October 2005 | Vol. 23, No. 10

SVU Member Profile

Gail Sandager-Hadley, RN RVT FSVU

Technical Director, Vascular Ultrasound Core Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA

When did you start this position?

I took the position in Nov. 1999 after leaving ICAVL. Originally the position was with the Vascular Ultrasound Core Laboratory at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. During our growth of the lab we have had several different homes and have just recently relocated to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

My career began as a critical care ICU nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, in 1974. I worked closely with our vascular surgeons caring for their patients in the ICU. It was there that I became interested in the new emerging field of vascular technology. Under the director of the vascular surgery group at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, I started in the Vascular Laboratory at Columbus Hospital of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1978. My position allowed me the opportunity to train in the field of vascular technology and follow the vascular patients as a vascular nurse clinician. My nurse colleagues told me I would be bored in the vascular lab, which was more than 20 years ago. I am glad they were wrong as I have had the luxury of growing with the field and continuing to learn something new everyday.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I have been in the vascular technology profession since 1978.

When did you join SVU?

I joined SVU, then called SVT, in 1979.

What do you like best about your current position?

The field has grown so rapidly and presently is compromised of many different specialties that training and education are essential to the success of quality examinations. My current position provides me the opportunity to train vascular technologists around the country and at times internationally. It is very rewarding to both mentor and watch the new technologists grow.

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

I have served as local arrangement committee member for the 1988 SVU annual meeting in Chicago. I also have participated in a variety of regional SVU interpretation courses and frequently present and/or participate in the SVU annual meeting.

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

Presently no, but I’m looking forward to joining the Suncoast Society of Vascular Technology affiliated chapter as I have recently relocated to the Sarasota, Florida, area to live.

What positions have you served at that chapter, if any, and when?

None so far, however I had participated and presented in the local Chicago chapter meetings and also conducted local chapter meetings when I worked in Maryland.

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

Getting our voice out together to encourage people to enter the vascular ultrasound profession. There is a shortage of technologists entering the field and it is crucial the SVU and its local affiliated chapters work together to let people know about the profession and its exciting rewards.

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

Educating and training of new vascular technologists. Presently we do not have enough facilities to educate and train technologists for a career in this field.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

SVU needs to continue growing its membership to have a stronger voice. With continued growth of SVU the vascular ultrasound profession will have stronger support to work for important regulatory and legislative advocacy issues, such as better Medicare reimbursement.

If married, what is your husband’s name? Do you have any children? If so, what are their names and ages?

My husband is Dan Hadley we have been married for three years. I have a stepdaughter who lives in Hermosa Beach, California.

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

I love to cook for fun and relaxation. I frequently take cooking classes and read cook books like others read novels. For fun I try out my recipes on my friends.