Michel E. Comeaux, RN, BSN, RVT, RDMS, FSVU

Technical Director
Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory, Inc.
New Iberia, Louisiana

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I have been a vascular sonographer for 23 years, since 1981.

What is your educational background?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1976.

What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career?

I didn’t knowingly choose this profession. I began working for Dr. William Harkrider in 1978 as his nurse and surgical assistant in his private practice. In 1981, he purchased a Kartchner OPG machine and asked if I would like to learn to use it. Everything spiraled from there, with the purchase of physiologic peripheral equipment to the duplex ultrasound machine. I have always had the attitude that I am always willing to learn something new and have always been willing to do whatever it takes to further my education. Many years later, and quite a few courses later, here I am.

When did you first become certified by ARDMS?

I completed the ARDMS requirements of a RVT in 1987 and RDMS in 1992.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I have a BSN and I am licensed as an RN. Besides the RVT and RDMS credential, I am also certified by the Association of Operating Nursing as a CNOR.

What do you like best about your current position?

I think that one of the neatest things about working in my position is that I work very closely with our lab’s Medical Director, Dr. Harkrider. I get constant feedback between the noninvasive study and the surgical pathology, which makes correlation easier. I frequently get to go the operating room to actually see the pathology, as I sometimes function as a Registered Nurse First Assistant on major vascular cases. I also have great staff that makes it fun.

How do you stay up to date on changes in vascular technology?

My Medical Director is a strong advocate for continuing education. I attend SVU meetings annually, regional meetings when available and read journals, mainly JVU.

When did you join SNIVT/SVT/SVU?

I joined SNIVT in 1984 after attending a Medasonics course. I was fairly new to the profession and the instructor, Lars Shaw, told us that it was important to be a member of the society. I joined and have been a member since.

On what SVU Committees have you served on in the past or are serving on now?

I have served on the Membership Committee and am a past chair, the Fellowship committee and am a past chair, the Awards Committee and am a past chair, the Nominations Committee, and the Annual Conference Committee. I am currently the Professional Guideline Committee Chair and the Products Committee Chair. I have also served on several Ad Hoc Committees.

How long have you served on the SVU Board of Directors?

I have served on the SVU Board of Directors since 1997.

When did you serve as an SVU officer and what offices did you hold?

I have served two terms as Treasurer from 2000 to 2001, and 2002 to 2003.

How do you think SVU and its Chapters can work better together in the future?

I think the Chapters are an important component of our membership. I think that SVU has a lot to offer our members through Affiliated Chapters. I also believe that it is a two way street and in turn, our Chapters need to give something back to the Society. As a founding member of the Delta Region Vascular Technologist Chapter, which unfortunately has recently become inactive, I can vouch for the many challenges that face the officers of Chapters. It is very difficult to get members motivated to participate in the Chapter when they are faced with the growing challenges of the medical profession in their daily lives. I feel that we need to continue to encourage Chapter participation.

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing vascular technologists today?

I think that just being in the medical profession is a challenge today. I believe that government relation’s issues are a major concern, especially those dealing with reimbursement and Local Medical Review Policies (LMRPs). I think the shortage, as well as the age, of vascular professionals in our field is a major concern. Not only is there a shortage, but many of use are in the over 40 age range. I worry that there won’t be enough people in our specialty to take our place as we near retirement age. Musculoskeletal injuries also are a big issue facing our profession as more and more of us are experiencing such injuries in some form.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

As challenging and demanding on our budget as it is, I feel that SVU, along with other companion organizations, should continue to aggressively support government relation’s issues that pertain to our survival as a profession and society.

What do you do for fun when you are not working?

I like to work with my many plants and flowers, read and travel whenever possible. I really like to go deep sea fishing whenever possible.