In today's world, patients are knowledgeable about their health, proficient in using technology, and expect comprehensive service delivered quickly. With easy access to health-related information, both reliable and unreliable, at their fingertips, patients demand more from healthcare professionals. Sonographers are working in a challenging environment, where their role in the healthcare field is becoming increasingly important due to high patient demand, shortages in the workplace, and expanding protocols. They are concerned about workplace injuries, training and education standards, regulation, consent, communication needs, Artificial Intelligence, and the corporatisation of primary healthcare. Join the discussion at the ASA Arena as we explore the challenges faced by modern sonographers and tackle the critical issues they encounter in their profession.

Mrs Ashleigh Buchholz | Elite Imaging Group Ashleigh Buchholz is a dedicated sonographer with experience across all areas of diagnostic ultrasound, including general, musculoskeletal, vascular, obstetric, and gynaecological imaging. As the Director of Elite Imaging Group, a specialist ultrasound clinic serving Central Queensland, she combines her passion for delivering exceptional patient care with her commitment to advancing the sonography profession through innovation and mentorship.

Dr Samantha Thomas | UNSW Sam is an experienced general sonographer specialising in high-risk obstetric ultrasound. She is a Postdoctoral Sonographer in the Perinatal Imaging Research Group at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), as well as a senior sonographer at Ultrasoundcare and PRP Radiology. Sam is passionate about patient-centred care, aiming to improve patient experiences and outcomes. She is a co-author of the recently published book Person-Centred Care in Radiology. Her PhD led to the development of ASUM Parent Centred Communication Guidelines designed to enhance communication and collaboration when unexpected obstetric findings arise, contributing to better clinical practices. Sam works closely with a multidisciplinary team at UNSW, including engineers, obstetricians, and fellow sonographers, to explore advanced technologies such as 3D-FMBV, infra-red camera-tracked volumetric stitching, and the Verasonics plane-wave research system. These innovations are part of her commitment to reducing the global rate of stillbirth. Sam loves working as part of a team and collaborating with others to make a meaningful difference in the field of ultrasound. She loves helping other students reach their goals clinically and in their research. Outside of her professional endeavours, Sam enjoys time with her family and friends, travelling, pickleball, and kayaking.