The document discusses several professional societies for the ultrasound field: the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM). Each society promotes education and research in the field, advocates for policies, and provides membership benefits like scholarships for students. The SDMS and ASE stood out to the author for their scholarship opportunities and educational resources available to students.

1. Peterson 1
Hollie Peterson
Professional Societies
Societies are the foundation of the Ultrasound field, as we know it today. A tight
knit community has been formed through societies such as the Society of Diagnostic
Medical Sonography, the American Society of Echocardiography, the Society for
Vascular Ultrasound, and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. These
organizations take pride in promoting the medical community, educating students, and
actively influencing healthcare policy.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
www.sdms.org
Background
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a non-profit organization
founded in 1970 to promote, advance, and enhance the education of its members. It is
recognized today as the largest association of sonographers and students in the entire
world. The main purpose of the organization is to work hand in hand with similar
organizations to encourage research as well as development of educational programs.
Membership
Students can pay $45 annually to be a part of over 27,000 members in the SDMS
that share a passion for the sonography. With this membership a student is eligible to
apply for the Sonography Student Scholarship, which “provides a $2,500 scholarship to a
deserving sonography student who has been accepted or is currently enrolled in an
educational program in diagnostic medical sonography.” A $2,500 scholarship is awarded
each application period of June 30th
and December 31st
. The SDMS not only uses its
budgeting process for grants and scholarships, but also legislative and regulatory funds.

2. Peterson 2
Advocacy
The SDMS takes pride in various reviewing and establishing policies regarding
professional status, legislative activity, and most importantly the welfare of its members.
A Political Action Committee (PAC) was created in the effort to “help promote good
financial responsibility in government as well as private business enterprise systems.”
The committee raises money along with delegates how it is spent in order to advance the
organizations advocacy agenda. A bipartisian message is sent that declares “members of
the SDMS are committed to supporting candidates in Congress who are supportive of
efforts that ensure the best interest and policy positions for the SDMS are met.” The
SDMS is particularly well known for supporting the passage of the Consistency,
Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging Bill (CARE Bill).
Brochures advocated that certification and educational requirements for people
performing medical imaging or radiation therapy be specified.
American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
www.asecho.org
Background
The American Society of Echocardiography is a professional organization that
was founded in 1975. It is “currently recognized as the largest international organization
specifically for cardiac imaging.” The mission of the ASE is to improve patient care
through education, advocacy, and innovation.
Membership
Students are able to gain membership access to live courses, magazines, and many
other educational features for a fee of $60 annually. Members are eligible to receive the
Alan D. Waggoner Student Scholarship Award of $1,000. The scholarship is unique in

3. Peterson 3
that a student’s program director nominates “a student who shows passion and leadership
abilities in his or her own educational program.” The student then can apply online along
with two additional letters of support and a copy of the programs curriculum or a resume.
Advocacy
The ASE strongly advocates to create an environment that promotes quality in the
cardiovascular ultrasound field. One way in which they accomplish this is by being vocal
to help determine the best course of action for licensure bills as well as supporting the
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging Bill (CARE
Bill).
Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
www.svunet.org
Background
The Society for Vascular Ultrasound is a professional organization that was
established in 1977. Over 30% of the 5,000 diverse members of SVU are physicians.
SVU is highly regarded for the quarterly medical publication on vascular technology
known as the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound (JVU).
Membership
Students who pay $25 annually are eligible to apply for the Anne Jones
Scholarship. The scholarship award amount is $2,500 to the first place winner and the
two runner-ups get free membership renewals to SVU.
Advocacy
The Society for Vascular Ultrasound is known for it’s “strong presence on Capitol
Hill through legislative advocacy representation.” The SVU Government Relations
Committee is responsible for raising money and awareness related to the best interest of

4. Peterson 4
the organization. This money also goes towards supporting passage of bills such as the
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging Bill (CARE
Bill).
American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM)
www.aium.org
Background
The American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM) is a multidisciplinary
medical association that was established over 50 years ago. It consists of “more than
9,000 physicians, sonographers, scientists, students, and health care providers.” The
mission of the AIUM is to advance safety and effective use of ultrasound through
education, research, and accreditation.
Membership
The AIUM annually awards members that have significantly contributed to
growth and development of diagnostic ultrasound. Some of the most known awards are
the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award, the Joseph H. Holmes Pioneer Award, and
the Distinguished Sonographer Award. Students can pay $25 annually to have access to
these awards in the future of their career as well as cutting-edge research and medical
education credits. In the 1990s, AIUM “recognized the need for funding to advance
education and establish research opportunities in medical ultrasound.” From this idea the
Endowment for Education and Research (EER) was created. Efforts in funding research
projects that promote development new technologies and applications that lead to
ultrasound advancement have been underway since 2001. Large companies such as
“Philips Healthcare, Samsung Medison Amercia, GE Healthcare, and the ARDMS Breast
Ultrasound Foundation have generously provided unrestricted educational grants.” Four

5. Peterson 5
seed grants of $10,000 apiece are awarded per year in the categories of Clinical Research,
Basic Science, and Education.
Conclusion
All of these societies contribute a great deal to the advancement and education of
the ultrasound field. The societies I am most interested in joining would have to be the
SDMS and the ASE. The SMDS stood out to me due to the scholarship process being
offered twice a year as well as how active the organization is in advocacy. The ASE was
particularly appealing due to the vast array of educational tools that students can use
online. On the other hand, I’m not sure that I would join SVU or AIUM at this point in
time. SVU was structured more towards professionals and the AIUM was devoted
towards research in my opinion. Overall though, with each research project funded,
educational development, and advocacy promotion a new door can be opened by these
organizations for my future in the ultrasound field.

6. Peterson 5
seed grants of $10,000 apiece are awarded per year in the categories of Clinical Research,
Basic Science, and Education.
Conclusion
All of these societies contribute a great deal to the advancement and education of
the ultrasound field. The societies I am most interested in joining would have to be the
SDMS and the ASE. The SMDS stood out to me due to the scholarship process being
offered twice a year as well as how active the organization is in advocacy. The ASE was
particularly appealing due to the vast array of educational tools that students can use
online. On the other hand, I’m not sure that I would join SVU or AIUM at this point in
time. SVU was structured more towards professionals and the AIUM was devoted
towards research in my opinion. Overall though, with each research project funded,
educational development, and advocacy promotion a new door can be opened by these
organizations for my future in the ultrasound field.