Ultrasonography is a critical tool to help assess follicular development among other things during a fertility treatment cycle like IUI or IVF. Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) is recognized every October to increase awareness of diagnostic medical sonography and the role sonographers play in healthcare, especially in IVF.

At Conceptions, we have a great team including Shari Leary and Tammi Dinges, who just celebrated her 30-year work anniversary with us! We had the chance to speak with them both just after a very busy morning of patient monitoring for a little Q&A about ultrasonography, how it’s used in ART treatments, and having hands-on contact with patients.

What do you like most about being an ultrasonographer?

TD: I love working with patients and helping them during what is a very stressful time. We understand the morning monitoring experience is challenging and that patients feel vulnerable. So, it’s not just about the scan and technology, it’s about making my patients feel safe and supported when I’m with them.

SL: All of what Tammi just said plus I love being part of a really great team. Everyone has a role to play. Ultrasonography informs a lot of what goes into a cycle treatment plan on a day-to-day basis for doctors and nurses, especially in an IVF cycle. I love working in healthcare, especially women’s healthcare. I started my career in banking and after a couple of hold-ups (yes, really), I knew I needed to switch gears and follow my passion for helping people.

How has ultrasonography changed?

SL: 3D imaging has been a huge leap for ultrasonography. We are able to be more precise which is really important for IVF.

TD: Also, the screens we use now are of a much higher resolution, so the imaging is very clear and crisp.

Seems like ultrasonographers are the unsung heroes of IVF, true?

TD: Well, we certainly play an important role in clinical care and patient service. Often, we make a strong connection with patients.  I think we see them most during a treatment cycle. I started my career as an X-ray technologist, and it wasn’t my passion. It was too impersonal for me and not much time with patients. In this role, I have more face time and get real-time feedback from my patients. When they come back with their babies and make sure to see us, that says we’ve made a difference.

SL: The educational process and requirements are significant. Our team of sonographers are well educated and trained.

What do you want patients to feel while in your care?

SL: Trust and compassion. Having a transvaginal ultrasound every day for several days can feel invasive. It’s a vulnerable feeling and we are very sensitive to that.

TD: Confident, supported, and that we’re on their side, that we’re an advocate for them. We get to know their names and listen to their stories. They are very inspiring to us!

What makes Conceptions a special place to work?

TD: It’s a family. I’ve been here 30 years, so I guess that says a lot about how I feel about the people I work with and my patients.

SL: The team of co-workers. We have great success rates and are always looking to improve. It feels purposeful to be part of a team of loyal staff and exceptional physicians. I worked here on the weekends in addition to another OB/GYN job from 2000-2003. Once I left the other practice in 2012,  I was eager to come back to Conceptions and fine-tune my skills in a more focused field of sonography.

About Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado

For over 20 years, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado has been a pillar of success and hope for patients across Colorado and around the world with clinical outcomes that meet or exceed US benchmarks. Whether you live in Cherry Creek, Lone Tree, and Littleton, or you’re visiting us from Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, or Chicago, our team of experts has deep roots in the Colorado community and is dedicated to a safe and successful experience. Visit Conceptions today to learn more.

Conceptions is now part of the RMA network of U.S. fertility centers. To learn more about RMA visit www.rmanetwork.com.