of excellence in sonography ARDMS Spotlight Reports/finalsummerrr07.pdf · Books, videos, CD-ROMs ... Vascular physics, vascular technology, obstetrics and gynecology, ... ARDMS Spotlight

Reminder: Three-Year PeriodARDMS would like to remind Registrants whose three year-period ends December 31, 2007 to earn 30 CME’s inorder to maintain their credential(s). To obtain your three-year CME period, please log on to the Registrant’s Sectionby visiting www.ARDMS.org.

Here’s an example of your three-year period:

Starts on Consists of Ends on

Current Three – Year Jan. 1, 2005 2005, 2006, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007CME Period

Next Three – Year Jan. 1, 2008 2008, 2009, 2010 Dec. 31, 2010 CME Period


Conference Schedule

51 Monroe StreetPlaza East 1Rockville, MD 20850-2400

ARDMS The globally recognized standard

of excellence in sonography

Burwin Institute. Breast sonography,echocardiography, vascular ultrasound. (877) 625-5297www.burwin.com

PVICME. Training in vascular (including interpretation) and cardiac ultrasound. (425) 398-7772www.pvicme.com

Davies Registry Reviews and StudyAids. Ultrasound education and testpreparation. Books, videos, CD-ROMsand flashcards. (877) 792-0005www.daviespublishing.com

ESP Ultrasound. Registry Review and continuing education.(281) 292-9400, www.esp-inc.com

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute. St.Pete Beach, Fla. (800) 619-1900www.gcus.com

Independent Study Aid Courses. CMEcredits and Registry review courses.Vascular physics, vascular technology,obstetrics and gynecology, abdominalsonography. (800) 617-3389.

Institute for Advanced Medicine.Interactive learning formats; livepatient assessments; live eventsincluding seminars, symposia andcourses; multimedia applications onCD-ROM and DVD; Internet-basedmaterials; and print and journal-based CME. www.iame.com. (919)921-5700. [email protected].

Jefferson Ultrasound Institute.Philadelphia, (888) 390-5051.

Keith Mauney & AssociatesUltrasound Training Institutes.Hands-on training in adult & pediatric echocardiography,peripheral, carotid & vertebral,abdominal, pelvic, breast andendovaginal ultrasound.(800) 845-3484 www.kmaultrasound.com

VascularWeb. View the course catalog online. Free interactive studies. (520) 642-1303

Pegasus Lectures, Inc. Registryreview programs, continuing educa-tion, independent learning, exam simulations and college partnershipprograms. Frank Miele, MSEEPresident. (972) 564-3056www.PegasusLectures.com

O N G O I N G

Please note that there isn’t sufficient space for a complete listing of all available ultrasoundCMEs. See the CME providers’ Web sites for additional ultrasound CME course offerings

C M E C O U R S E O F F E R I N G S

ARDMS publishes meeting and conference notices as an informationalsource only.

Registry Reports

Diane M. Kawamura, Ph.D., RT(R), RDMS, Chair,ARDMS Board of Directors

Dale R. Cyr, MBA, CAE, RDMS, RDCS, CEO & Executive Director

Jessica McLane, Director of Marketing and Communications

Julia Lee, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Morgan Kreutz, Marketing and Communications Associate

“Registry Reports” welcomes submissions from the field. Send inquiries to [email protected]: 301.738.0313

“Registry Reports” ©2007, Rockville, Maryland.The ideas and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of ARDMS.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Chair ......2

New Director of Testing & Research ..........2

ARDMS CME Audit Report ..................3

ARDMS Signs a Five

Year Contract ..................4

Who Accredits ARDMS ....5

P R O F E S S I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E • Q U A L I T Y C A R E • P A T I E N T S A F E T Y • W O R L D W I D E R E A C H

A N U P D A T E F O R R E G I S T R A N T S

S U M M E R 2 0 0 7

ARDMS Spotlight

D iane Kawamura, Ph.D., RT(R), RDMS,Chair of the ARDMS Board ofDirectors, was recently presented

with the 2007 Distinguished SonographerAward at the 2007 American Institute ofUltrasound in Medicine (AIUM) annual con-vention in New York City. The award honors anAIUM member whose overall development ofdiagnostic ultrasound warrants special merit.

Diane has served as the Chair of the ARDMSBoard of Directors since September 2005 andhas been involved with the organization as anexam development committee chair and thesonography principles and instrumentation(SPI) exam task force chair. Her continuingefforts within ARDMS have included simplify-ing the prerequisites process for ultrasoundaccreditation while maintaining current stan-dards, working on the expansion of practiceexaminations, and exploring new and mean-ingful ways to assess continuing competenciesof registrants. Diane has also played an inte-gral part in developing policies to recognizeCME providers. “It is a humbling experienceto be presented an award by Jean Lee Spitz and Dr. Lennard Greenbaum,” said Dr.Kawamura. “They and many of the previousDistinguished Sonographer recipients havebeen my role models, mentors, and motiva-tors. It is an honor and a reward to have had the opportunity to work with so manyindividuals who have given so much to thesonography profession.”

