Department Overview

As the only fetal, pediatric thoracic and pediatric transesophageal IAC/ICAEL certified lab in the State of Oregon, the Doernbecher Echocardiography Lab serves Doernbecher Children’s Hospital as well as outreach sites located in Oregon. This position is based at OHSU Marquam Hill and will also support outreach locations. The individual will perform the following duties listed below at a highly technical level requiring limited or no supervision.  The sonographer will maintain a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self-motivated.  Applicant must work independently to produce high quality imaging on neonatal to adult age patients using a variety of non-invasive modalities including – Transthoracic, Transesophageal, Intracardiac, 3D, and Fetal.  This lab supports many strategic Programs with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital including Pediatric Cardiology Ambulatory, Cardio-thoracic surgery, NICU, PICU, Fetal Therapy/Perinatology, Clinical Outreach as well as educational and research missions.

Function/Duties of Position

Echo Procedures

Determines and instructs patient in proper preparation for exam; explains examination process and procedure to patient; positions patient for each examination to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort; adjusts equipment controls; modifies each study during the exam to demonstrate the anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and/or pathology accurately; determines need for additional views depending on patient variables or demonstrated pathology; manipulates transthoracic transducer by hand over diagnostic area in order to image cardiac structures and visualize hemodynamic flow patterns as necessary; selects appropriate scan based on significant functional and/or anatomical pathology; records representative images for review by Cardiologist. Performs transthoracic echocardiography studies on premature and micro-premature infants on high frequency ventilators; performs fetal echocardiograms on multiple gestation pregnancies.

Provides transthoracic echocardiography on outreach pediatric patients throughout Oregon. During certain invasive procedures, gives physician measurements, estimations, angles, and guidance. (These invasive procedures may include but not limited to; pericardial centesis, balloon atrial septostomy, blade atrial septostomy, balloon valvuloplasty. Assists physician in the application of intra vascular ultrasound in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Records and Reports

Schedules patients from phone or written physicians’ request; obtains clinical data from patient chart or referring physician; digital images of exam findings in logical sequence for patient's permanent medical record; maintains patient files (e.g., records patient identification and corresponding examination procedures); verbally reports summary of patient's medical history and pertinent exam findings to Cardiologist. 

Miscellaneous

Demonstrates echocardiography techniques and principles to assist students and Cardiology Fellows in performing the echocardiography exam; processes images in digital format; performs routine cleaning and adjustments on machines and reports any mechanical failures to supervisor; utilizes hazardous cleaning/sanitizing chemicals for esophageal probe; utilizes computer/ultrasound machine data for additional analysis; performs periodic quality control tests to ensure proper operation of equipment; keeps abreast of new techniques and technological changes by attending workshops and seminars. Follows and utilizes research protocols.