Diagnostic Medical Sonography News March 2019 | Page 6

Spotlight
Mrs Heather Brabon joined the staff of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Eastern Florida State College in the Fall Semester 2018
as the Physics and Physics Lab instructor. Mrs Brabon is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and is registered in Abdomen and
OB/GYN. She is relatively young in her career as a Sonographer, but her enthusiasm and passion for sharing her expertise, knowledge and skill
beyond her years is automatically felt. One can’t help to probe further to find out more about the developments of her successful career as a
Sonographer.
So, as I begin with my curiosity of her background and interests, she responded; “I am from Versailles, a small town of about 9,000 people, in
Central Kentucky, known for its horses and rolling hills”.
Her eyes spark with excitement as she talks about her roots, family, and pet; “I always go back to my roots. My husband and I love to be
outdoors; whether camping, hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing, really anything we can do outside (especially if we can bring our dog along). We
are huge University of Kentucky basketball fans and enjoy keeping up with the team.”
Onward to her educational background; “I attended Asbury University, in Kentucky, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, followed by an
Associates in Sonography and a second Bachelors’ in Health Science, both from St Catherine College.”
“So, what inspired you to choose Sonography?” “While I was at Asbury University, my initial dream was to become a doctor. After getting
further into school, I realized the chemistry aspect of my program did not appeal to me nearly as much as Gross Anatomy, so I chose to steer
more towards Biology. I also knew that I wanted to work one-on-one with patients, which is really where my heart is, even now.”
“After graduating, I worked in a couple of different areas in medicine including as a Medical Assistant, Maternal Fetal Medicine and a Grossing
Histologist.”
Physics Teacher
Heather Brabon
Maternal–fetal medicine, also known as perinatology, is a branch of medicine that focuses on managing health concerns of the mother and fetus
prior to, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Maternal–fetal medicine specialists are physicians who subspecialize within the field of obstetrics.
With my curiosity heightened, I ask; “What is the best and most rewarding moments of your career as a Sonographer?
“I have had so many rewarding moments, that it’s difficult to choose one. Being able to show the expecting parents their child or children for the
first time, hearing their heartbeat, and seeing their movements never gets old for me. Many times, my job gives me the ability to see the same
patients throughout their pregnancy and to know them and their families -- that is something that I truly enjoy. I also love the gynecology aspect
of my job as women’s health is something I am very passionate about.”
Are there any downsides of being a Sonographer or is there is anything you would do differently as an OB/GYN Sonographer?
“There are definitely certain downsides, sometimes it can be very difficult when you see something terrible like a carcinoma or fetal demise. It
definitely can make you question whether this is the career for you, then your next patient comes in and it reminds you of why you love your
job. You always have to keep moving forward. I wouldn’t change anything, I greatly enjoy it.”
What career paths would you recommend to anyone interested in becoming a Sonographer, as a prerequisite, to better align and prepare
themselves for the challenges and real world of Sonography?
“Working in some type of medical field is a good idea. Any kind of patient interaction you can get is incredibly valuable. Medicine can sometimes
be daunting and any exposure you can have beforehand may help.”
Graduation is only a few months from today, do you have anything you would like to share with our Senior Class, as they enter the
workforce?
“There may be hard days with either difficult patients or diagnoses. Just remember to always be kind. You may be the only kind person your
patient may see that day. Stay positive, even if things feel hard in the beginning, every day is a learning experience. Listen to good mentors and
absorb as much knowledge as you can. You can do it!”
Kindness is a virtue and one can easily feel how much she cares for all her patients and students, as she speaks about them.
As new technology is developed, we ponder whether there will be a continued and growing demand for Sonographers? And if obtaining higher or
continued education could provide Sonographers with the added competitive edge required in the job market?
“There is a growing demand for Sonographers. It is such a vital modality for imaging and is also a safer option as compared to imaging that uses
radiation. The scope of sonography is ever changing and will continue to diagnose patients. A Bachelors’ degree is definitely encouraged for any
type of management position.”
In planning our careers, having long-term goals and career progression is important; therefore, I wonder what are your future long-term career
goals?
“My future long-term career goals are to become registered in Fetal Echocardiography. Baby hearts are incredibly small and difficult, I would
love to be able to develop more of an “eye” for them. I would also like to keep teaching Physics in the long-term, I enjoy and have a passion for
working with students.”
To obtain the RDMS credential, one must meet the examination prerequisites and pass the physics and a corresponding specialty examination
within five years. Specialties include; Abdomen, Breast, Fetal Echocardiography, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatric Sonography.
I can definitely agree, Mrs Brabon truly enjoys teaching Physics and lab, she is eager to make sure we understand the concepts and
applications, applicable to Sonography and Ultrasound machines. She makes our Wednesdays challenging and fun, ending with a lab to
put our newly acquired knowledge into practice.
In closing, I asked Mrs Brabon of her favorite or inspirational quote to share with us, to help in our education and career journey? She
sweetly responded with:
“You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.” - Winnie the Pooh
Maria Ekeheien
Class 2020
Eastern Florida State College is committed to equal access/equal opportunity in its programs, activities, and
employment. For additional information, visit Eastern Florida State College: easternflorida.edu/go/equity
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