Dr. Kawamura started her professional career as a radiologic technologist in 1966.She became a clinical instructor and an

assistant professor, which led to her currentposition as a Professor of RadiologicalSciences and Educational Director of theDiagnostic Medical Sonography program at the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University, Ogden Utah.

Dr. Kawamura is RDMS certified in the areasof Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Dr.Kawamura received her bachelor’s degree in General Sciences in 1979, master of education in 1981, and Bachelor of Science with a concentration in ultrasound in 1982.She obtained her doctorate in EducationalAdministration from the University of Utah in 1992.

“This is an extraordinary high honor,” saidDale R. Cyr, ARDMS CEO and ExecutiveDirector.“This prestigious award is welldeserved as it reflects Diane’s multiple and significant contributions to the field of sonography.”

Diane Kawamura Honored with AIUMDistinguished Sonographer Award

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When you earned your ARDMS certification, you were proud of your accomplishment and your hard work to be accredited and recognized as a sonographer. ARDMS wants you to know that as an accrediting organization, we also strive to maintain a standard of excellence and growth under the ISO/ANSI 17024.

ARDMS was one of the first organizations in the world to earn the prestigious ANSI-ISO 17024 accreditation for certifying bodies from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is granted through the American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI). ARDMS' dedication and recognition in providing credentials has also earned accreditation with the NationalCommission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

ARDMS continually strives to enhance public safety by accrediting health professionals. The ANSI/ISO 17024 oversees global standardization of the certification community by increasing mobility among countries, enhancing public safety, and protecting consumers. In order to stay accredited under this standard, members such as ARDMS must be compliant with strict rules and regulations. Like our Registrants, ARDMS is annually audited by ANSI and has to abide by regulations, policiesand procedures.

The ANSI/ISO 17024 certification gives ARDMS a clear advantage in being the model for setting high standards in sonography.It creates domestic and global networking opportunities as most countries recognize the ISO standard as the model for success-ful management. It assures a level playing field for standards and conformity assessment programs. It allows ARDMS access toearly awareness of new requirements and new market directions. By keeping up with the ANSI/ISO standards, ARDMS is able to maintain its competitive edge in sonography.

Here is a list of some companies that are also ISO certified:

Oral-B Laboratories Fujifilm

Lockheed Martin Verizon Data Service

Delta Airlines 3M Company

Diane Kawamura (center) with Jean Lea Spitz (left) andAUIM former president Lennard Greenbaum (right)

Who Accredits ARDMS?Setting High Standards Through Accreditation

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)October 11–14, 2007 Red Rock Resort,Casino and Spa Las Vegas, NVwww.sdms.org

The globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography

Letter from the Chair

A frequent topic of discussionamong educators is how tomotivate students to apply to

ARDMS and take the physical principlesand instrumentation examination and a corresponding specialty examination.

Based on anecdotal comments, someeducators feel there is less procrastina-

tion than in the past. If true, an explanation may be provided by several factors in the health care environment.

As the general public increases their advocacy for high stan-dards in health care, continued scrutiny of health care costsand benefits through self-evaluation of individual health careoptions, requires personnel in competing sonography/vasculardepartments to hold and maintain recognizable standards and seek accreditation. There are a number of practice accreditation standards that use the ARDMS credentials as an indicator that the individual has met a national standardfor sonographic imaging (RDCS, RDMS, RVT, RPVI).

At one time, when there were great shortages of sonographers/vascular technologists, health care institutions employed manyon-the-job trained and new graduates without requiring theARDMS credential. With over 55,000 active ARDMS creden-tialed health care providers, most clinics, hospitals, and healthcare corporations now require the ARDMS credential foremployment. Many recent graduates have told us that theiremployment was kept in a probationary period and was contingent on earning the ARDMS credential within a specified time period.

There are some geographic regions with many employmentopportunities but there are other areas where program graduates may not be employed before or immediately after completing a program. While some predict anothernationwide sonographer shortage is on the horizon, in locations with few employment opportunities, having theARDMS credential provides a competitive edge.

Jane Wagner, one of America’s most distinguished playwrightswrote, “A sobering thought: what if, at this very moment, I amliving up to my full potential?”

During the remaining months of 2007, I encourage all of us to seek out those who are performing sonographic/vascular examinations as well as physicians interpreting vascular examinations and encourage them to live up to their full potential and to earn their ARDMS credential(s).

