Falguni Patel, BS, RDMS, RVT, RMSKS is an Advanced Pediatric Lead Sonographer who has been working at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago for over twenty years.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your work and how POCUS relates.
I have worked in the Pediatric population throughout my profession. On a daily basis, I absolutely enjoy all the challenges that we deal with with little people. At my organization we all have one common goal of making a difference in each patient’s life by getting the best images possible without giving up on them easily for the best possible outcome. I am hoping in the near future that POCUS will open a door of opportunity globally to save every child possible with quick scanning for pediatric emergencies such as appendicitis, pyloric stenosis, intussusception, testicular, and ovarian torsions etc. With this certification, I hope to implement POCUS within our workflow and continue to improve patient care!
Q: Why did you pursue POCUS certification and how did you find the process to be?
The reason I pursued both POCUS Fundamentals and POCUS clinical specialty (Renal/Genitourinary) certification is because being a POCUS volunteer, I wanted to personally try out the entire process. Too see what it takes for anyone to be proficient and efficient in serving the patient with ultrasound. Being a sonographer in the profession for over a couple decades, I want to continue to share my knowledge and expertise with POCUS within my community so that together we can bring more sonographers onboard globally and continue to serve our patients with innovative ultrasound exams. Having POCUS certification will allow me to teach and connect with professionals globally and make a difference in improving patient care around the world!
Overall, the process was very organized, easy to follow, and self-explanatory. The staff was very supportive with their communication throughout the process, and case assessments are very well put together. I was very impressed with all the case details provided with patient history, quality of images, differential diagnosis, and outcome after evaluation. It was quite a motivating process for me!
Q: Share a positive message or quote with the community:
POCUS makes a huge difference in providing quick and efficient patient care, but it all depends on this fact that I would like to share with community.
Scanning a patient by following the protocol makes everyone a sonographer. Instead, scanning a patient by following the protocol and listening to your inner voice during the scan makes one a passionate sonographer.
Our patients need passionate sonographers not just sonographers!
