Abstract
I am excited to join the editorial team of Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS). In my role as an Associate Editor, I will support the review process for manuscripts in the area of musculoskeletal sonography as well as oversee original research submissions. I am dedicated to ensuring that JDMS is a well-known, well-cited, and scientifically rigorous journal that supports the advancement of the sonography profession. As noted by Dr. Evans in his editorial in the preceding issue, 1 sonography professionals should be able to rely on JDMS as a resource to support evidence-based practice. Beyond being a foundation for current practice, I believe that the Journal can serve as a catalyst for advancing clinical practice and the field of diagnostic medical sonography. To do so, it is important to be aware of and embrace the opportunities created by the rapidly expanding horizons of sonographic imaging, including innovations in clinical use, increasing scope of users, and novel scientific advancements.
A key opportunity for advancement of the sonography profession lies in enhanced diagnostic techniques and novel clinical applications made possible by rapidly advancing technology. Of recent importance to diagnostics are developments in contrast-enhanced ultrasound, 3D/4D imaging, and elastography. Moreover, increased portability, simplified user interfaces, and automated imaging have resulted in the development of numerous point-of-care applications. As a visual biofeedback tool, dynamic sonography can support patient training in proper performance of exercises and other health-promoting activities.2,3 Moreover, by illustrating the specific pathology or injury in their own body structures, patient education using sonographic imaging can equip patients for making informed health care decisions. Seeing their own anatomy can support development of personal embodiment, mental visualization, and other foundations of integrative and complementary health techniques (e.g., mindfulness, mental imagery). 4 These emerging applications directly engage patients and support the kind of client-centered, patient-driven care that is paramount in this era of health care.
In addition to the genesis of novel clinical applications, technological advancements have created opportunity for increased use of sonography by a variety of new users. There is widespread implementation of hands-on sonographic training as part of medical student education, ensuring that physicians across all specialties are exposed to the value of sonography for diagnosis and treatment in a wide range of patient popuations. 5 Sonography use and training is also expanding into other professions providing direct patient care, including physician assistants, nursing, and midwifery. 6 Finally, numerous sports and rehabilitation professional (e.g., athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists) now use point-of-care, musculoskeletal sonography in their daily clinical practice for differential clinical evaluation, as an education and biofeedback tool, and to monitor progress and measure outcomes for their interventions.7–9 Unlike direct training as part of medical student education, most of these other health care professionals do not receive formal training in the operation of sonographic equipment as part of their education. 10 The patient care landscape is changing rapidly, providing opportunities for sonographers to move into new roles and applications in cooperation with other providers. As the experts in both the technology and methodology, sonographers should be engaged in sharing knowledge and providing training for colleagues across the health care spectrum in order to provide the best possible patient care.
Finally, it is essential for sonographers to share their unique expertise through direct contributions to scientific discovery. In 2016, more than 6000 new scientific publications were indexed in PubMed under the medical subheading (MeSH) of ultrasonography, a number that underestimates the full range of new research made available through other indexing services and with other sonography-related key terms. Although these numbers indicate that research and development is abundant in the field of sonographic imaging, it is likely that only some of these publications involved direct contribution by sonographers. Because sonographers are key end users for the translation of scientific discovery into practice, it is important for sonographers to become actively involved as both contributors and directors of research. Moreover, it is important that sonographers contribute to building evidence through the publication process and learn to be good consumers of evidence that supports best practice. The JDMS editorial team is dedicated to providing a collaborative yet rigorous peer review process among the authors and reviewers to ensure that the Journal disseminates high-quality evidence that directly supports the translational and clinical use of sonography.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on the editorial team to assess and capitalize on opportunities in each of these areas for the advancement of both JDMS and the sonography community. Specifically, I aim to support publishing an increased number of original research articles in the Journal as well as promote exploration of novel ideas that will advance the sonography profession. The dissemination of high-quality original research and sonographic innovations will not only ensure that sonographers have adequate evidence to improve practice but can continue to be active agents in the advancement of sonography.