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A RDMS and Pearson-Promissor, Inc. have agreed to a five-year contract that will distribute ARDMS examinationsworldwide until the year 2012. This agreement allows for the continuation of services and delivery of ARDMS examinations to potential international sites as well as access to the high-end Pearson Professional Test Centers

(PPC) throughout North America. The signing of this contract represents the continuation of a long-standing and successfulrelationship between ARDMS and Promissor.

Promissor, a Pearson VUE business, is a leading worldwide provider of testing services. It was initially selected for its excellence in technology-based assessment services and meeting the needs of test takers.

The latest acquisition of Promissor by Pearson VUE hasallowed the business to focus on providing full-service testing solutions with unmatched service to enhance theperformance, reliability and security of computer-basedtesting programs throughout the world. The enhanced conveniences to candidates include online exam registration, test center locator tools, and increased seat availability.

“The integration of Promissor with Pearson VUE has provided an even greater full-service testing solution with high qualityclient service that is further enhanced by a greater global outreach,”commented Dale R. Cyr, ARDMS CEO and ExecutiveDirector. “I am fully confident in our partner’s ability to assist in the long-term growth of ARDMS programs.”

Currently, candidates are able to navigate through the Promissor web site by logging on to www.ARDMS.org/scheduleexam.Once the candidate is ready to schedule an exam, the online site allows an applicant to register for exams, find test information, or download handbooks, application, or forms. This easy feature also lists test center locations available throughout the country.

Diane M. Kawamura, Ph.D., RT(R), RDMSChair, ARDMS Board of Directors

I n June, ARDMS welcomed Ellen Julian,Ph.D., as the new Director of Testing and Research. In this role, Ellen will

be responsible for helping to meet the organization’s long-term strategic plans and to continue to increase the rigor, quality,

methodology, validity, and delivery of ARDMS examinations.

Before joining the ARDMS staff, Ellen served as an Associate VicePresident and Director of the Medical College Admission Test(MCAT) for the Association of American Medical Colleges. Ellen also served a psychometrician for the National Counsel of StateBoards of Nursing and the National Board of Medical Examiners.Ellen comes to ARDMS with extensive knowledge and experience in leading computer-based examinations and improving the qualityof innovative, high-profile testing and research programs.

“ARDMS is poised to become a global leader in high-tech exam-inations and I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it,” said Ellen.

The future promises to bring many advances and enhancements to ARDMS’s testing program. One major initiative underway is thedelivery of ARDMS examinations to international audiences inplaces such as China, India, and South Korea.

“Ellen brings a unique wealth of testing knowledge and strategyexperience to this position,” ARDMS CEO and Executive Director,Dale R. Cyr, said. “Her depth of knowledge in testing coupled withher program management experience will have a positive impact onthe sonography community, and ultimately their patients, over thenext several years.”

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In March, ARDMS notified randomly selected Registrants for CME audit that they must submit supporting documentation for theirCME activity during the three-year period of 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The majority of Registrants successfully passed the audit. There were, however, some Registrants who did not pass the audit and we have compiled a list of the most common reasons:

• Submitted a listing of CMEs only and did not submit the required CME certificates

• Submitted CMEs after the April 30, 2007 due date

• Indicated that all required CMEs were earned in the 3-year period of 2004-2006 yet submitted documentation for CMEs earned in 2007

• CMEs were submitted by fax (ARDMS only accepts mailed documents)

• CME Sponsor/Provider not listed as approved

• Did not respond to audit

To assist Registrants in regards to future audit submissions, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Know the ARDMS approved CME Sponsors/Providers. Be sure to check the ARDMS website, www.ARDMS.org/cmeproviders, or call the Registrant Services department (800-541-9754) should you have a question regarding the CME sponsor/provider of a prospective CME seminar or course. A certificate bearing an unapprovedsponsor/provider may attribute to an unsuccessful CME audit.

• Respond to CME Audit Certified Mail Notifications. Registrants should retrieve certified mail from USPS so that they are aware of the CME document submission process and deadlines. Registrants who fail to retrieve mail from the post office will be required to adhere to timelines. Check your e-mail and the secured Registrant’s Sectiononline (www.ARDMS.org) for updates.

• It is helpful to periodically count the number of CME credits earned in the 3-year period. Registrants who submit lessthan the required 30 CMEs in a 3-year period will not successfully complete the CME audit.

• Keep good records. Get in the habit of keeping good primary and secondary CME document records year round and using a personal filing system to keep them with the appropriate 3-year CME period. Then, if you're selected for an audit, your documents will be easily accessible. Make a copy of the original CME documents and keep them for your records.

• Do your homework. Read and review the notification of audit letter in its entirety and if possible, review the preparations employed by a colleague who was previously selected and passed the CME audit.

