Sonography is evolving rapidly, and with that evolution comes complexity. Today’s sonographers navigate a landscape shaped by rising patient expectations, workforce shortages, and expanding clinical protocols. They face challenges that go beyond technical skill, including the need for clear communication, professional identity, wellbeing, and recognition in an increasingly multidisciplinary environment. At the ASA Arena, we will explore the human and professional dimensions of sonography. From the power of words in patient care to the emotional toll of burnout, from the erosion of role clarity to the opportunities offered by advanced practice, these sessions tackle the issues that matter most to sonographers. Join us for thought-provoking discussions on communication, advocacy, resilience, and the future of the profession. Together, we will examine how sonographers can adapt, lead, and thrive in a changing healthcare system.

Mrs Alison White AFASA | Griffith University I am an accredited medical sonographer (cardiac) with over 25 years of clinical experience. I am an Associate Fellow of the ASA, a Fellow of the ASE, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Senior Lecturer and Program Director at Griffith University. Part of my current teaching role, is teaching the next generations of clinical physiologists specialising in cardiac science, respiratory science, sleep science and clinical neurophysiology. I have published textbook chapters and journal articles on reflective practice, communication skills, leadership skills, cardiac sonography and clinical cases. I was a Lead Coach with the Manager as Coach program at Griffith University 2018-2024, focusing at the individual level on building self-awareness of communication skills, with the aim of fostering at a team level through strengths based communication, workplace cultures of effective, respectful, empathetic and growth-orientated colleagues. , BSc MSc DMU (cardiac) AMS AFASA FASE SFHEA.

Ms Julie Archbold | Australian Healthcare Consulting and Vision Radiology. Julie Archbold is a General Sonographer working at Australian Healthcare Consulting and Vision Radiology in Victoria. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Julie has been involved in all areas of ultrasound education, including training of post graduate students, ultrasound undergraduate lectures at Monash University, mentorship and support of clinical supervisors and tutors. As National Ultrasound Leader, Julie was responsible for oversight of ultrasound training nationally for the Capitol Health network in 2023-2025. Completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in 2017, Julie has a keen interest in the support and training of clinical supervisors and training program accountability and is passionate about supporting training processes for the next generation of sonographers as well as new graduates. Julie was the recipient of the Sonographer of the Year – Victoria award in 2019 and is a member of the ASA Board of Directors.

Mrs Mehrnaz (Naz) Clifford | CQUniversity Mehrnaz is a seasoned sonographer with nine years of expertise in general ultrasound across Queensland. Having completed her Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography, she further distinguished herself by obtaining a Master’s degree in Medical Sonography from UNISA. Her specialisation in breast imaging and obstetrics underscores her commitment to delivering precise and comprehensive diagnostic services. Dedicated to education and professional development, Mehrnaz has assumed a significant role as a tutor at CQU, where she contributes to the growth of students and emerging sonographers. Her passion for teaching is evident in her efforts to elevate the skills of those entering the field. Mehrnaz's contribution reflects not only her technical proficiency but also her commitment to advancing the standards of ultrasound practice.

Ms Janessa Baddeley AFASA | Ultrasound Centre for Women; Ballarat Women's Ultrasound & ASA Janessa is a Specialist Women's Health Sonographer with over a decade of experience in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound. Starting her career in South Australia, Janessa absolutely detested gynaecology scans (actively avoiding them when possible) however after working in a high-risk obstetric hospital her love for maternal fetal medicine and complex gynaecology grew into her passion. Since moving to Victoria, under the guidance of her esteemed colleagues, Janessa went on to complete her Masters of Medical Ultrasound Women’s Imaging and do advanced training in pelvic floor and endometriosis ultrasound. Janessa has a particular interest in fertility medicine, gynae-oncology and endometriosis, as well as 3D ultrasound in O&G. All subjects of which she regularly presents at nation conferences and state-based events. In 2023, Janessa was awarded Associate Fellow of the Australasian Sonographers Association in recognition of her contributions to the profession. In her downtime… just kidding what even is downtime?

Dr Catherine Rienzo | Joint Review Commission On Education In Diagnostic Medical Sonography Retired Professor & Program Director, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Service Past President, SDMS 2025 Immediate Past-President, SDMS and SDMS Foundation, 2023-2025 President, SDMS and SDMS Foundation, 2021-2023 President-Elect, 2019-2021 Current BOD, Joint Review Commission on Diagnostic Medical Society (JRC-DMS) Board of Directors, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, July 2018 – June 2024. Served as VP July 2023-June 2024 Presentations 2025 • 2025 Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA. “Empowering Clinical Excellence” • 2025 SDMS Annual Conference, Denver, CO, “Ensuring Excellence: Navigating the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.” • 2025 CAAHEP Accreditation Workshop, Bloomington, MN, “Revamping the Roadmap: Understanding CAAHEP’s Revised Accreditation Process & Policy.” Publications Rienzo, C.E., “The Impact of Virtual Site Visits on Programmatic Accreditation Through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)”. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/87564793221095779 Michael, K., Rienzo, C., Whitten, T., SDMS White Paper Series, January 2019, “Sonography Education: Incidental Findings in Scan Lab Models”. Rienzo, Catherine, Mark, Ian. Article first published online: March 26, 2016; Issue published: May 1, 2016 “Serendipitous Diagnosis of a Ganglioneuroma in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Educational Setting”. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Volume: 32 issue: 3, page(s): 181-184