Joshua Cruz, RVT

Technical Director, Vascular Lab
Moses Division of Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, NY

When did you start your current position?

I started with Montefiore in October of 1999 just before my 21st birthday. I was promoted to Chief Technologist in 2002 and as the technical staff grew I was promoted to Technical Director in 2005.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I graduated from Ultrasound Diagnostic Schools (U.D.S. is now The Sanford Brown Institute) with a certificate in non-invasive cardiovascular technology in 1998. I passed my RVT examination in October 2000, and to this day wonder if there has been anyone younger. I've also recently re-enrolled in the Degree Completion Program at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) to complete my bachelor's degree in Vascular Technology.

Where and when did you get your vascular training?

Needless to say there was very little training in vascular testing from the school and the overwhelming majority of training was at Montefiore Medical Center. And this is a great opportunity to thank my mentor -- George Berdejo -- for having a vision and supporting my development, as well as to thank William Del Valle who was there to hold my hand in the beginning. In addition to these great people, I've been fortunate to have had a lot of exposure to vascular ultrasound experts at various conferences including the SVU Annual Conference and through my involvement with the Advances in Vascular Imaging and Diagnosis conference that occurs annually every fall in New York City.

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

I just ended up in the profession like most other technologists. I've found that many in this profession never really plan this career path until they are exposed to it. Once exposed they either hate it or love it. As part of my clinical rotation through U.D.S., I had spent a few months in the vascular lab at Montefiore and fell in love with my experience. I was really impressed with the level of responsibility the technologist had and the relationship the lab had with Vascular Surgery. I can remember the positive interaction between Dr. Frank Veith, Chief of Vascular Surgery at the time, and the vascular lab. There were many cases where lower extremity bypasses were being performed based on the duplex findings from the lab and pseudoaneurysms were being manually compressed with ultrasound guidance. These are the kind of cases that are most noteworthy and inspired me to pursue the profession.

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

I began my vascular technology career at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, and I am still here trying to make a difference in people's lives.

When did you join SVU?

I first became a member as a student during my clinical rotation at Montefiore where I was educated on SVU's role in my career and the impact that it had on my future.

What do you like best about your current position?

I really enjoy the educational aspect. I've had the opportunity to see many students and previous employees that I have spent time with move on to better their careers and use that training to teach someone else. Mentoring is the key.

On which SVU Committees have you served and when?

I've served on the SVU Chapters Subcommittee the last two years since I'm the President of our local affiliated chapter – the New York City Vascular Ultrasound Association, which is one of the most challenging responsibilities I've accepted.

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

I served as vice president of NYCVUA since its inception in 2004 and was elected president in 2006.

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

I think that building a relationship with the leaders of the chapters is most important to help create goals that are in line with each other. This helps create continuity from SVU through the affiliated chapters and then through to the membership.

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

I believe the vascular technologist of today not only has to understand how we have evolved, but to also accept where the profession is going and change with the times. We are at a stage where screening has become a hot topic. The demand for vascular studies has increased. There is an increasing role for us in the OR with radio-frequency or laser ablation procedures. So continuing education is very important. This will help to maintain the demand for very good technologists and to also maintain our value to the medical community.

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

I encourage the newer generation of vascular technologists to not only be a student member of SVU, but also get involved in SVU in some capacity. If not, then a local or regional chapter could always use a helping hand.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

I think overall SVU has done a great job in representing its members across the board in the United States. However, there are still a large number of sonographers that perform vascular studies that are not members of SVU. I think there needs to be a clear understanding to all who perform vascular ultrasound that SVU is their number one resource, including those who are members of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) but not SVU. Increased membership in SVU is a "win - win" for everyone, including the current and future membership.

Any other comments you would like to add about your membership in SVU since 2000 and how the Society has changed?

Being a member of SVU has given me great pride and I want to thank all those who laid the ground work and those in the leadership who currently work very hard to continue its mission.

Name of Spouse and Children

My wife's name is Jaime. Jazmine is our lovely 10 year old daughter who has now titled me as a "vein person" when she is asked what I do for a living.

Any Pets?

I have a beta fish named Claudius, although he doesn't limp.

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

I have a passion for traveling. Seeing the world is definitely a priority when work isn't in the picture. I also love to play tennis in the summer and ski in the winter. I love watching football (Buffalo Bills all the way!) and have season tickets to watch the New York Mets every year. And of course, time with our daughter is priceless.