Nancy L. Storks, RVT RDMS

Staff Technologist
Cardiothoracic & Vascular Associates
Boise, ID

What is your current title and employer?

In January of this year, Dale Aspelund, Pierre Gaudreau and I started our own company, Vascular Technologists, LLC, and I have been working for Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgical Associates. I work in the office of the four best vascular surgeons in Idaho! I feel blessed to be working weekdays only, without call (finally, after 25 years!)

When did you start this position?

In January of 2007 I left St. Luke’s Hospital after 10 years. It was a great place to work, but the chance to work directly for our vascular surgeons was like a dream come true. To have Dale Aspelund as my partner is like working with my best friend. I couldn't ask for a better job!

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I took the vascular registry in 1987 (RVT) after 5 years of on the job training with a wonderful vascular surgeon in Albuquerque, NM. I then took the general ultrasound abdominal registry (RDMS) when we started doing visceral vascular ultrasounds. Prior to this, I was an LPN, working in the PICU at the University Hospital in NM. 

Where and when did you get your vascular training?

I went to work for Dr. Jacob, a vascular surgeon in Albuquerque, NM, in 1982. Bob Scissons worked in his vascular lab and took me under his wing (what a wonderful teacher he was). Bob and Dr. Jacob are my heroes. I will forever be grateful to Bob Scissons for sharing his extensive knowledge with me.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I began in 1982 in the Albuquerque Carotid and Peripheral Vascular Lab. We actually had a mobile lab as well. We would load our Biosound machine up these portable ramps into an old van (I could hardly lift the ramps much less push the machine up!). This was way before we had heard the word "ergonomics”.

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

Bob Scissons, no doubt about it. He loved vascular technology and I wanted to grow up to be just like Bob!

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

I actually started as the receptionist at Albuquerque Carotid and Peripheral Vascular Lab after I tore my hamstring, and could no longer teach aerobics. After a month or so, I wanted to learn everything there was to know about this field. If you have ever worked with Bob Scissons, you know what an excellent teacher he is.

When did you join SVU?

 I joined SVU in 2001. 

What do you like best about your current position?

For 10 years I was the lead technologist of a hospital lab with 17 RVTs. It was a rewarding job, but most of my time was spent doing administrative duties. In my new position I work directly with the vascular surgeons, diagnosing and helping to plan vascular interventions. I can do the exam, discuss results with the doctor and give my input before the patient ever leaves.

On which SVU Committees have you served and when?

I think it was the Chapters Committee, when I first joined SVU. (They say the mind is the first to go...)

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

Yes. I am a member of the Intermountain Vascular Technologists (IVT) chapter. I have been a member since I moved to Boise, ID. Prior to this, I was a member of the New Mexico Vascular Technologists chapter.

If Yes, what positions have you served at that chapter and when?

I have been the president of our IVT Chapter since 1997. (We've had trouble filling this position, so I just keep doing it!) We've held some great conferences, working with the other northwest chapters in the last few years.

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

I think SVU has done a great job keeping the Chapters informed. From my own personal experience, our Chapter needs to communicate better with the national office. 

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

I agree wholeheartedly with Edward Hardy (member profiled in the November 2007 e-Spectrum newsletter); the shortening of exam times, especially in hospital settings, is decreasing the quality of vascular exams. The decreasing reimbursement of vascular studies is also a big issue.

What tips would you give to today's ultrasound students about their career in the vascular ultrasound profession?

I think that diagnostically it is the most challenging and rewarding career choice they could make. Always remember to look at the whole picture... don't just "rule out" something -- try to answer the clinical question. Join SVU as a student. It has invaluable information for students and JVU is a great resource.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

SVU has done a tremendous job and I am proud to be a member. Keep working at the federal government level on reimbursement issues. SVU has worked hard to involve us all in this important issue and I thank the Society for that.

Name of Spouse and Children (what are their names and ages)

My husband is Brett Storks, an avid fisherman. We have one son, Nathan, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, and is 28 years old.

Any Pets?

We have 3 dogs -- Gracie, Ozzie and Heidi. They are the "other" loves of my life!

What do you do for fun and relaxation when not working?

I have the best of friends here in Boise and we do a lot of camping and fishing. I also love to read.