Cardiac | Bridging practice and precision: Supervision, collaboration and imaging in cardiovascular care (cont.)
Tracks
Rm 9 | Virtual
Cardiac
Panel Discussion
| Friday, May 29, 2026 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM |
| Rm 9 | First Floor |
Speaker
Dr Nathan Luque
Lecturer
Western Sydney University
Novices learning cardiac sonography
1:30 PM - 1:40 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Introduction:Traditional cardiac sonography training often requires novices to learn image acquisition and optimisation simultaneously, which may increase cognitive load and limit skill development. A Four Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model offers a scaffolded alternative by dividing learning into manageable components. This study tested 4C/ID against traditional training in novice learners. Method: A quantitative controlled study was conducted of 48 medical students without ultrasound experience: 30 Year 1-2 students and 18 Year 3-4 students. Participants received traditional or 4C/ID training and were stratified by Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotations Test (MRT) score. The primary outcome was image acquisition and optimisation performance; secondary outcomes were measurement accuracy, task efficiency, MRT influence and learner stage. Results: Across all participants, 4C/ID had no significant effect on acquisition time or overall optimisation, and performance was not influenced by MRT score. Differences were primarily driven by learner stage: acquisition in Year 1–2 students was slower than Year 3–4, regardless of method (see figure). In Year 3–4 students, 4C/ID produced acquisition times comparable to traditional training and improved performance in specific optimisation domains, particularly parasternal short-axis image optimisation. In contrast, Year 1–2 students showed no measurable benefit from 4C/ID. Conclusion: While overall performance did not improve with 4C/ID relative to traditional training, there were context dependent effects: in senior learners 4C/ID improved specific learning components. Our findings indicate that a scaffolded model may be most effectively applied to sonography learners with more established foundational competencies.
Biography
Dr Nathan Luque |
Western Sydney University
Dr Nathan Luque obtained his PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of New South Wales, where his research focused on microcirculation, endothelial function, and vascular regulation in pregnancy. He is currently a Lecturer in the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University, where he works closely with sonographers to investigate cerebrovascular dynamics in migraine, alongside examining how psychomotor skills and training approaches influence ultrasound image acquisition in novice learners through the NOLEAS study. Through this combined clinical, educational, and translational research approach, he aims to bridge fundamental cardiovascular science with practical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Cardiac Panel Discussions
Let's talk about it!
Seeing the same heart: Bridging perspectives between sonographers and cardiologists
1:40 PM - 2:20 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
This panel brings together sonographers and cardiologist in cardiac imaging to explore how collaboration, technology and communication shape modern echocardiography. Although both professions work toward the same goal- seeing the heart clearly and caring for their patients effectively, their perspectives, workflows and challenges can differ. This discussion aims to close that gap.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
Biography
The cardiac program at this year's conference brings together leading clinicians and sonographers for three dynamic live panel discussions designed to spark insight, collaboration and practical learning. Each session highlights a key area shaping the future of cardiac care, offering attendees the opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
Across the three panels, participants will explore the evolving imaging challenges in adult congenital heart disease, examine the essential role of clinical supervision and mentorship in cardiac sonography and gain a deeper understanding of how sonographers and cardiologists can bridge perspectives to enhance patient outcomes. These discussions are crafted to be interactive, informative and grounded in real-world clinical experience.
Join us for these live sessions and take part in shaping the dialogue around some of the most important issues in contemporary cardiac practice. Further details on each panel can be found in the individual session descriptions.
Assoc Prof Sandhir Prasad
Clinical Lead in Echocardiography
RBWH
Panelist | Seeing the same heart: Bridging perspectives between sonographers and cardiologists
1:40 PM - 2:20 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
This panel brings together sonographers and cardiologist in cardiac imaging to explore how collaboration, technology and communication shape modern echocardiography. Although both professions work toward the same goal- seeing the heart clearly and caring for their patients effectively, their perspectives, workflows and challenges can differ. This discussion aims to close that gap.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
Biography
Assoc Prof Sandhir B Prasad |
RBWH
A/Prof Sandhir B Prasadis a senior staff cardiologist and clinical lead in echocardiography at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. He is a Monash medical graduate, completed his training in cardiology at Wellington Hospital (NZ), and then completed research and clinical fellowships at Westmead Hospital (Sydney), MonashHeart (Melbourne) and Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane). He has been awarded research fellowships from the National Heart Foundation (NZ), Centres of Health Research (Qld) and Metro North (Clinician Research Fellowship). He is the recipient of Awards of Excellence from ASUM (Australasian Sonologist of the Year) and Metro North Hospital and Health Service (Clinical Research Award). His PhD focussed on the pathophysiology of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with publications in JASE, Heart and JACC: CV Imaging. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Griffith University. He is the current president of the Queensland branch of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Chris Thomas
Director
Qld Echocardiography
Panelist | Seeing the same heart: Bridging perspectives between sonographers and cardiologists
1:40 PM - 2:20 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
This panel brings together sonographers and cardiologist in cardiac imaging to explore how collaboration, technology and communication shape modern echocardiography. Although both professions work toward the same goal- seeing the heart clearly and caring for their patients effectively, their perspectives, workflows and challenges can differ. This discussion aims to close that gap.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
Biography
Mr Christopher Thomas |
Qld Echocardiography
Mr Christopher Thomas graduated from The University of Queensland in 1997 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement Studies and Master of Scientific Studies was completed in 1998 specialising in cardiac physiology and rehabilitation.
Mr Thomas made an 18-year contribution to the The Prince Charles Hospital’s Echocardiography Department, where he was considered an educational resource for the hospital’s staff and has vast experience in emergency and critical care scenarios. Mr Thomas has trained many specialist echocardiologists working in Australia and abroad.
Chris manages and is the senior cardiac sonographer at Queensland Echocardiography, a stand-alone and fully accredited echocardiography imaging service, the first of its kind in Queensland.
Chris pioneered locum cardiac sonography services in Queensland from 2002, and currently is still in wide demand over 2 states to provide expert level echocardiography services to a discerning cardiology customer base.
In addition to presenting his original research at the World Congress of Cardiology in 2002, Mr Thomas has been involved in countless research initiatives as new technologies arrived on to the market, such as ASD/VSD closure devices, ventricular assist devices and trans-catheter heart valve replacements/interventions.
Mrs Amy Secomb
Director
Cardiac Skills Australia
Panelist | Seeing the same heart: Bridging perspectives between sonographers and cardiologists
1:40 PM - 2:20 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
This panel brings together sonographers and cardiologist in cardiac imaging to explore how collaboration, technology and communication shape modern echocardiography. Although both professions work toward the same goal- seeing the heart clearly and caring for their patients effectively, their perspectives, workflows and challenges can differ. This discussion aims to close that gap.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
A special focus will be placed on POCUS and its growing use, benefits in remote and resource limited settings and if POCUS can act as a bridge to care or introduces new layers of complexity.
Miscommunication between sonographers and cardiologists can lead to inefficiencies, frustrations and even diagnostic delays. This discussion will explore practical strategies for improving shared terminology, reporting clarity, with a goal to highlight how stronger communication fosters trust, enhances training and improves patient care.
With AI rapidly entering the echocardiography workflow, from automated measurements to decision support tools. This panel will debate whether AI will streamline workloads and reduce variability or whether it risks overshadowing the nuanced expertise of trained sonographers and cardiologists.
Biography
Mrs Amy Secomb |
Cardiac Skills Australia
Amy Secomb is the Owner and Director of Cardiac Skills Australia, delivering highly specialised Focussed Cardiac Ultrasound workshops and advanced cardiac training programs for medical practitioners across Australia and New Zealand.
With over 20 years experience in the healthcare industry, including 17 years as a senior echocardiographer at The Prince Charles Hospital, Amy has extensive expertise in performing complex echocardiograms, Indigenous cardiac outreach programs across rural Queensland, and educating doctors, clinicians, and students at all levels.
Amy is recognised for her ability to translate complex echo concepts into practical, clinically relevant, bedside-ready skills. Her training is grounded in real-world experience, equipping clinicians with the confidence and competence to make timely, informed decisions that directly improve patient outcomes.
Driven by a commitment to excellence in education and patient care, Amy brings a depth of knowledge, technical precision, and a passion for empowering clinicians through high-quality cardiac imaging and hands-on learning experiences.
