management. As an invited member of the International Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound Working Group, a member of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) Thyroid Nodule Guidelines Writing Task Force, and a contributor to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for Thyroid Carcinoma, Dr. Sipos offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on how these evidence-based recommendations are developed and what sonographers and clinicians can expect moving forward.

Whether you perform thyroid ultrasounds daily or simply want to stay current with evolving best practices, this episode provides practical insights into one of the most important updates in thyroid imaging.

• Why thyroid nodule risk stratification systems are being updated
• The clinical evidence driving these changes
• How the revised recommendations may affect ultrasound examinations and reporting
• What sonographers should know when characterizing thyroid nodules
• How updated risk stratification protocols may influence biopsy recommendations and patient management
• The future direction of thyroid ultrasound and standardized reporting

Jennifer A. Sipos, MD is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism at The Ohio State University. She serves as Associate Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs in the Department of Internal Medicine and is the Medical Director of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Program at The Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Sipos earned her medical degree and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Wake Forest University, followed by a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Internationally recognized for her expertise in thyroid ultrasound and thyroid cancer, Dr. Sipos has taught and directed ultrasound courses throughout the United States and around the world. Her clinical and research interests include thyroid nodule evaluation, thyroid cancer management, ultrasound-guided diagnosis, molecular markers in thyroid nodules, and reducing salivary gland damage following radioactive iodine therapy. She also participates in clinical trials evaluating novel therapies for advanced thyroid cancer.

Dr. Sipos serves on several prestigious national and international guideline committees, including:

• Invited member of the International Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound Working Group, developing evidence-based recommendations for a unified thyroid nodule risk stratification and management system.
• Member of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) Thyroid Nodule Guidelines Writing Task Force.
• Member of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines Panel for Thyroid Carcinoma.

Her extensive clinical, educational, and research experience makes her one of the leading voices helping shape the future of thyroid ultrasound.

Join Lori, Trisha, and Dr. Sipos for an informative discussion on what's changing in thyroid ultrasound and how these updates will impact sonographers and clinicians alike.

Upcoming Thyroid Ultrasound Courses:

Introduction to Thyroid Ultrasound

Date: November 13, 2026

Additional Thyroid Ultrasound Resources

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute: All Specialty Ultrasound CME

From Clinical to Corporate Ultrasound — Feat. Samsung HME

Ever wondered what life looks like beyond the clinical setting? In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic panel of six Samsung HME professionals who made the leap from clinical sonography roles into the corporate world. From applications specialists to product managers to sales leaders, this conversation covers what the transition really feels like, what skills transfer, and what opportunities exist for sonographers ready to explore a new chapter.

This Episode is hosted by: Lori Green & Trisha Reo and is sponsored by Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute | The leaders in ultrasound CME since 1985

Featured guests — Samsung HME

Mel Bunk | Head of Product Strategy & Education

With over 30 years in imaging, Mel has held an impressive range of roles: Radiology Technologist, Clinical Educator for the IU X-ray program, Sonographer (Radiology, MFM, and REI), Clinical Applications Specialist, Clinical Applications Manager, Clinical Effectiveness Leader, and Global Clinical Product Manager — before stepping into her current leadership role at Samsung 2½ years ago.

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Shannon Redmon | Education Manager, Women's Health

Shannon brings more than 30 years of ultrasound experience, with prior roles at GE Healthcare and Siemens. She joined Samsung in a per diem capacity, progressed to SE Team Lead, and now leads Women's Health education — a path that reflects how organic and rewarding the corporate journey can be.

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Tanya Ratte | Clinical Education Manager, Radiology / Point of Care / Veterinary

Tanya has spent 21 years in the ultrasound field with a deep focus on education. Her journey spans clinical sonography, team management, DMS program education, clinical applications, and global clinical education — a career that speaks to how versatile a sonography background can be.

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Bridgette Lunsford | Head of Clinical Applications — Ultrasound, Digital Radiography & Mobile CT

Bridgette oversees clinical applications across multiple modalities at Samsung, representing a senior leadership role that many clinicians may not realize is achievable from a sonography foundation.

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Leanne Gilliland | Senior Product Manager, Premium Radiology Ultrasound

With approximately 18 years in ultrasound, Leanne has moved through roles as sonographer, applications specialist, and project manager on her way to senior product management. She's proof that passion for ultrasound can open doors you might not have anticipated early in your career.

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Dave Fortney | Commercial Business Leader, General Imaging Ultrasound East

Dave started as a clinical sonographer before transitioning through sales, marketing, and team management at Samsung. His current role blends creativity with strategy — a day-to-day that draws on a diverse set of skills and keeps things anything but routine.

