1.1 Upon graduation the learner will accurately create diagnostic ultrasound images using a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

For the first program outcome, I set two SMART goals for myself. The first goal was to be able to perfrom an entire Right Upper Quadrant protocol without assistance. My second goal is to be able to acknowledge any present abnormalities and/or pathologies while scanning. Every single class I’ve taken while in the sonography program have assisted me in achieving this program outcome. The abdominal classes were necessary and helpful to understand the human anatomy and physiology, as well as perform ultrasound scans such as an abdomen complete, RUQ, or renal exam. The GYN classes were helpful and necessary to understand the female pelvis. My case studies class was extremely beneficial as it taught me how to correlate patient history and symptoms with the ultrasound findings in order to aid in a diagnosis. Lastly, physics helped me to understand how to optimize the ultrasound machines in order to create images of diagnostic quality.

For this assignment, I was instructed to perform a RUQ scan while being videotaped. I have selected my pass/fail scan test that I took at the end of the fall 2015 as an artifact. This exam was to be properly optimized in order to create a diagnostic study. While scanning, I was asked normal anatomy questions from my teachers as well as questions about pathologies of different organs. I was to answer the questions to the best of my ability while continuing to scan the patient.

Achieving this program outcome is important in my personal, academic, and professional life because it demonstrates that I have learned what it takes to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I have been able to prove that I can think logically through an exam and properly scan while following proper protocols. My strenghth in this program outcome is knowing all of the protocols  and understanding pathologies. My weakness is time. It still takes me a little too long to scan.

By completing this assignment, both of my SMART goals were met. This project taught me how to think through an exam and not just take pictures. It made me realize that it is important to recognize pathologies and decide whether or not any other areas of the body need further interpretation if something abnormal is found on my scan.

1.2 Upon graduation the learner will be able to possess an understanding of physical principles as related to sound interactions with tissue and utilize instrumentation accordingly to provide optimal diagnostic outcomes.

For the second program outcome, I selected two SMART goals for myself. My first goal was to pass the ARDMS SPI exam. My second goal was to be able to properly work the ultrasound machine in order to create diagnostic images. Physical Principles I & II as well as my clinical experiences are the classes that most helped me achieve this program outcome. Physics assisted in my understanding of sound waves and how they interact differently with different tissues, bones, liquids, air and interfaces. These classes also taught me how to properly use the ultrasound machines and which controls need adjusted in order to create the most diagnostic images. I have selected an artifact, my ARDMS SPI exam results, which I took in the Fall of 2015 to prove my success. 

During the Spring and Summer semesters of 2015, I took two physics courses that helped prepare me for the SPI exam. The first course was extremely challenging and the second was more of a review. I used many resources to study including a CD from my Davies book where I took the mock SPI registry multiple times. I also purchased the XZONE physics review questions from Sydney Edelman.

Achieving this program outcome is important in my personal, academic, and professional life because it demonstrates that I have the proper knowledge and skills to create diagnostic images while using the ultrasound machine. Physics is such a large part of each ultrasound study so it is extremely important that as a sonographer I completely understand the physical principles as it relates to sound interactions with tissue. My strength in this particular program outcome is my working knowledge of the ultrasound machines and what needs to be adjusted in order to create a beautiful image. My weakness in this program outcome is simply trying to remember each of the physical principles as they relate to particular theories and mathematical equations.

I met both of my SMART goals for this program outcome in September 2015 when I passed the SPI registry. I was very excited and relieved! Passing this exam taught me that I will succeed as a sonographer because I have been putting in the time and effort to learn as much as possible. While this was likely the most difficult project for me during the entire program, I’m proud of myself for passing and am thankful that I now have the working knowledge needed to create diagnostic images.

1.3 Upon graduation the learner will be able to critically think through and analyze normal anatomy and/or abnormal disease processes as related to sonography.

Please click on the link below:

http://kpalombo8985.wix.com/cystic-hygroma

For the third program outcome, I set two SMART goals for myself. My first goal was to be able to acknowledge when pathology is present. My second goal was to be able to document my work properly in order to convey all pertinent information to the radiologist so that they can decide the course of treatment for the patient. My Abdominal, GYN, Obstetrics and Case Studies classes are the ones that helped me to achieve this program outcome the most. Each of them worked in relation to one another to help me identify normal from abnormal anatomy. They also helped me to understand and critically think through a pathological process so that I could understand why it may be occurring. For this particular assignment, Obstetrics II was the most helpful in aiding in the diagnosis. These are extremely important skills for a sonographer since that is the one of the most important factors of our job.

For this assignment, I was instructed to build a website out of a case study that contained an abnormal pathology. As an artifact, I chose to present a cystic hygroma case study web presentation which I completed in my Obstetrical Sonography II class in Fall 2015 . This website was to educate my classmates on cystic hygromas order to further our knowledge as working sonographers. Upon completion of the website, I performed an oral presentation and wrote a research paper supporting my findings.

Achieving this program outcome is important in my personal, academic, and professional life because it demonstrates that I have the capabilities to work on my own. It shows that I am competent in my abilities as a sonographer. My strength in this program outcome is my ability to recognize pathologies and covey my thoughts to the radiologist through my images. My weakness is possibly taking too many images during a study when I find a pathology present, however I do this to ensure I have documented everything necessary.

I met both of my SMART goals for this program outcome when I was properly able to identify the cystic hygroma present in this fetus. This project taught me how to critically think through and analyze an abnormal disease process. Through this project, I learned how to properly document a case to provide all of the images needed necessary for the radiologist.

1.4 Upon graduation students will possess the knowledge and demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully gain employment, become a credentialed Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and function as a valuable part of a healthcare diagnostic team.

For the final program outcome, I set two SMART goals for myself. My first goal was to show my preceptors and teachers that I am hard working and take initiative. My second goal was to prove to the radiologist that I have the skills required to be a part of the radiology team. Every class that I have taken during the medical sonography program has contributed to my success. Each of them combined has provided me with the knowledge and skills that I need to become registered and eventually become a functional member of a healthcare diagnostic team. While assignments sometimes seemed like busy work, I realize that all of them were necessary in order to provide me with all the material I needed to learn.

From our very first day of the program, our teachers told us to treat our clinical sites as our work place. After all, this would be the longest interview of my life! I took their advice literally and was very serious about my performance. I used my time at my clinical rotations to learn as much as I could from the radiologists, physician assistants and other sonographers. I scanned as many patients as I could and kept the department clean and stocked with supplies. The assignments I have chosen to prove that I was able to confidently scan a patient and convey my findings to radiologist as well as show proof that I am a helpful member of the team. 

Achieving this program outcome is important in my personal, academic, and professional life because it demonstrates that I am skilled enough to work on my own as a diagnostic medical sonographer. My weakness in this area was learning the particular techniques needed from individual sonographers as well as constantly switching machines. At the same time, this ended up being my strength because I learned a lot for multiple people and was able to learn how to operate five different ultrasound machines. This will only make me more marketable for employment. These are the accomplishments that I am most proud of. All of my hard work and sacrifice up to this point has definitely paid off!

I met both of my SMART goals for this program outcome when I completed my radiologist scan and preceptor core competencies both with 100% during my clinical rotation in the Spring 2016. I have chosen each of them as an artifact to supoprt my success. From completing both of these assignments, I have learned that along with creating a diagnostic study, both oral and written communication are a very large part of my job. It is essential that as a diagnostic medical sonographer I am able to put together all of the pieces to the puzzle before, during, and after the exam. This ensures excellent patient care.