Now is a great time to be an echocardiographer, because employment is predicted to grow faster than average. There is great demand for employees in the health care field in the U.S., largely because the number of older people is growing larger. This blog will offer information about the field of echocardiography, so that those considering it can make a more informed decision.

One thing that an echocardiographer does often is give sonograms of the heart. An echocardiograher gives sonograms of the heart by using special equipment that generates high frequency sound waves and directs them into a patient’s body. The sonogram equipment then collects the reflected echoes and forms an image that can be photographed or videotaped. An echocardiographer explains the procedure to patient and records the patient’s medical history. Then, an echocardiographer sets the equipment at the correct settings, and moves the patient into the best position for scanning. The echocardiographer looks at the screen during the scan and takes measurements, analyzes the results, checks for anything unusual, and stores the images that the physician will want to see.

Another common thing that an echocardiographer will do is give electrocardiograms of the heart. To do this an echocardiographer will place electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. Then, the echocardiographer will use an EKG machine to get a reading. The EKG is printed out by the echocardiographer and given to the physician to interpret.

An echocardiographer can expect to be on his/her feet much of the time. Echocardiographer often have to lift and turn patients, so there is a risk for carpel tunnel syndrome and neck and back strain. Also, an echocardiographer will sometimes work in darkened rooms, so eye strain can be a risk. Most echocardiographers work 40 hours per week, but flexible schedules are common.

To become an echocardiographer, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in echocardiography. It is also possible to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography, then get a certificate in echocardiography afterwards. Often, an echocardiographer who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Learn about hiring an echocardiographer or find a job as an echocardiographer.

Source:

1. December 18, 2007.  Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.  U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm

A radiation therapist is part of a radiation oncology team that treats cancer. Radiation therapists use linear accelerators, which are machines that give radiation treatment to patients. These machines projectx rays at targeted cancer cells. When the x rays touch human tissue, they create energized ions that shrink and eliminate cancerous tumors.

There are several steps that a radiation therapist will go through in the radiation therapy process. First, the radiation therapist will use an x ray or CT scan to find the exact location of the tumor. Once the tumor is located and scanned, the radiation therapist will discuss the treatment plan with the rest of her/his team. Then the radiation therapist must talk with the patient about the plan and ensure that the patient understands and is comfortable with the plan. Next, the radiation therapist will adjust the linear accelerator so that it is pointed at the tumor cells. The radiation therapist will then administer the dose of radiation from a radiation protected room. One session of radiation treatment will normally take less than half an hour, and it will need to be repeated roughly five days a week for two to nine weeks. The radiation therapist keeps detailed records of the patient’s treatments, and is responsible for monitoring the patient throughout the treatment to make sure the plan is working and not producing dangerous side effects. A radiation therapist is in close contact with the patient throughout the course of treatment, and is often called upon to provide emotional support.

A radiation therapist will usually work in hospitals or in cancer treatment centers. A radiation therapist will normally do a lot of lifting and will spend much of their time on their feet. Often, a radiation therapist will work 40 hours per week. Radiation therapists usually work during the day, with little night work except in the case of an emergency.

To become a radiation therapist, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. It is also possible to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography, then get a certificate in radiation therapy afterwards. Often, a radiation therapist who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Learn about hiring a radiation therapist, or find a job as a radiation therapist.

Source:

1. December 18, 2007.  Radiation Therapists.  U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos299.htm

Nuclear medicine works by using radionuclides, which are unstable atoms that emit radiation. These atoms are used to diagnose and treat disease. A nuclear medicine technologist administers these atoms, which are compounded and purified to form radiopharmaceuticals, to patients.  Then a nuclear medicine technologist watches how the tissues react to the radiopharmaceuticals in order to see abnormal areas that represent disease.  Then nuclear medicine technologists use cameras thatmap the radiopharmaceuticals in the patient’s body and creates diagnostic images. A nuclear medicine technologist explains the procedure to patients, prepare the radiation dosage,administer the dosage, and then position patients in order to scan them to see the map of the radiation in the patient’s body.

A nuclear medicine technologist must be in good physical condition, because they will be on their feet most of the day and may have to lift or turn patients. Usually nuclear medicine technologists work 40 hour weeks, sometimes including weekend and evening shifts. Although, there are many part time jobs available too.