Additional Resources:

Samsung HME

Careers with Samsung

Ultrasound Training (Live courses, Online education, Custom Groups Training, 1:1 Training, Registry Preparation, Maintenance of Certification CME programs, Educator, Residency,& Fellowship Solutions): Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute

The Sonography Lounge – Episode 52 Moral Injury in Sonography with Kevin D. Evans, PhD, MA, RDMS, RVS, FSDMS, FAIUM

In this episode of The Sonography Lounge, we welcome Kevin D. Evans, PhD, MA, RDMS, RVS, FSDMS, FAIUM—Professor, Faculty Emeritus, Academy Professor, Director of the Laboratory for Investigatory Imaging, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Board Secretary of OSU Total Health & Wellness Community Care, Inc.—for an important conversation on Moral Injury in Ultrasound and the lasting impact COVID-19 had on sonographers and healthcare professionals everywhere.

During the pandemic, sonographers faced extraordinary challenges—balancing patient care, personal safety, overwhelming workloads, and the emotional weight of serving on the front lines. Many experienced not only physical exhaustion, but also moral injury: the deep mental and emotional strain that occurs when professional responsibilities, personal values, and healthcare system limitations collide.

Dr. Evans shares insight into both the short- and long-term effects these experiences have had on sonographers, from burnout and compassion fatigue to career uncertainty and personal recovery. He also discusses his ongoing advocacy efforts to support sonographers and other healthcare workers by creating resources, encouraging open conversations, and helping professionals rebuild both their careers and their well-being after such an unprecedented time.

This episode is a powerful reminder that caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for the patient. Through awareness, support, and meaningful conversations, healthcare professionals can begin the process of healing and regaining balance in both life and career.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, burnout, or crisis, help is available 24/7.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Trained counselors provide free, confidential support via text message anytime, day or night.
https://www.crisistextline.org/

Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress. The 988 Lifeline also provides prevention and crisis resources for individuals and their loved ones.
https://988lifeline.org/

Seeking support is a sign of strength, and no one should have to navigate difficult times alone. Emergent Support Resources Crisis Text Line 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline__

This Episode has been brought to you by Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute . CME Resources available at www.gcus.com

🎧The Sonography Lounge is brought to you by Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute and Hosted by: Lori Green & Trisha Reo

Episode 51 Features: Image Monitoring USA⁠Michael Talcott (Vice President of Sales) - [email protected]

Staten Hoover "The Florida Dolphin Rep" - [email protected]

In this episode of The Sonography Lounge, hosts Lori Green and Trisha Reo explore the growing importance of Peripheral Vascular Physiologic Testing &Transcranial Doppler (TCD) in outpatient cardiovascular diagnostics.

As healthcare continues shifting toward earlier detection, non-invasive diagnostics, and cost-effective outpatient care, these modalities are becoming essential tools—yet remain underutilized in many clinical settings.

Joined by industry experts Michael Talcott and Staten Hoover of Image Monitoring USA, the conversation dives into how physiologic testing and TCD are transforming patient care, expanding service lines, and creating new opportunities for cardiovascular and diagnostic centers.

• Why Physiologic Vascular Testing Matters
• The Growing Role of Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
• Post-COVID Shift in Diagnostic Care
• Technology Innovation: Falcon Xpress
• Trending Diagnostic Modalities
• Barriers to Adoption & Growth Opportunities
• Identification of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Migraines *and More

This discussion highlights a major opportunity for outpatient practices to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve patient care, and stay ahead of industry trends. For clinicians, administrators, and sonographers, understanding and implementing these tools can be a key differentiator in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Cardiovascular Live, Online, and Group Training

The Sonography Lounge Contact: [email protected]

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute Contact: [email protected] | (727)363-4500

EP. 50 – End of Year Recap | 40 Years & Looking Ahead to 2026

Brought to you By: Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute

Hosts: Lori Green & Trisha Reo
Location: St. Petersburg, FL

• 50th episode milestone

• 40th anniversary of Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (est. 1985)

• End-of-year recap + vision for 2026

Mission

• Empower clinicians to use ultrasound to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Educational Growth

• 80+ new or updated educational products released

• Live hands-on courses

• Blended workshops

• On-site/private training

• Registry prep programs

• Expanded on-demand online library

Specialties Served

• Family & Internal Medicine

• Emergency & Critical Care

• EMS/Pre-hospital POCUS

• MSK, OBGYN, Vascular, Echo

• Military, Austere, and Cruise ship healthcare

Milestones, New Offerings, Cases and Accomplishments

• 6th consecutive reaccreditation with commendation

• 18 years continuous commendation status

• Offers joint providership for CME partnerships

• Ruled out testicular torsion → avoided medivac

• Avoided unnecessary anticoagulation

• Ocular ultrasound differentiation

• Military participant diagnosed aortic dissection at conference

• Active social media (including TikTok)

• 500+ member Registry Review Facebook group

• Free monthly webinars

• Strong faculty & advisory partnerships

• Expanded hands-on learning

• Updated online content

• Growth of Educator & Residency Educator Programs

• Continued innovation in ultrasound education

Ultrasound CME Through Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute

Course Calendar

Contact Us: [email protected]

Linktree

Video Episode Available on YouTube!

