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.

Mr Chris Gilmore FASA | Prince Charles Hospital Chris is a general sonographer who works in Brisbane at the teaching facility The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH). In addition to servicing a busy metropolitan emergency and critical care service, TPCH provides quaternary referral service for cardiothoracic medicine including heart / lung transplantation, with the facility also providing many other specialist medical services such as gastroenterology, vascular, orthopaedic, geriatric, mental health, endocrine and palliative care. Chris has a broad interest in general ultrasound including its use in assisting procedures. Chris has been credentialed in PICC insertion procedures and holds a general approval licence to administer local anaesthetic issued by the Queensland Medicine Regulation Unit.

Dr Kate Russo | CQ University / SAMI WCH Campus Kate Russo is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Sonography with Central Queensland University and a Specialist O+G Sonographer / Advanced Clinical Educator with SAMI at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide. With more than 25 years of sonography experience, she has expertise in fetal medicine and fetal echocardiography. Kate began her career in Brisbane before spending several years in the UK, returning to Adelaide in 2009 to continue advancing high‑quality obstetric sonography. She is a passionate advocate for the sonography profession, focusing on person‑centred care and communication, and continual improvement in clinical practice. Kate is a Director of Through the Unexpected, supporting and advocating for families facing an unexpected prenatal diagnosis. She serves on the ASA Sonographer Policy and Advocacy Committee and Clinical Supervisors Committee and is actively involved in research to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. In 2024, she was named SA Sonographer of the Year by the ASA.

Assoc Prof Christopher Edwards | Queensland University of Technology Christopher Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Ultrasound within the School of Clinical Sciences and coordinates the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. He is an experienced Medical Sonographer and a registered Medical Radiation Practitioner and holds a concurrent position with QLD Health as an advanced clinical Radiographer/Sonographer. His research focuses on understanding how new advances in ultrasound technology can improve patient clinical outcomes. He is also keenly interested in improving equitable training for student Sonographers and developing pathways for professionals to access research opportunities. Christopher is a fellow of the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a former Chair and Board Director of the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.

Mr Luke Kipping | Regional Ultrasound Solutions Luke is a clinical and interventional sonographer with Regional Ultrasound Solutions Pty Ltd in Maryborough Qld. Luke undertook dedicated study in Ultrasound guided procedures as part of a Masters in Medical Sonography in 2014 as well as a Post Graduate certificate in MSK Interventions in 2017. He has over a decade of experience in a range of ultrasound-guided procedures including MSK injections, FNAs, venous access and PRP injections. Luke is passionate about striving to improve patient-centred models of service delivery in diagnostic ultrasound and related ultrasound-guided procedures, to improve patient care and the healthcare system more broadly.