July 2006 | Vol. 24, No. 7

Board Director Profile

Gene A. Doverspike, RVT

Avon, OH

What is your current title and employer?

I am currently self-employed; I work as a clinical applications and education consultant in Vascular Technology/Ultrasound. I also perform research studies and do some PRN vascular studies to keep current clinically myself.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I began my career in Vascular Technology/Ultrasound after finishing a nursing program and realizing I did not want to work as a nurse, that was in 1991. I did a rotation through the vascular lab during my final semester in the nursing program, and really enjoyed the experience. There also happened to be an opening for a nurse to train in the vascular lab. I applied for the position and they decided to give me a chance, and the rest is history.

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

I previously worked in the aerospace and aircraft industry, but after a few layoffs and moving cross-country because of plant closings, decreasing defense spending, and therefore a declining aerospace/aircraft industry, I decided to seek a new career. I really enjoyed working in aircraft/aerospace, and I have found a similar, possibly even a greater, passion for Vascular Technology/Ultrasound.

What do you like best about your current position?

The flexibility, I can essentially make my own schedule, to an extent. Basically, I can accept the work that suits me and the schedule I prefer to keep. NO CALL!

When did you join SVU?

I joined SVU, then called SVT, in 1997 after I learned the value of SVU membership.

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

I have served on the Academic Committee (2000 – present), Annual Conference Committee (2004 - present), Government Relations Committee (2003 - present), and Membership Committee (2001 - present).

What motivated you to run for the Board of Directors?

I was encouraged by several members of the SVU leadership to run after expressing an interest in becoming more active in the Society and helping to further the profession and goals of SVU.

What do you hope to accomplish while being on the Board?

Help to advance recognition of vascular technology/ultrasound as a profession, and increase the awareness of the need for high quality professionals and educational programs within the field. And, of utmost importance at the present time, help in whatever way I can to minimize the effects of the upcoming cuts imposed by the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA).

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

I believe the biggest issues facing the vascular profession today include:

• Proposed cuts in Medicare reimbursement

• Recruiting high quality students into the profession and increasing the number of high quality educational programs

• Recognition by the Department of Labor of vascular technology as an independent profession, and raising the bar for entry into the profession (this works hand-in-hand).

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

Ultrasound students should take the time to really learn and fully understand the hemodynamics and physical instrumentation principals. Not just memorizing what to do and when, but why; this will really help students to excel in this profession and serve their patients to the best of their ability.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

Continue to find common ground to work with others towards common goals, especially government issues, while maintaining autonomy. More SVU produced educational products. PubMed listing for JVU.

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

Right now I mostly spend that time with my lovely wife Barbara, and our new daughter Clare, born shortly after I arrived home from SVU’s 2005 Annual Conference in Chicago (I swore she wouldn’t arrive 2 weeks early). I also enjoy the outdoors, wildlife (viewing, and photography, as well as hunting), and football (as a spectator).

Any other comments you would like to add.

I would like to thank David Storey, RVT, and Dr. William Meyer, for introducing me to the Vascular Technology/Ultrasound profession, and giving me an appreciation for the details of the vascular exam. They both really laid the foundation for my career. I would also like to thank Phil Bendick, PhD, RVT, for mentoring me later in my career when I learned to refine my skills and more advanced concepts, as well as introducing me to research and publication of material.