• Adhere to the CME requirements. During any CME audit, Registrants who are discovered to have knowingly falsified documentation or attempted fraud in reporting acceptable CME credit hours may be subject to disciplinaryaction and possible loss of certification. Continuing medical education (CME) is an integral component of ARDMS certification. Registrants who fail to submit to an audit may be subject to loss of certification.

The next CME audit, for Registrants with a three year period of 2005, 2006, and 2007, is scheduled to begin in early 2008.To obtain your three year period, go to the ARDMS website (www.ARDMS.org) and log on to Registrant Secured Services.

ARDMS CME Audit ProgramCME Audit Observations ARDMS Signs a Five Year Contract With

Testing Vender Pearson Promissor, Inc.

Ellen R. Julian, Ph.D. Joins ARDMSas the New Director of Testing & Research

CARE Bill ReintroducedThe Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence,also known as the CARE bill, was reintroduced inthe U.S. House of Representatives in March 2007,and is currently up for review. The CARE bill isdesigned to establish federal education and cre-dentialing standards for medical imaging profes-sionals. It will help reduce the risk of medicalerrors associated with misdiagnosis or the misad-ministration of radiation. Keeping with ARDMS’smission, the CARE bill will ensure the quality ofdiagnosis, thus ensuring patient safety. To readmore about the CARE bill, visit the Society ofNuclear Medicine website (www.SNM.org) andclick on the Government Relations tab.

NewsWire is back!This bi-weekly e-newsletter from The American Registryfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®),offers its Registrants and members of the sonographycommunity up-to-date, current, and innovative newsand technology related to the field of sonography.We hope you find NewsWire a valuable resource inyour day-to-day practice and welcome your thoughtsand feedback about this new ARDMS benefit at [email protected].

Reminder: It’s that time of year! 2008 RenewalsARDMS would like to remind Registrants of the 2008 renewal notice that will be mailed in October, 2007. Registrantswill be able to pay their 2008 renewal fee online and obtain a receipt for payment by visiting www.ARDMS.org andlogging on to the Registrant’s section. In the next few months, Registrants will be receiving notifications via mail ande-mail, as well as postings on the ARDMS web site, www.ARDMS.org. By paying your annual renewal fee, you will beattesting that you are in compliance with all ARDMS rules and policies. To review the rules and policies, please visitwww.ARDMS.org/policies.

New Look for ARDMS Coming Soon!This Fall, ARDMS will launch the new and improved website, www.ARDMS.org. Over the past year,ARDMS embarked on a long process of makingexciting improvements and additions to its website.

Reflecting the advancements in technology and the growth of ARDMS, the new website will be easier to navigate and will include new public and Registrant areas. The design and structure of the new ARDMS web site was based largely on feedback provided by our Registrants. Please visit www.ARDMS.org inthe coming weeks for our new and exciting look!

“I am fully confident in our partner’sability to assist in the long-term

growth of ARDMS programs.”

– Dale R. Cyr, ARDMS CEO and Executive Director











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Conference Schedule















O N G O I N G




Registry Reports








6

TABLE OF CONTENTS




ARDMS Signs a Five

Year Contract ..................4




S U M M E R 2 0 0 7

ARDMS Spotlight




Dr. Kawamura started her professionals career as a radiologic technologist in 1966.She became a clinical instructor and an


Dr Kawamura is RDMS certified in the areasof Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Dr.Kawamura received her bachelor’s degree in General Sciences in 1979, master of education in 1981, and Bachelor of Science with a concentration in ultrasound in 1982.She obtained her doctorate in EducationalAdministration from the University of Utah in 1992.

“This is an extraordinary high honor,” saidDale Cyr, ARDMS CEO and Executive Director.“This prestigious award is well deserved as it reflects Diane’s multiple and significant contributions to the field of sonography.”


5



















Conference Schedule















O N G O I N G




Registry Reports








6

TABLE OF CONTENTS




ARDMS Signs a Five

Year Contract ..................4




S U M M E R 2 0 0 7

ARDMS Spotlight




Dr. Kawamura started her professionals career as a radiologic technologist in 1966.She became a clinical instructor and an


Dr Kawamura is RDMS certified in the areasof Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Dr.Kawamura received her bachelor’s degree in General Sciences in 1979, master of education in 1981, and Bachelor of Science with a concentration in ultrasound in 1982.She obtained her doctorate in EducationalAdministration from the University of Utah in 1992.

“This is an extraordinary high honor,” saidDale Cyr, ARDMS CEO and Executive Director.“This prestigious award is well deserved as it reflects Diane’s multiple and significant contributions to the field of sonography.”


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of excellence in sonography ARDMS Spotlight Reports/finalsummerrr07.pdf · Books, videos, CD-ROMs ... Vascular physics, vascular technology, obstetrics and gynecology, ... ARDMS Spotlight

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