Research is integral to evidence-based practice in healthcare benefiting both the professional's knowledge and improving patient care. Despite its importance, building research capacity within ultrasound departments presents significant challenges for sonographers, managers and health services. In this presentation key factors influencing research culture and capacity building are explored, emphasising the role of the individual sonographer, organisations and structural support, in fostering a culture of research in the ultrasound department.

The transition from a skilled sonographer to becoming an effective educator presents both challenges and opportunities. This presentation aims to support sonographers in embracing their roles as clinical educators by leveraging the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). It will explore the concept of SoTL, its application in academic settings, and practical strategies for clinical sonographers to engage with SoTL to enhance their teaching practices.
The presentation will begin by demystifying SoTL, providing a clear definition and highlighting its significance in the academic and clinical teaching environments. SoTL promotes a scholarly approach to teaching, encouraging educators to systematically investigate and reflect on their teaching methods and student learning outcomes.
Next, it will discuss the practical application of SoTL in academia, drawing parallels to the clinical setting. By integrating SoTL principles, clinicians can adopt evidence-based teaching strategies that are informed by research and tailored to the unique needs of their learners.
Finally, the presentation will offer actionable steps for sonographers to engage with SoTL. These include participating in professional development opportunities, collaborating with academic peers, and conducting their own teaching and learning research. By embracing SoTL, clinicians can develop a deeper understanding of effective teaching and learning practices, ultimately enhancing their professional identity as educators.
This session aims to demonstrate how SoTL can support the journey from clinician to confident and impactful educator.

Introduction: Ultrasound case reports play an important role in presenting new condition or diseases, or unusual presentations of a condition or disease. They can also be used to illustrate new methods or technologies to demonstrate conditions and diseases. Case reports are educative and are also often the first line of evidence in recording clinical observations. A case report needs to be of high quality to be accepted for publication, and to also ensure that a clear message is provided to readers.
Methods: In this presentation the writing of a case report will be simplified by outlining a systematic, step by step approach that can be adopted by both inexperienced and experienced writers.
Results: A case report should be written using scientific, disciplined and transparent methods to ensure its readability and dissemination. The case report should have a structure which is similar to that of an original research article.
Conclusions; Good preparation, an explanation of the unique qualities of a case and a clear conclusion are important when writing a case report.
Take home message: Don’t be afraid to write up a case report for a journal. Case reports are a valuable method of sharing interesting and unique cases with your professional peers. If you use a systematic approach, it will assist in producing a quality report and publishing success.

Continuing professional development is an integral part of ensuring Australian sonographers remain contemporary in their practice and that the profession continues to develop.
This presentation will discuss the ASAR continuing professional development program, why it is important for sonographers to actively engage in this program and the outcomes of the CPD audit for 2024.
Expect to leave this presentation with a better understanding of why CPD is important to individual sonographers and for our profession and will also help to demystify the ASAR CPD audit process.