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.

Mr Rob McGregor AFASA | USVASC Rob is an accredited medical sonographer with over 30 years of experience and qualifications in Vascular and General ultrasound. Rob has been a senior clinical sonographer, a tutor and a researcher. Rob has presented over 50 original papers at domestic and international scientific meetings. Rob has a long history as an advocate for the sonography profession and helped establish the Australian Sonographers Association and the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry heading both organisations during critical periods. Rob provided advice to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing during the pivotal time around the inception of the ASAR. Rob established the Australian School of Medical Imaging, Canberra Specialist Ultrasound and USVASC pty ltd (providing vascular ultrasound services) Rob continues to enjoy and be challenged by clinical ultrasound as well teaching and training.

Assoc Prof Ann Quinton FASA | Central Queensland University Ann Quinton is a senior sonographer at Perinatal Ultrasound Nepean Hospital NSW Australia and an Associate Professor in Medical Sonography at CQUniversity. Although general trained Ann practices clinically as an obstetrics and gynaecology sonographer. Ann teaches advanced fetal heart, research skills, general clinical sonography skills to students and is a member of the low-risk ethics committee at CQU.

Mr Ian Schroen AFASA | I-Med Network Ian has built a diverse and accomplished career in diagnostic imaging. Starting as a radiographer, he specialized in vascular ultrasound before progressing to all aspects of diagnostic ultrasound. His career evolved further with a successful role in corporate healthcare, where he gained extensive experience in sales and marketing. Holding a Master’s of Medical Ultrasound, Ian is passionate about all facets of clinical ultrasound, including imaging technology, teaching, and research. He previously served as President of the Australasian Sonographers Association and currently as an associate lecturer at Monash University, where he teaches the vascular ultrasound subject in the Post-Graduate Ultrasound program.

Ms Jane Wardle | CQUniversity Jane is a senior lecturer, currently serving as a lecturer and Head of Course at CQUniversity. Jane has worked in the tertiary sector for ten years, and is dedicated to advancing the education and practice of sonography, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in this critical healthcare domain. Her academic career is marked by a deep commitment to the integration of cutting-edge research with practical application. Jane's work extends beyond traditional educational methods, embracing innovative approaches that enhance learning and clinical competency. This dedication to educational excellence is underscored by her current studies in Educational Neuroscience, a field she finds deeply fascinating. Her research in this area focuses on understanding how the brain learns and applying these insights to improve teaching pedagogy and outcomes in medical education.