What does it really take to build a hospital-based echocardiography program from scratch—inside one of the busiest labs in the country?
In this episode, Lara Williams is joined by Amy Dillenbeck, who leads the echo training program at Cleveland Clinic, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching a sonography school after COVID-era staffing challenges pushed facilities to think differently.
Amy walks through the early overwhelm (researching successful programs, navigating Ohio requirements, creating objectives and lesson plans, recruiting, marketing—plus all the unexpected parts like scheduling, payments, and yes… snow days). They discuss why the program intentionally accepts only 8 students per year, how clinical support from staff sonographers makes or breaks the student experience, and how the results have exceeded every expectation—100% graduation, placement, and board pass rates, plus 23 hires in 3 years helping strengthen staffing and elevate lab culture.
They also dive deep into HOCM, where Amy shares what she’s seeing shift in evaluation and why sonographers play a critical role in not missing LVOT obstruction. You’ll learn the practical “how-to” behind goal-directed Valsalva—a more standardized, measurable approach that can improve consistency and help unmask gradients without losing your images.
Finally, Amy and Lara talk ASE, attending Scientific Sessions, why involvement builds confidence and opportunity, and what the FASE designation can mean for sonographers who want to lead, teach, and level up.
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Lauren Castro, ACS, RDCS, to talk about one of the biggest career transitions in our field—moving from clinical sonography into the ultrasound industry.
After nearly a decade in hospital echo labs, Lauren felt pulled toward a different kind of challenge: more travel, more teaching, and a new professional mindset. Today she works as a clinical specialist supporting ultrasound-enhancing agents in the cardiac space—educating sonographers, optimizing machines, and partnering closely with sales teams.
Lara and Lauren dig into what that transition really feels like. They talk about adapting to the competitive sales culture, leveraging the credibility of hands-on clinical experience, and stretching into new skills like communication, team dynamics, and relationship building. Lauren shares inside tips on networking, tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding the personality traits that help clinicians succeed in industry roles.
They also get real about life outside of work—balancing travel with raising young kids, managing “mom guilt,” choosing the right employer for your family’s needs, and periodically reassessing your priorities as life changes. And yes… they touch on the physical relief that comes from not scanning every single day.
Whether you're burned out, curious about industry opportunities, or wondering how to take the next step in your sonography career, this conversation offers honest insight, practical guidance, and inspiration for anyone ready to grow beyond the scan room. 💜💙 #SonographersAfterDark #iheartecho
🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
Watch the fullepisode here or listen on your favorite platform:
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In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Debbie Dulin—educator, sonographer, and host of It’s All About the Frequency—for an unfiltered conversation about growth, mentorship, self-care, and the realities of life in the ultrasound profession.Debbie shares updates about her newest educational project launching at theultrasoundinstitute.org, and the two discuss how teaching, leadership, and community elevate the entire field. They dive into the value of professional organizations, advocacy around scan workloads, and how podcasts help bridge the gaps between sonographers who rarely get opportunities to connect.Lara and Debbie open up about the human side of healthcare—navigating personal struggles while still showing up for patients, learning from early-career mistakes, and creating shame-free spaces for new sonographers to grow. From boundary-setting to collaboration over competition, this episode is a reminder that our profession thrives when we support each other and share what we’ve learned along the way.🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
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In this special Thanksgiving episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down to reflect on gratitude, growth, and grace in the face of personal and professional challenges. She shares her journey from hardship and health struggles to becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for sonographers everywhere.
Lara opens up about the losses she’s endured, the resilience it took to continue showing up for patients, and the internal work required to transform her attitude, her relationships, and her career. She dives into the importance of mentorship, positive workplace culture, and the practice of daily gratitude as a tool for personal growth.
This heartfelt episode encourages listeners to look for the good, even in difficult seasons, and to invest in becoming the best version of themselves.
Drop what you’re grateful for in the comments—then use code “THANKFUL” for 25% off at www.allaboutultrasound.com and iheartecho.com as a token of appreciation for the community.
In this episode, Lara and Lisa dive into the realities of navigating career transitions within the medical imaging world — from shifting roles to redefining what a sustainable, fulfilling path looks like as a sonographer. They talk openly about balancing demanding schedules, managing burnout, and finding your footing when your professional identity begins to evolve. The conversation also explores the newest advancements in ultrasound, including the rise of AI technology, and why it’s more important than ever for sonographers to advocate for their well-being, their workflow, and their voice in shaping the future of the field. This one’s all about growth, resilience, and staying empowered in a rapidly changing industry.
🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
Listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Richie — educator, innovator, and program developer — to talk about the evolution of ultrasound education and echocardiography training. Richie shares his journey from launching his first ultrasound program in 2001 to developing the program at Duke University, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. They dive into what it takes to build a strong ultrasound program — from clinical site partnerships and student selection to teaching physics in ways that actually click. Richie opens up about his passion for making learning interactive and engaging for today’s students, while Lara explores how these principles are shaping new programs like her upcoming ECHO initiative in Ohio. The conversation also touches on major shifts in echocardiography technology, the role of AI in the scan room, and Richie’s upcoming physics textbook designed to help sonographers optimize imaging performance. If you’ve ever thought about teaching, building a program, or taking your ultrasound career to the next level — this one’s packed with inspiration, insights, and innovation.
🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.
Watch the fullepisode here or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDark
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/
#allaboutultrasound #iheartecho #sonographersafterdark #ultrasoundeducation #echocardiography
In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Lashell Jones, sonographer, educator, and entrepreneur, for a deep and honest conversation about how ultrasound is evolving — from the scan room to the classroom and beyond. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping fetal and obstetric imaging, how education and standardization continue to shape the next generation of sonographers, and how professionals can balance clinical practice, teaching, and entrepreneurship in an ever-changing field.Lashell shares her journey from discovering ultrasound by chance to mastering high-risk fetal imaging and building her own business and educational brand. The two discuss how AI tools are changing workflows, improving efficiency, and redefining what’s possible in maternal-fetal medicine and echocardiography — while still keeping empathy, skill, and human connection at the center of care.Whether you’re a student, educator, or scanning veteran, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about growth, innovation, and purpose in ultrasound.🎧 New episodes drop every Friday at 5 PM ET.Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadioCheck out our other social platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonographersAfterDarkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonographersafterdarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonographersafterdarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonographersafterdark/
Under the Gel: The Scary Truth About Scanning & The Things They Don’t Warn You About in Ultrasound School.
Think ultrasound is all clean gel and pretty pictures? Think again. In this episode, we’re spilling (sometimes literally) the real stories from behind the probe — the smells that make your eyes water, the unexpected bodily fluids that weren’t in the job description, and the “did that really just happen?” moments only a sonographer would understand. From sticky situations to unforgettable patient encounters, we’re diving into the messier side of medical imaging that every scanner has experienced but few talk about. Grab your disinfectant wipes… you’re gonna need them.
Ever wonder what it’s like to leave the day-to-day of scanning and step into the world of ultrasound industry and innovation? 💡In this episode, Lara sits down with Clinical Applications Specialist, Risa Schneck, to talk about the real transition from scanning patients to supporting sonographers, training teams, and working alongside cutting-edge tech.We’re talking:⚡ The ups and downs of leaving clinical life🌍 Life on the road and working with new systems🎯 The skills that translate — and the surprises that don’t🚀 Finding freedom, balance, and growth outside the scan roomIf you’ve ever thought about switching gears in your ultrasound career, this episode is for you.🎙️ Catch “From the Scan Room to the Showroom” Fridays at 5 PM ET — only on Sonographers After Dark.#SonographersAfterDark #AllAboutUltrasound #UltrasoundPodcast #UltrasoundLife #Sonography #ClinicalApplications #UltrasoundIndustry #SonographerCareer #IHEARTECHO
We’ve all been there — you walk into a shift expecting the usual, and suddenly you’re handed an exam you’ve never done before. Now what? In this episode, we’re talking about the reality of those unexpected moments in ultrasound — the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and force you to adapt on the spot. We’ll dive into how hybrid learning, cross-training, and continuous education can prepare you for those challenges, and how to navigate the fine line between stepping outside your scope and stepping up to provide care when your patients need it most. It’s not about being reckless — it’s about being ready, resourceful, and resilient when the job throws you something you didn’t see coming.
Ultrasound doesn’t have to mean staying behind the probe forever. In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth about the limitless opportunities your skills can unlock — if you’re willing to think bigger. From building a mobile or 3D/4D business, to stepping into management and leadership roles, to launching your own ultrasound opportunities, the sky is the limit when you stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. This is a mindset shift. Because the reality is, your career can be so much more than scanning patients day in and day out, if that's your goal. It’s time to step out of the box, bet on yourself, and scan your own path.
In this premiere episode, host Lara Williams shares her personal journey into the world of ultrasound — from how she got started to the experiences that shaped her career. Discover the opportunities sonography has opened for her, from continuous learning and professional growth to traveling and exploring new horizons in healthcare. This candid conversation sets the stage for future episodes, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about a career in ultrasound.