Barbara A. Rhodes, BA RVT FASA FSVU

Senior Vascular Technologist
Vascular Laboratory
Merle West Medical Center
Klamath Falls, OR 

When did you start this position?

I started my current position at Merle West Medical Center in December 1990.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I received a BA in Biology from College of St Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ, in 1975, and the RVT credential from ARDMS in 1983. I’m also a Fellow of SVU.

Where and when did you get your vascular training?

Back in the dark ages of 1976, I was trained at Montefiore Medical Center in New York on the PVR. This was an “experimental “position. If I made it work, I would have a job; if it didn’t work, they would sell the machine and I would be unemployed. Duplex scanning was also learned on the job. Back in the early days, we trained each other and then would go out and teach others in hospitals and clinics when we had time.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

Even before it was a profession -- I started in March 1976.

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

I didn’t knowingly choose vascular technology. In fact there wasn’t a field called vascular technology. I was an unemployed college graduate looking for work. Since independent research projects were part of my undergraduate curriculum, Dr. Charles Moss of Montefiore Medical Center contacted me regarding an experimental clinical procedure and vascular laboratory he was attempting to start. Since he was a vascular surgeon and would be away from the lab a lot he was looking for someone who could work independently.

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

My first job was in the new vascular laboratory at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

When did you join SVU?

I joined SNIVT in 1977 as a charter member, which became SVT and is now SVU.

What do you like best about your current position?

I like the fact that it is in a rural community. Having worked in New York City and Miami, Florida, it is pleasure to be only 9 miles or 15 minutes from work. I enjoy the small town feel. I frequently meet other employees and patients in the supermarkets, church and stores and everyone is always friendly. Also, it is interesting for me, having been raised in the city, to have patients who have been kicked by cows or bucked off horses or fell off irrigation wheels.

Have you served on an SVU Committee, if so, which one(s) and when?

I served on the Abstracts Committee back in the early 80’s I think (That darn memory!). I served on the Board of Directors from 1984-1986 and chaired the Continuing Education Committee and created the first continuing education credits (called VTCs at the time), which have now become CMEs. I served as Annual Conference Program Chair from 1991-1994 and also served as the local chairperson for two annual programs. I was appointed to the JVT editorial board in 1987 and served in that position until being appointed JVU editor in 1995. I continue to serve as JVU Editor.

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

No. There is only one hospital here so the area is too small for a chapter.

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

I feel the ever changing reimbursement regulations put a strain on vascular laboratories, both in the private sector as well the hospital-based laboratories. The other issue facing vascular technologists (especially in rural areas) is the concept of the multi-specialized technologist. Many administrators wish to group all ultrasound technologists together. More and more they are looking for a technologist to be a general, echo and vascular technologist. I think this is a major threat to our profession. It is difficult to be a specialist in all modalities.

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

Since I helped create the Vascular program at OIT (Oregon Institute of Technology) and their students rotate through our laboratory, I have a lot of contact with the future vascular technologists. My tip to them has always been to learn as much as you can on your externship and be willing to relocate. I also advise them to always be professional and to keep the patient’s safety and comfort primary.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

I think SVU must maintain a presence in the federal government relations area and be able to act quickly to respond to legislation or better yet, to be able to make clarifications before legislation comes to a vote or is enacted. I think SVU is doing a good job in connecting with its membership through the monthly e-Spectrum online newsletter, the quarterly JVU, and the Annual Conference. But as travel funds and travel area restrictions increase, it will be more difficult for the membership to attend the annual conference, especially those in rural areas or small offices and clinics, so SVU may have to seek ways to provide new means for networking. The regional conference concept may have to be revisited.

Any other comments you would like to add about your membership in SVU or as JVU Editor since 1995?

I have always felt membership in SVU is invaluable. For the relatively low cost of dues, I have access to many resources from legislative and regulatory information to vascular ultrasound testing guidelines to the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound. The availability to receive all the CME credits you need in a year, either online or in the printed Journal, is a positive member benefit as well access to the latest research data.
              
As JVU Editor, I would like to see more SVU members contribute manuscripts to their quarterly Journal. It is a major benefit and resource for the membership.

Any pets?

Do I have pets! Actually since I never married nor had children, they are my “children”. I used to breed German Shepherd Dogs. I had up to 13 at one point, but as I age, they have aged and I have lost most of them. I now have 5. Only 2 (age 14 and 13) are left from my breeding. The other 3 are rescue shepherds.
              
I have 4 inside cats. I recently lost, this past September, my 18 year old cat, Domino, who had been with me since I left New York. I also have 3 barn cats.
              
My 32 year old quarter horse passed away last year. I still have his companion mare, who is now 26, and appears to be going strong although I no longer ride due to a back injury.

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

When I am not working, I love to watch old movies (old being 1930-40’s – not 1960’s) movies. I belong to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was recently elected President of my church’s chapter. I love helping out at the food pantry that we sponsor. I also belong to a couple of prayer groups.
              
A good time for me is being with friends and my Mom and enjoying each other’s company whether it be here or on the Oregon coast, or on a trip to Reno to leave my donation at the casino, or by just relaxing at home with my four footed “children”.