Because there has been an ongoing increase in the number of middle aged and elderly people, nuclear medicine technologists will enjoy fast job growth, although because the field is so specialized there may not be a great number of job openings. The field of nuclear medicine technology may expand, due to technological advancement. There will probably be new nuclear medicine treatments discovered as well.

To become a nuclear medicine technologist it is necessary to complete a program which may be as short as one year or as long as four, depending on whether to student wishes to obtain a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is often necessary for advancement into management positions.

Learn about hiring a nuclear medicine technologist, or find a job as a nuclear medicine technolgogist.

Source:

1. (December 18, 2007) Nuclear Medicine Technologists. U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm

An ultrasonographer uses special equipment that generates high frequency sound waves and directs them into a patient’s body. The ultrasound equipment then collects the reflected echoes and forms an image that can be photographed or videotaped. An ultrasonographer explains the procedure to patient and records the patient’s medical history. Then, an ultrasonographer sets the equipment at the correct settings, and moves the patient into the best position for scanning. The ultrasonographer looks at the screen during the scan and take measurements, analyze the results, check for anything unusual, and store the images that the physician will want to see.

There are several different fields that an ultrasonographer can choose to specialize in. An obstetric and gynecologic ultrasonographer images the female reproductive system. This includes ultrasounds taken during pregnancy. An abdominal ultrasonographer scans the abdominal cavity to aid in diagnosis and treatment of problems with the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, and the male reproductive system. A neurosonographer scans the nervous system, including the brain.  A breast ultrasonographer deals with diseases of the breasts. A breast ultrasonographer helps to supplement mammographer in screening for cancer.

An ultrasonographer can expect to be on his/her feet much of the time. Ultrasonographers often have to lift and turn patients, so there is a risk for carpel tunnel syndrome and neck and back strain. Also, an ultrasonographer will often work in darkened rooms, so eye strain can be a risk. Most ultrasonographers work 40 hours per week, but flexible schedules are common.

To become an ultrasonographer, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in ultrasonography. It is also possible to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography, then get a certificate in ultrasonography afterwards. Often, an ultrasonographer who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Learn about hiring an ultrasonographer or find a job as an ultrasonographer.

Source:

1. December 18, 2007.  Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.  U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm

Now is a great time to be a radiologic technologist, because employment is predicted to grow faster than average. There is great demand for employees in the health care field in the U.S., largely because the number of older people is growing larger. This blog will offer information about the field of radiologic technology, so that those considering it can make a more informed decision.

Taking x rays and administering nonradioactive materials to patients are the main things that a radiologic technician does. Radiologic technologists have a lot of patient contact, because they explain the x ray procedures to patients, position patients, and then perform the actual scanning. After a radiologic technologist positions the patient, they will cover areas of the patient’s body that do not need to be scanned in order to protect those areas from radiation. The radiologic technologist will then measure the area they intend to radiograph, so that they can set the controls on the x ray machine properly.

A radiologic technologist can expect to be on his/her feet much of the time. Radiologic technologists often have to lift and turn patients, so there is a risk for carpel tunnel syndrome and neck and back strain. Also, a radiologic technologist will often work in darkened rooms, so eye strain can be a risk. Most radiologic technologists work 40 hours per week, but flexible schedules are common.

To become a radiologic technologist, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography. Often, a radiologic technologist who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree. If a radiologic technologist wants to just work in the field, then then it is usually not necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree, because an associate’s will suffice.

Learn about hiring a radiologic technologist or find a job as a radiologic technologist.

Source:

1. December 18, 2007.  Radiologic Technologists and Technicians.  U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is possible because hydrogen atoms, present in all body tissue, vibrate when exposed to bursts of magnetic energy. An MRI machine is able to convert the energy emitted by the vibrating hydrogen atoms into an image. The images provided are 3-D and cab be sliced and examined on a computer screen.

MRI images taken by an MRI Technologist are extremely useful, but there have historically been problems with images of moving structures, like the heart, being distorted. For this reason Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been used for a long time as a diagnosis tool for many problems in the human body, but, coronary artery disease hasn’t been one of them. Coronary artery disease has previously been imaged invasively, but new technology has emerged that allows the coronary arteries to be imaged non invasively. Not only can coronary arteries be imaged non invasively by MRI technologists, but it can be done with more precision than the old invasive method provided.

Even though cardiac MRI has huge promise, it is not used very much except for in university hospitals where there is an interest in research. The problem with cardiac MRI is that the uses are fairly narrow in scope. However, when the limitations are overcome, the uses of cardiac MRI will be many. Cardiac MRI could be used for patients who come in complaining of chest pain, but who do not have ECG changes usually seen in a heart attack. Presently in this situation the doctors wait for the results of cardiac enzyme tests, and if the results are positive for a heart attack, valuable time has been lost. Cardiac MRI could be used on these patients for immediate results. Researchers are getting close to perfecting techniques that could allow MRI to be used instead of invasive cardiac catheterization in order to diagnose coronary artery disease.

Learn about hiring an MRI Technologist, or find a job as a MRI Technologist.

Source:

1. Fogoros, Richard.  Cardiac MRI -  another step closer. About.com http://heartdisease.about.com/library/weekly/aa123101a.htm

Clinics across America are seeing longer waiting times than ever before, and appointments are being scheduled months in advance. This can causedelays in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Patients also experience more anxiety about mammograms, because they are having to wait so long to schedule them, and then they wait longer in the waiting room too. The cause of these increased wait times is due to the fact that mammography is simply not very profitable. Because mammography is not profitable, there are shortages of mammographers. Radiologists are less likely to choose to specialize in mammography, and hospitals are less likely to assign radiologists to to mammography if the mammography does not pay for itself. Research is also suffering, because there aren’t many radiologists who will research mammography knowing they will lost money.

This is very sad, because women who are 40 years old or older and who get regular mammograms are at a 30-40% less likely to die from breast cancer. Demand for mammograms is high, because so many women now know the value of seeing a mammographer.

The reason that mammography is not cost effective for most hospitals is that the US government sets mammography reimbursement rates for reasearchers below the costs of performing a study. Medicare pays about 67 dollars for a screening mammogram and 80 dollars for a diagnostic mammogram. This is compared to 170-225 dollars that women with no insurance would pay. These medicare reimbursement rates have only increased about 1% per year, and they have not kept up with inflation, necessary replacements of outdated equipment, expenses due to federal regulation, and quality assurance costs.

Learn about hiring a mammographer, or finding a job as a mammographer.

Source:

1. Farnsworth, Leslie (2000) Mammography at the Crossroads: Experts Fear Technique’s Future in Jeopardy. Medscape Today, http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/420463

Many physicians see the appeal of working locum tenens. It offers a chance to travel, broaden your skill set, or a chance to try out a job before deciding whether to go permanent or not.

Mr. Luce and his have enjoyed his locum tenens assignments ever since their kids left the house. They have lived in many different states and Mr. Luce has worked in many different types of organizations. Mr. Luce also is able to experience variety in his job description by working locum tenens. Mr. Luce and his wife have even traveled to Hawaii for a locum tenens assignment. He was able to take lots of walks on the beach, surf, and enjoy many other beach activities. However, they still plan to travel to many more locations enjoying their locums lifestyle.

Dr. Mitchell found himself looking for locum tenens opportunities when he was 29 and had just finished his residency. He had only lived in one state before, and he was ready for adventure. He decided that locum tenens would be a great way for him to get experience while fulfilling his desire for variety. He liked getting to know new colleagues and patients.  Dr. Mitchell found himself facing a language barrier on one assignment, but he enjoyed the challenge and stocked up on language DVDs to learn basic Spanish. He also had a great medical assistant who was able to translate when needed.  He frequently met up with co workers after work on locum tenens assignments.  He says that locum tenens opportunities give him more time off of work than a permanent job would, and also offers him better compensation.

Learn about medical staffing.

Sources:

1. Dagget, Lisa (2008, April 15) Loving the Locum Tenens Life. LocumLife http://locumlife.modernmedicine.com/locumlife/Locum+Tenens+Career+Transitions/Loving-the-locum-tenens-life/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/510368?contextCategoryId=10268
2. Dagget, Lisa (2008, June 15) An OB/GYN Broadens his Horizons with Locum Tenens. LocumLife http://locumlife.modernmedicine.com/locumlife/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=523128&sk=&date=&pageID=2

Most people agree that women over age 50 should be given a mammogram even if they have no reason to suspect breast cancer, but it is debated whether a woman in her 40’s in the same situation should get a mammogram. This blog will focus on whether women in their 40’s would benefit from seeing a mammographer.

In the United States one of the leading causes of death in women in their 40’s is breast cancer. However, only 2 percent of women will get breast cancer in their 40’s. So, is it worth the risks of mammography for all women in their 40’s?

The risks of a woman starting to visit a mammographer in her 40’s are more that you might guess. First, a woman who does not have cancer may get cancer later due to the radiation involved in a mammogram. This has not been proven, but logic would indicate that it is possible. Next, false positives are extremely common, occurring 20-56 percent of the time.  When a woman gets a mammogram and has a false positive she may suffer emotionally and she will also probably need a biopsy or other unnecessary procedure.  Also, over diagnosis is possible. Over diagnosis is when breast cancer is found, but it is so small and slow growing that it would not have shortened the woman’s lifespan.  Also, a woman may get a false positive from her mammogram, and as a result, she may not see a mammographer as quickly as she otherwise would when a lump is felt. This could result in more advanced breast cancer.  Lastly, mammograms are painful for may women. Although, studies show that this does not prevent women from getting a mammogram in the future.

The benefits of a woman visiting a mammographer in her 40’s are plentiful too. It has been found that women in their 40’s may see as much as a 15% decrease in breast cancer mortality as a result of mammography if it is done every 1 to 2 years after 14 years. However, studies to determine this are very tricky and should not be completely trusted. Another pro of starting mammograms early is that if cancer is detected early, the treatment will be less aggressive to cure it, resulting is less damage due to treatment.

The conclusion is not clear. It has been shown that women in their 40’s will reduce risk of death due to breast cancer if they see a mammographer every year or two. However, it has also been shown that women in their 40’s who get regular mammograms are more likely to undergo unnecessary procedures due to false positives, anxiety due to false positives, extra radiation exposure, and unwarrented discomfort.

Learn about hiring a mammographer.

Source:

1. Armstrong, Katrina; Moye, Elizabeth; Williams, Sankey; Berlin, Jesse A.; Reynolds, Eileen (2007, April 3) Systematic Review of Mammography in Women Age 40-49 Years. Annals of Internal Medicine, 516-526  http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/pdf?vid=5&hid=13&sid=0c832abb-300d-47d2-be2e-d0ba0b23389b%40SRCSM1

There are two ways to administer anesthesia, the first is general anesthesia, which puts the patient completely under. The second is regional anesthesia, which is where only the part of the body being operated on is numbed. General anesthesia has a lot more complications associated with it, especially for obese people. On the other hand, regional anesthesia can be tricky to administer, because the anesthesiologist must inject the drug close to the nerve for it to be effective, but the nerve should not be punctured. Regional anesthesiology can be especially tricky in obese people because it is hard to figure out where the nerves are under a layer of fat.

Australian anesthesiologists have come up with a new way to more effectively anesthetize patients. They are using ultrasound to guide them in regional anesthesia. Ultrasonographers are able to scan the patients so that the doctors can see where the nerves are, even if the patient is obese. This way, the doctor and give the drug the best distance from the nerve as possible using ultrasound images as guides.

It has been estimated that this ultrasound technique could eliminate up to 40 percent of general anesthesia in favor of regional anesthesia. However, ultrasound has only been used in this way on about 1 percent of Australians at this point. Using ultrasound to give regional instead of general anesthesia is good for hospitals, because if a patient is given regional anesthesia using ultrasound instead of general anesthesia, then the patient can often leave the hospital sooner, freeing up space for the next patient.

This could make the need for ultrasonographers even greater. Also, ultrasonographers will have yet another option in which niche to choose.

Learn about hiring an ultrasonographer.

Souce:

1. (2008 February, 17) Ultrasound may Guide Anaesthetists With Precision for Safer Surgery. General health News http://www.medindia.net/news/Ultrasound-may-Guide-Anaesthetists-With-Precision-for-Safer-Surgery-33109-1.htm