Technology has had a huge impact on healthcare, especially in the field of cardiovascular and vascular sonography, which is where I am focusing my career. As I’ve progressed in my studies and gained hands-on experience, I’ve seen how advances in technology are helping sonographers, like myself, provide better and faster care to patients. One of the biggest changes has been in the quality of imaging. Modern ultrasound machines now give us much clearer and more detailed pictures of the heart and blood vessels. For example, 3D and 4D ultrasound technology allows us to see the heart’s structures in real-time and with great clarity, making it easier to spot any problems. This is especially helpful in diagnosing conditions like heart defects or valve issues. In vascular sonography, tools like Doppler ultrasound allow us to see how blood is flowing through the veins and arteries, which can help detect blockages or clots early on. These early detections are crucial because they can prevent more serious conditions like strokes or heart attacks. In addition to regular ultrasound imaging, advancements like contrast and bubble studies have been extremely valuable. Contrast echocardiography involves the injection of a contrast agent, which enhances the visibility of the heart’s chambers and blood flow during ultrasound. This technique is helpful when the standard imaging does not provide a clear enough picture. It improves the detection of issues like heart defects, blood clots, or areas of the heart with reduced blood flow. Similarly, a bubble study involves injecting saline with tiny bubbles into a vein to evaluate how well the heart is pumping and if there are any abnormal openings between the heart’s chambers, like a patent foramen ovale. These techniques allow us to gather more detailed information and make more accurate diagnoses, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Beyond imaging, advancements in medical devices such as pacemakers and mechanical heart valves have also significantly improved patient outcomes. Pacemakers help regulate heartbeats in patients with arrhythmias, allowing them to lead healthier lives. As sonographers, we can use ultrasound to monitor how well these devices are working, ensuring that they are functioning properly and adjusting as needed. Mechanical heart valves, which are used to replace damaged or faulty valves, are another incredible innovation. These valves prevent the need for repeated surgeries and help maintain proper blood flow through the heart. Using ultrasound, we can examine how well these artificial valves are performing and ensure that there are no complications. Portable ultrasound machines are another technological advancement that has made a big difference in patient care. These machines allow us to perform scans right at a patient's bedside, which can be life-saving in emergency situations. Instead of waiting for a patient to be transferred to another department for imaging, we can quickly perform the scan and provide doctors with the information they need to make fast decisions. In addition, advancements like wearable health monitors have made it easier for patients to track their heart health from home. Devices that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs can alert both patients and their healthcare providers to potential problems before they become serious. For a cardiovascular sonographer like myself, having access to this kind of data can help us monitor conditions over time and provide better care. Overall, technology has greatly improved the way we diagnose and treat cardiovascular and vascular conditions. As I move forward in my career, I’m excited to continue using these tools to provide the best possible care to my patients. With these advancements, we can detect problems earlier, treat patients faster, and improve their overall outcomes.

Growing up in a blended family has profoundly impacted how I view relationships, my sense of self, and my future goals. While I deeply care for my stepdad, there’s a boundary that reminds me he’s not my biological father. This has left a gap in my life—particularly when it comes to the father-daughter bond that others often take for granted. As I've matured, especially through experiences like dating, I’ve become more aware of the absence of a father figure and how it has shaped me. Without that presence, I lacked guidance on important matters such as establishing boundaries, recognizing my worth, and navigating relationships. I’ve learned that the absence of a healthy masculine figure has had an impact on how I view love, how I allow others to treat me, and how I set expectations. In many ways, dads can be a girl's first example of love. Without that role model, I sometimes found myself struggling to understand what I deserve in a relationship. The lack of this experience may have contributed to accepting less than I deserve at times, or questioning whether I’m asking for too much. This realization has motivated me to develop my own sense of self-worth and not settle for anything less than what I truly need in. I know that going through out life whole—without expecting anyone to fix or fill the gaps left by my upbringing—is crucial for building something healthy and strong. Additionally, growing up in a blended family taught me a great deal about independence. Watching my mother manage most responsibilities on her own, I developed a strong sense of independence from an early age. However, this independence was often accompanied by anxiety. The pressure of feeling like I had to "grow up" quickly and take on adult responsibilities weighed on me. In a community where healthy relationships and marriages weren’t always visible, I became determined not to rush into marriage or parenthood without ensuring that I was emotionally and mentally prepared. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes or find myself stuck in a toxic relationship just for the sake of companionship. These experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my goals for the future. They’ve inspired me to take control of my life, focus on self-growth, and build a solid foundation for my future relationships. As I pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography, I feel empowered to use my talents to do good and help others. The medical field offers me the opportunity to combine my passion for caring for people with my desire to create a secure and fulfilling life for myself. I’ve come to realize that my past doesn’t define me—it equips me with the resilience and strength needed to succeed. By continuing my education and dedicating myself to my chosen field, I am laying the groundwork for a future where I can both support myself and bring positive change to the lives of others.