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute YouTube Channel

On this episode of The Sonography Lounge Lori and Trisha are joined by our guest Luke Baldwin, the VP of Global Marketing at Echonous to talk about AI being developed for use in Ultrasound. This episode is packed full of information regarding all areas of ultrasound especially POCUS. This episode will get the wheels turning on how AI could be used in your practice setting, 

For more information on Echonous and the Kosmos System: Click Here

CME and Cross training resources:

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (Training materials and programs): www.gcus.com

Certification Agencies:

American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM): https://www.abem.org/public

Sonographer / Physician: American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): www.ardms.org

Physicians: Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA): www.APCA.org

Point of Care Healthcare Providers: Point of Care Certification Academy (POCUS): www.pocus.org

Sonographer / Physician: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI): www.cci-online.org

 Find an accredited long term Ultrasound Program: https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx

Two Hurricanes, One Week Apart! Join us in the Sonography Lounge and hear how we and our local area are doing after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton paid us a visit!

We have been getting a lot of questions surrounding Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and various education pathways. The Sonography Lounge Hosts, Lori Green, BA, RDMS, RDCS RVT, and Trisha Reo, RDMS, RVT sit down to talk about the differences between Introductory and Advanced / Regenerative Medicine ultrasound courses and what to expect at Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute.

The next upcoming programs are:

Introduction to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - (8/19/2024 - 8/21/2024)

Advanced and Interventional & Regenerative Medicine Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - (8/22/2024 - 8/23/2024)

Introduction to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - (10/17/2024 - 10/18/2024) (Blended Format)

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Registry Review - (10/10/2024 - 10/11/2024)

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Introduction - (1/27/2025 - 1/29/2025)

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Advanced Interventions & Regenerative Medicine - (1/30/2025 - 1/31/2025)

CME and Cross-training resources:

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (MSK Ultrasound programs): https://www.gcus.com/cme/msk-musculoskeletal-ultrasound-courses-traininghttps://www.gcus.com/cme/emergency-medicine-ultrasound-courses-trainingwww.gcus.com

Certification Agencies:

Sonographer / Physician: American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): www.ardms.org

Physicians: Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA): www.APCA.org

Point of Care Healthcare Providers: Point of Care Certification Academy (POCUS): www.pocus.org

Find an accredited long term Ultrasound Program: https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx

YouTube Video Episode Available!

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute YouTube Channel

On this episode of The Sonography Lounge hosts Lori and Trisha sit down with Dr. Charlotte Derr & Dr. Allyson Hansen to discuss the GUARD Protocol (Gastric Ultrasound for Aspiration Risk Determination).

With the increased use of GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide, with brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Etc) for both diabetes and weight loss, there has been an increased number of aspirations in patients undergoing procedures. One of the effects of GLP-1 agonists is delayed gastric emptying which keeps patients feeling "full" thus reducing the desire to eat and overall caloric intake and blood sugar variations. Typically 6-8 hours not eating is enough time for a patient about to undergo an elective procedure to digest and empty their stomachs thus reducing the risk of aspiration while under anesthesia. With patients on GLP-1 agonists, we are seeing gastric contents remaining for several days after the last meal which can increase the risk of aspiration. 

Dr. Derr and Dr. Hansen, discuss how they are using ultrasound and the GUARD protocol to determine the volume of food in a patient's stomach before elective and emergency procedures. This quick and simple bedside technique can drastically alter a provider's pre-procedure course of action.

 CHARLOTTE DERR, MD, RDMS, FPD-AEMUS, FACEP

Dr. Derr is the Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Fellowship Director of the Advanced Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Fellowship Program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, FL and serves as the Co-Medical Director at Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute.

She is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. She has also obtained the Focused Practice Designation in Advanced Emergency Medicine US from the ABEM.

She has authored and co-authored numerous articles, book chapters, and other publications on ultrasound and lectures throughout the US and internationally on diagnostic ultrasound.

 ALLYSON HANSEN, DO

Dr. Allyson Hansen is the Ultrasound Director at the University of South Florida Emergency Medicine program. She received her education at the University of South Florida and Campbell University. Dr. Hansen completed her Hackensack University Medical Center residency and Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship at Tampa General Hospital. She is passionate about teaching and is an instructor at Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute.

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute: GUARD Protocol Blog

GUARD Protocol YouTube Hot Tip

USF HEALTH: GUARD protocol blog

Upcoming POCUS Courses @ Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute

CME and Cross training resources:

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (Training materials and programs): www.gcus.com

Certification Agencies:

American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM): https://www.abem.org/public

Sonographer / Physician: American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): www.ardms.org

Physicians: Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA): www.APCA.org

Point of Care Healthcare Providers: Point of Care Certification Academy (POCUS): www.pocus.org

Sonographer / Physician: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI): www.cci-online.org

 Find an accredited long-term Ultrasound Program: https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx