Sonographers After Dark

Lara Williams
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED DAILY

Sonographers After Dark Podcast is a real, unfiltered conversation space created by sonographers for sonographers — where ultrasound meets real life after the exam room lights go out. Hosted by Lara Williams, BS, ACS, RCCS, RDCS, RVT, RDMS, FASE, the show dives beyond textbook cases and CME lectures to explore the human side of the profession — the stories, struggles, laughter, burnout, breakthroughs, and everyday chaos that come with life behind the probe.

  1. Beyond Accreditation: Creating a Culture of Quality in Echocardiography

    4 DAYS AGO

    Beyond Accreditation: Creating a Culture of Quality in Echocardiography

    In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara Williams dives into the real work behind accreditation, quality improvement, and leadership in the echo lab. While accreditation may be the framework, the true goal is building a culture of quality that improves patient care, strengthens reporting, and creates consistency across the lab.Lara unpacks the common roadblocks teams face when implementing quality programs, from managing different personality types and navigating difficult conversations to gaining physician and administrative buy-in. She also breaks down the importance of structured reporting, IAC standards, ASE guidelines, timeliness requirements, discrepancy policies, and creating meaningful quality review systems that go beyond simply checking boxes.This episode is a practical discussion for sonographers, technical directors, ACS professionals, and lab leaders who want to better understand how to lead change, improve reporting accuracy, support staff growth, and build a quality program that is both sustainable and effective. Lara also shares insight into using objective scoring tools, peer review, and ongoing education to identify growth opportunities and strengthen lab performance over time.If you are stepping into leadership, preparing for accreditation, or trying to elevate quality in your lab, this episode is for you. 💜🩵​ www.sonographersafterdark.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/#sonographersafterdark #iheartecho #allaboutultrasound #loveecho #loveultrasound #bettercardiology #echoquality #cardiacultrasound

    28 min
  2. The Valsalva Upgrade: How Goal-Directed Testing Changes HCM Diagnosis

    13 MAR

    The Valsalva Upgrade: How Goal-Directed Testing Changes HCM Diagnosis

    This episode of Sonographers After Dark was sponsored by the American Society for Echocardiography, with support from an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. In this episode, Lara Williams sits down with Margaret Kurnides, ACS, RDCS, FASE, and Amy Dillenbeck, MS, ACS, RDCS, RCS, FASE to discuss the growing adoption of goal-directed Valsalva in echocardiography and why it is transforming how sonographers evaluate patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).The conversation explores how the traditional Valsalva maneuver often varies between sonographers, leading to inconsistent results. By contrast, the goal-directed approach creates a standardized and reproducible maneuver that can reliably unmask latent LVOT obstruction, which may be present in up to one-third of HCM patients who show no obstruction at rest.Margaret and Amy share practical insights from implementing the technique in clinical labs, including setup tips, infection-control considerations, and strategies for gaining physician and administrative buy-in. They also discuss imaging challenges, differentiating LVOT signals from mitral regurgitation, and the importance of correlating Doppler findings with the broader physiologic picture.The discussion takes on new urgency in the era of myosin inhibitor therapies, where accurate echocardiographic measurements—particularly LVOT gradients and ejection fraction—are critical for diagnosis, treatment selection, and medication titration. The group emphasizes why sonographers must understand the physiology behind HCM, not just the imaging protocol.The episode closes with a look at upcoming ASE micro-lessons on goal-directed Valsalva. If you scan echo—or teach it—this is a conversation about technique, physiology, and the evolving role of the sonographer in modern HCM care. ​YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/#sonographersafterdark #iheartecho #allaboutultrasound #loveecho #loveultrasound #bettercardiology #echoquality #cardiacultrasound  #hocm #hypertrophiccardiomyopathy #hcm #goaldirectedvalsalva

    51 min
  3. Better Education = Better Cardiology, with Judith Buckland

    6 MAR

    Better Education = Better Cardiology, with Judith Buckland

    It’s been almost a decade since Lara Williams and Judith Buckland, MBA, RDCS, FASE, last taught together (yes… the legendary “quack like a duck” kinetic learning moment is back). In this Sonographers After Dark episode, they reconnect to unpack how the ultrasound and echo world has transformed since 2016—through COVID-era shifts, remote education becoming the norm, and the rising demand to streamline the nonstop pressure on sonographers and physicians.Judith shares the real story behind her evolution from accreditation consulting to building process-driven quality systems—and why her biggest “aha” was that accreditation isn’t the destination… it’s the leverage that finally gets buy-in for standardization, peer review, and better outcomes. Together, they dig into the grind (and cost) of pursuing ACCME, the vision of bundling accreditation + QI + CME + credential requirements into one workflow, and the entrepreneur brain that keeps dreaming bigger.They also talk AI in echo (including vendor-agnostic automation, real-world “messy” data, and why this tech won’t replace sonographers—but can reduce burnout), plus what’s next: HOCM accreditation changes, goal-directed Valsalva, ICE/4D ICE advances, and the behind-the-scenes work of building platforms that make “better cardiology” possible.#sonographersafterdark #iheartecho #allaboutultrasound #loveecho #loveultrasound #bettercardiology #cardioserv #echoaccreditation #echoquality #cardiacultrasound #hocm #hypertrophiccardiomyopathy #hcm

    55 min
  4. Advancing the Profession: The Rise of the Advanced Practice Sonographer with Joy Guthrie

    20 FEB

    Advancing the Profession: The Rise of the Advanced Practice Sonographer with Joy Guthrie

    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-negotiableThis 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💜​Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadioYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

    53 min
  5. Valvular Heart Disease Expert Insights for Sonographers with Dr. Judy Hung

    13 FEB

    Valvular Heart Disease Expert Insights for Sonographers with Dr. Judy Hung

    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. 💜💙🩵

    51 min
  6. Building Echo From the Inside Out: Creating an Echo Pipeline with Hospital-Based Training, Clinical Excellence, and Student Success

    6 FEB

    Building Echo From the Inside Out: Creating an Echo Pipeline with Hospital-Based Training, Clinical Excellence, and Student Success

    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 rightThe challenges of accreditation and why transparency mattersWhy hands-on clinical experience still trumps everythingThe growing need for adult and pediatric echo cross-trainingWhat students often underestimate about becoming a sonographerAnd why perseverance is the quiet superpower behind every successful programWhether 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, iHeartRadioYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/

    46 min
  7. Raising the Bar: Pediatric Echo, 3D, Strain and Lifelong Learning with Kelly Thorson

    30 JAN

    Raising the Bar: Pediatric Echo, 3D, Strain and Lifelong Learning with Kelly Thorson

    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

    47 min
  8. From Guidelines to Growth with Dr. Anita Moon-Grady: How Sonographers Excel in Fetal Cardiology

    23 JAN

    From Guidelines to Growth with Dr. Anita Moon-Grady: How Sonographers Excel in Fetal Cardiology

    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 EchocardiographyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/​

    43 min
See All (21)

About

Sonographers After Dark Podcast is a real, unfiltered conversation space created by sonographers for sonographers — where ultrasound meets real life after the exam room lights go out. Hosted by Lara Williams, BS, ACS, RCCS, RDCS, RVT, RDMS, FASE, the show dives beyond textbook cases and CME lectures to explore the human side of the profession — the stories, struggles, laughter, burnout, breakthroughs, and everyday chaos that come with life behind the probe.

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lara Williams
  • Show Website
    Sonographers After Dark

You Might Also Like