September 2004 | Vol. 22, No. 9

SVU Member Profile

Terry Needham, RVT, FSVU
Director, Heart & Vascular Center
Erlanger Health System
Chattanooga, TN

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I became an RVT in 1984, and became an SVU Fellow in 1997.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

In 1962, I started in the noninvasive field through designing, building and developing a strain gauge plethysmograph and a cuff inflation circuit. With John Hobbs, M.D, I helped to establish in 1965 the Blood Flow Lab at St. Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Jim Yao, M.D., came as a Fellow in 1967 and published in 1968 the first paper upon measurement of Ankle/Brachial Index using Doppler ultrasound. (Trivia. -- In 1967, the first CW Dopplers commercially available from the USA were demonstrated in the UK at the Heinz Food Company. They were intended to monitor the chopped vegetables in one of the soup production lines. The UK importer was a friend of mine.)

What do you like best about your current position?

Presently, I carry out community vascular clinics to assess the risk factors for peripheral vascular disease. Typically, we spend an hour with each individual to carry out the history/physical exam and to educate them about the benefits associated with changes in lifestyle. Also, I give community talks and the occasional ABI screening/BP measurements at a community event. I really enjoy this aspect, as well as getting into the vascular lab and doing staff education.

When did you join SNIVT, SVT, SVU?

I joined SNIVT in 1979 and have been a member since then. I emigrated in 1983 from the United Kingdom to Columbus, Ohio.

Have you served on an SVU Committee, if so, which ones?

I served on the 1980 Exhibition Committee for that year's Annual Meeting in Chicago. In 1981 and 1986, I was organizer of the Technical Workshops of the International Vascular Symposium in London. From 1983-85 I served on the SVT Board of Trustees, acting as Treasurer for that period. Additionally, I was Chair of the Poster Abstracts Committee at the 1983, '84 and '85 Annual Meetings. I was a Member of the Finance Committee (1983-85), and Policy & Procedure Subcommittee (1984). From 1983-1993, I served upon the Editorial Review Board for "BRUIT" (now the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound). I also was Features Editor for Spectrum (1990-93). I have served on the SVU Interpretation Course faculty from 2000-to date, and was organizer of the Vascular Historic Exhibit at the 2002 SVU Annual Conference in New Orleans. I was granted a SVU Distinguished Service Award in 1992.

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

I am not a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter, but in 1987 I did help start the Ohio Noninvasive Organization. I am currently a member of the Middle Tennessee Ultrasound Society and the Chattanooga Regional Ultrasound Society.

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

I echo the comments of others when stating that SVU Affiliated Chapters need the economically practical support of the Society. I believe that as far as Chapters are concerned, assistance with organizing educational meetings should remain at the forefront of the Society's efforts, the more so if category 1 AMA CME's can be negotiated to attract physicians to the Chapter’s educational meetings. Attending Chapter educational meetings is ideal for networking and for confirming that others are facing the same staffing, budget and educational challenges as you.

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

From the "You've heard this before" section, I think that some of the biggest challenges the vascular technologist/sonographer faces are having to accomplish more with fewer resources, attempting to enhance the Administration's perception of vascular services being an integral part of patient care, that vascular technologists are not vascular technicians, and for staff to develop an appreciation of the problems faced by all administrators to continue providing safe patient care alongside declining revenues. Also, you should always act professionally to distinguish your registry qualification in a specialty that has unequal educational exam standards between certifying bodies.

Any other comments you would like to add about SVU?

The SVU must continue to play a key role in legislative/regulatory advocacy - supported by other ultrasound societies - to protect our important role and status in medicine.

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

For relaxation. I continue my indulgence with photography, enjoy travel and teaching with my wife (Ann), play with my computers (which sometimes is not very relaxing), and meet the great colleagues and terrific friends I've made in our profession. I am privileged to be part of our vascular specialty.