2023 SDMS Achievement Awards
Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award
The Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award was established to honor sonographers who have made innovative and outstanding contributions to the sonography profession. This award is not an annual award but rather awarded as qualified candidates are identified. Selection is based on contributions which have advanced or changed the field of sonography and increased the knowledge and/or welfare of sonographers.
2023 Recipient:
Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM
Stephen Mclaughlin Memorial Lectureship Award
The Stephen McLaughlin Memorial Lectureship was created as a tribute to past SDMS President Stephen McLaughlin for his service to the SDMS and his dedication to promoting sonographer professionalism within the healthcare community. The lecture is presented each year at the SDMS Annual Conference in his honor.
2023 Recipient:
Sara M. Baker, MEd, RDMS, RVT, RMSKS, RT(R), FSDMS
SDMS Fellows
The SDMS Fellow membership category recognizes the lifetime achievement of individual members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of sonography and to the SDMS. An SDMS Fellow is known for their outstanding professional accomplishments as well sustained engagement in SDMS activities and continued SDMS membership.
2023 Recipients:
Tara K. Cielma, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(S), FSDMS
Cathie Scholl, DHSc, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS
Kenneth R. Gottesfeld Award
The Kenneth R. Gottesfeld Award recognizes sonographers for the publication of their outstanding research or review articles in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS).
1st Place:
Kevin D. Evans, PhD, RT(R)(M)(BD), RDMS, RVS, FSDMS, FAIUM
Isaiah W. Bloom, BS
Nicole Stigall-Weikle, PhD, RDMS, RVT
Tara Weaver, BS, RDMS, RVT
Munaju Gunasena, BS
Nicolas T. Funderburg, PhD
Namal P. M. Liyanage, PhD
SARS-CoV-2 Survivors with Chronic Health Conditions: A Pilot Study on "COVID Long-Haulers"
2nd Place:
Amanda Hogan, DBA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R)
Pain Levels and Injuries by Sonographic Specialty: A Research Study
SDMS Scholarly Competitions
SDMS Scientific Presentation Competition
The Scientific Presentation Competition evaluates sonographers’ original summary papers on clinical research, educational techniques, patient care, sonography department management, case studies presenting a diagnostic challenge, or other areas related to diagnostic medical sonography.
1st Place:
Kathryn Wampler, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Brandy Sundberg, MHPTT, RT(R), RDMS
Kimberly Michael, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS
Using Evidenced-Based Practices to Improve Sonography Scan Lab Instruction: Peyton’s 4-Step Approach
2nd Place:
Ivonne Murillo, MHS, BS, RDMS, NTQR
Douglas W. Clem, PhD, RDCS, RVT
Sonographer Burnout: Use of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to Initiate Change in the Workplace
Sonographer and Student Poster Competitions
Sonographer and student posters report the results of a research study completed by the authors. Posters are evaluated on presentation, content, and originality and are displayed during the SDMS Annual Conference.
Sonographer Poster
1st Place:
Tara K. Cielma, BS, RT(S), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS
Anjum N. Bandarkar, MD
Sonography of the Tonsils: A Pictorial Review
2nd Place:
Cara Hill, BS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)
An Enhanced Diagnosis: CEUS Assisted Identification of a Rare Case of Splenic Autoamputation
Student Poster
1st Place:
Courtney E. Grutza
Emily Kline
Anastasia Smith
Grand Valley State University – Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The Use of 3D and 4D Ultrasound in Conjunction with Virtual Reality Renderings in the Detection of Congenital Fetal Anomalies: A State-of-the-Art Review
2nd Place:
Maria Egenolf
Ava Gerweck
Breanne Mallison
Kendal Robison
Grand Valley State University – Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Applications of 3D Transvaginal Ultrasound that Aid Patients Undergoing IVF: A State-of-the-Art Review
W. Frederick Sample Student Excellence Award
The W. Frederick Sample Student Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding writing in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Named in memory of W. Frederick Sample, MD, who made tremendous contributions to the growth and development of the field of sonography, the awards encourage students to submit original research and literature review papers to the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS).
Literature Review
1st Place:
Kathy Zong Lee
The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center – Sonography Program
The Comparison of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Endoscopic Ultrasound in Lung Cancer Staging
2nd Place:
Megan R. Mayfield
The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center – Sonography Program
Detection and Comparison of Malignant Thyroid Nodules Using Conventional Sonography, Contrast-Enhanced Sonography, and Shear Wave Elastography
Original Research
1st Place:
Danielle Amos, BSMIRS
The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center – Sonography Program
The Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Understanding the Relationship to Work-Related Burnout
SDMS Foundation
SDMS Foundation Emerging Leaders
The SDMS Foundation Emerging Leaders Program identifies and mentors future leaders in the sonography field. Participants virtually attend a variety of leadership education opportunities and engage in meaningful dialogue and projects related to the future of the profession and leadership volunteerism. At the end of the program, one participant is selected to represent the cohort at the fall SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Meetings and the SDMS Annual Conference.
2023 Cohort Grant Recipient:
Halle Delos Reyes, BS, RDMS
Owens Community College
SDMS Foundation Scholarship Program
The SDMS Foundation Sonography Student and Advanced Degree Scholarship Programs provide scholarships to deserving sonography students and sonographers who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
2023 Recipients:
Sonography Student Scholarship Program
Hala Ahmed
Henry Ford Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Gabrial Folmar
South Hills School of Business & Technology
Sonography Advanced Degree Scholarship Program
Doc Shields, BA, AA, RDMS
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
SDMS Foundation Research Grant Program
The SDMS Foundation Research Grant Program provides support for innovative research projects which advance the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Applicants are required to present a topic which is unique and relevant to the profession and the SDMS Foundation, to undergo education and mentorship throughout their research, and to submit their findings to the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS) for publication.
2023 Recipients:
Michelle C. Wilson, EdD, RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS
Completing research on: Trapezius Muscle Changes During a Sonographers’ Shift
Huriah Al Sultan
Completing research on: SARS-CoV-2 Pediatric Survivors with Possible Chronic Health Conditions: The Use of Non-Ionizing Imaging and Biomarkers to Efficiently Guide Primary Care Management
SDMS Foundation International Assistance Program
The SDMS Foundation International Assistance program provides support to SDMS members who are working or assisting in the international healthcare arena.
2023 Recipients:
Courtney Dobson, RDCS, RCCS
Medical Mission Trip to Pago Pago, American Samoa
Juliette Myers, BS, RDMS
Medical Mission Trip to Santiago, Dominican Republic