June 2006 | Vol. 24, No. 6

SVU Member Profile

Jill Beithon, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT

Supervisor, Ultrasound Department
Lake Region Healthcare Corporation
Fergus Falls, Minnesota

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I received my RT credential in 1978, the RDMS credential in OB/GYN and Abdominal in 1981 and in Breast in 2003, the RDCS credential in Adult echo in 1984, and a RVT credential in 1993.

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

I attended X-ray school in Duluth, MN, graduating in 1978. I began working as an RT and became very interested in the emerging field of diagnostic ultrasound. The hospital that I was working in purchased their first ultrasound machine and I was fortunate enough to spend 4 months in Dr. Lyons ultrasound department in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and never took another x-ray again! We were b-scanning in those days as 2D imaging was just coming into general use. I soon went to work for a mobile imaging company and traveled in northern Minnesota performing abdominal, OB/GYN and Cardiac (m-mode) ultrasound exams. Because ultrasound education was difficult to come by, especially in rural areas, I began organizing seminars in northern Minnesota. As Doppler and color flow became available I organized seminars which included vascular topics. I now supervise a multi-modality ultrasound department. Like many others, I have never worked in a dedicated vascular lab, so I am constantly working on keeping current in several specialty areas.

When did you join the SVU?

I joined the SVU, then called the SVT, in 1993.

Have you served on an SVU Committee?

I am currently serving as the Northwest Regional Advisor of the Chapters Committee.

What do you like best about your current position?

My co-workers are the BEST! And of course, my BOSS is kind, fair, efficient and good looking! (Do I get a raise now?)

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

I have been a member of the Red River Valley Vascular Society since 1993. The RRVVS has been in existence since 1990 and has members from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada. I served as RRVVS President in 1995 and 2003 and have served as the Secretary for 5 years.

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

Certainly the lack of reasonable reimbursement heads the list. Other than that however, I can only speak from experience as a multi-modality sonographer. Many of us, by virtue of the size of our facility mostly, must perform many types of ultrasound exams. While this is difficult I don’t believe that it gives us an excuse to perform exams of inferior quality than our counterparts working in dedicated modality labs. The least that we can do is become ARDMS registered in the areas that we practice. All of them! This is only a beginning, the minimum requirement. Then read the journals, the websites, and find mentors in the areas in which you practice. Participate in local and national organizations. Vascular technology is changing quickly, it demands a very high skill level and yet many vascular exams are not done in high numbers in smaller labs, so that competency in these exams is difficult. I have found that dedicated vascular labs are certainly the ones who understand this best and are very willing to invite you to observe in their departments and help with protocols, etc... Don’t fall behind now! There are exciting new advances on the horizon!

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

Get involved immediately in local vascular societies. The people involved at this level are
generally the movers and shakers in the field in your area. They will appreciate your motivation and can help you immensely with valuable advice. Offer to do registration at a local meeting, you will personally meet each registrant and they will begin to know who you are. Join the SVU to keep abreast of the most current changes in the field and to provide you with ongoing articles and other information. The SVU website has everything from protocols to legislative issues on it. Your membership dues help fund your future, be an active part in it.

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

I have been married to Pete for 25 years and am constantly amazed that he has kept me that long! We have 2 great kids. Katie So is 20 and recently gave us a wonderful son-in-law Dylan. Our son Brock is 18 and going off to college in Minneapolis in the fall. But we won’t exactly be empty nesters as we still have Gunnar, age 2, our 110 pound golden retriever.

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

My favorite thing to do is to run off to Germany on a moments notice, but when I can’t find a cheap flight I settle for gardening or taking Gunnar for boat rides.