Abstract
Readers of this issue of the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography may be somewhat surprised when they look through the Table of Contents. The first two articles both relate to fetal echocardiography, and it is unusual that two articles on the same topic would appear in a single issue. Closer examination, however, will show that neither article really explores to any great degree the techniques or findings of fetal echocardiography, but both articles describe teaching the important points of fetal echo to sonographers. The reason these articles are paired in a single issue is that the first article describes the success of new methods, compared with the classic didactic approach, used in the classroom for sonography students, and the second article describes an educational program set up throughout an entire Canadian province (Manitoba) to benefit sonographers who are doing clinical work in their profession. Both articles attest to the difficulty of the basic fetal cardiac assessment during routine obstetrical scanning, the clinical need for sonographers to be able to perform this study, and the current lack of significant training in the techniques needed. Both articles describe in good detail the mechanisms used to teach and train sonographers in the basics of this difficult examination technique, going beyond the typical didactic lessons in the classroom for students and into the workplace with teaching and structured protocols for practicing sonographers. Both articles show convincing data of the success of their respective approaches with an end result of better prepared sonographers and improved patient care. All sonographers can learn from these examples of extending education beyond conventional classroom lectures. In this, the 21st century, an abundance of technologies can be used to reach out to sonographers of all skill levels. Innovation in the use of these technologies will provide teaching and learning opportunities to the benefit of all. We need to make sure that we are taking advantage of these opportunities to continually educate ourselves and others to be the best caregivers possible. Learning is a lifelong endeavor and it should never stop. A short summation of these ideas might go something like this: Whenever you can—teach; whenever the opportunity arises—learn! Teaching and learning are as much a part of sonography as scanning, and they are every bit as essential to its strong position in patient care.