Dear SDMS Members, 

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is committed to advocating for you as a sonographer. By undertaking projects designed to protect sonographers and participating in a wide array of meetings, task forces, and legislative efforts, the SDMS represents both your interests and the sonography profession. With the assistance of our dedicated volunteers and volunteer leadership, who are sonographers like you, the SDMS has recently advocated for you in the following ways.

• A series of articles focused on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers were published in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS). The articles showcase the results of the Grand Challenge Alliance longitudinal study. Additional research stemming from this important initiative will continue to be published in the JDMS as it is available.
• The SDMS participated in a New Hampshire public hearing and subcommittee meeting to advocate keeping the licensure of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, including sonographers, intact. The amended bill is awaiting final passage.
• In Pennsylvania, the SDMS is participating in efforts with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists, and other medical imaging and radiation therapy organizations on a new medical imaging and radiation therapy licensure bill.
• SDMS leadership attended the recent Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) meeting to champion the needs of sonographers. During the event, the SDMS was also able to meet and discuss potential future collaborations with both the SMFM leadership and industry vendors attending the event.
• The SDMS participated in a multi-organizational task force led by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) to explore the expanded use of CPT Code 76811 (Detailed Obstetrical Ultrasound) in evaluating pregnancy. Approval of the revised recommendation is pending.
• The updated Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (“Scope”) will be published in the May/June issue of the JDMS.
• The SDMS is undertaking a review of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The feedback from members and others in the medical community will be instrumental in the SDMS Ethics Committee and Board of Directors' review process

The SDMS' relentless advocacy efforts, supported by the invaluable contributions of Society volunteers and leadership, highlight the SDMS' ongoing commitment to not only represent but also empower sonographers, ensuring your profession remains robust, recognized, and respected within healthcare. Nominations for the upcoming elections recently concluded with a record high number of nominations received. I encourage you to continue your involvement in the Society by voting in the election. It is imperative that your voice is heard so that the SDMS can continue to advocate for you.
  

Sincerely,

Mitzi Roberts, ​EdD, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS
SDMS and SDMS Foundation President