My name is Marisel, and my path to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer has been shaped by both personal loss and my desire to make a positive impact on others. After my sister passed away from a pulmonary embolism following childbirth, I struggled with grief and a sense of purpose. It wasn’t until a conversation with a sonographer during a routine medical appointment that I found a new direction in life. Inspired by her passion for healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography, with a focus on cardiovascular health. This field allows me to combine my interest in medical technology with my commitment to helping others, particularly in detecting life-threatening conditions early. This experience made me realize the critical need for better education. I am currently enrolled in a sonography program, where I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. My rotations at Maimonides Hospital, as well as those I participate in each semester through my school, have been incredibly rewarding. These rotations have allowed me to feel connected to my community in a meaningful way, as I work alongside experienced professionals to help patients receive the care they need. Through these experiences, I’ve not only honed my technical skills but also developed a deeper understanding of patient care and the importance of early detection in preventing serious health issues. Each rotation has reinforced my passion for this career and motivated me to continue improving as a healthcare professional. I plan to pursue additional certifications within the field of sonography, particularly in specialized areas like advanced cardiovascular diagnostics, I am also interested in pursuing certifications in fetal echo, general and OB throughout my career. These certifications would enable me to better serve my patients and expand my expertise. Furthermore, I would like to continue giving back to the community by volunteering at health fairs and participating in outreach programs that promote wellness and preventive care, ensuring that more people have access to the resources and education they need to take control of their health. In addition to my clinical experience and academic pursuits, I take pride in my involvement with my school and the local healthcare community. I believe that by continuing to work hard in my studies and clinical rotations, I can make a lasting impact in the field of diagnostic sonography and help improve the lives of the patients I serve.

My name is Marisel Morales , and my path to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer has been shaped by both personal loss and my desire to make a positive impact on others. After my sister passed away from a pulmonary embolism following childbirth, I struggled with grief and a sense of purpose. It wasn’t until a conversation with a sonographer during a routine medical appointment that I found a new direction in life. Inspired by her passion for healthcare, I decided to pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography, with a focus on cardiovascular health. This field allows me to combine my interest in medical technology with my commitment to helping others, particularly in detecting life-threatening conditions early, resulting a formed passion in patient care. I am currently enrolled in a sonography program, where I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. My rotations at Maimonides Hospital, as well as those I participate in each semester through my school, have been incredibly rewarding. These rotations have allowed me to feel connected to my community in a meaningful way, as I work alongside experienced professionals to help patients receive the care they need. Through these experiences, I’ve not only honed my technical skills but also developed a deeper understanding of patient care and the importance of early detection in preventing serious health issues. Each rotation has reinforced my passion for this career and motivated me to continue improving as a healthcare professional. Paying down my student loans would allow me to focus more on my education and career development. With the money I save, I plan to pursue additional certifications within the field of sonography, particularly in specialized areas like advanced cardiovascular diagnostics. These certifications would enable me to better serve my patients and expand my expertise. Furthermore, I would like to continue giving back to the community by volunteering at health fairs and participating in outreach programs that promote wellness and preventive care, ensuring that more people have access to the resources and education they need to take control of their health. In addition to my clinical experience and academic pursuits, I take pride in my involvement with my school and the local healthcare community. I believe that by continuing to work hard in my studies and clinical rotations, I can make a lasting impact in the field of diagnostic sonography and help improve the lives of the patients I serve.

If I could change our current healthcare system, I would focus on improving postpartum care and patient education, especially for women who undergo C-sections, as well as expanding access to preventive care through diagnostic tools like sonography. My personal connection to this issue stems from the unexpected loss of my sister, who passed away from a pulmonary embolism after giving birth. Her baby was breech, and she had a C-section, but what makes her story even more tragic is that her embolism was likely caused by a blood clot that formed after the surgery. Despite this risk, she was sent home after the standard waiting period with no education on the symptoms or complications that could arise from a C-section, particularly the increased risk of blood clots. This experience made me realize the critical need for better education and follow-up care for postpartum mothers, especially those recovering from surgeries like C-sections. In many cases, women leave the hospital without understanding the risks they face or knowing what symptoms to watch for, which can lead to life-threatening complications going unnoticed. A major change I would make to our healthcare system is ensuring that every woman who gives birth—particularly those who undergo C-sections—receives comprehensive education about her recovery, the risks involved, and clear instructions on when to seek medical help. Additionally, I would implement more mandatory follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and catch potential issues, such as blood clots, before they become fatal. Beyond postpartum care, another change I would advocate for is improving access to preventive diagnostic tools, like sonography, that can detect early signs of serious conditions. My journey into healthcare began when I had an ultrasound appointment for my own health issues. The sonographer’s passion for her job inspired me to pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health. Through this field, I’ve come to understand the importance of early detection in preventing conditions like pulmonary embolisms, heart disease, and strokes. If more people had access to affordable, preventive diagnostic care, we could significantly reduce the number of people who develop severe health problems due to undiagnosed conditions. In addition to improving physical care, I would also ensure that mental health support is integrated into all aspects of healthcare. Just as therapy has been essential in helping me find balance in my life, mental health care should be a priority for everyone, especially new mothers who often face significant emotional and physical challenges after giving birth. In short, if I could change the healthcare system, I would improve postpartum care by increasing patient education and follow-up, expand access to preventive diagnostic tools, and integrate mental health resources to ensure a more holistic approach to health. These changes would save lives, improve outcomes, and create a more supportive healthcare system for all.