Medical Sonography

Drawing on sonar technology, sonography uses sound waves to see inside the body. This program visits Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to study how sonographers put this technology into practice. An ultrasound scan is done on a middle-aged man and on an expectant young mother, and the results are reviewed and explained. The subspecialties of sonography—general ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, and echocardiography—are also explored from a career perspective, and the growing demand for sonographers is discussed. A Cambridge Educational Production. (13 minutes)

Mathers highly recommends shadowing a sonographer before deciding to enter the field. A strong science and anatomy knowledge base is crucial in the field.
(This is only a segment from a longer video, but the other segments are available here as well.)

What is it like to be a medical sonographer? In this Career Q&A video interview, Eileen Mathers talks about her career path, what she does on the job, and the keys to success in her field. She also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry’s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Ultrasound imaging, which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body, can be used to diagnose and treat conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system: the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissue throughout the body. This program explores musculoskeletal ultrasound technology, showing viewers how it works and how it is being used as an important diagnostic tool. It also highlights the benefits of musculoskeletal ultrasound images for both patients and physicians—and takes a look into the future of this technology. (27 minutes)