Month: May 2025

We are taking our act on the road to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Annual Conference this year September 26 – 29th in National Harbor, Maryland. Just like our team, this conference is a bit of a unicorn with:

·       Over 60 exhibitors focused specifically on diagnostic sonography

·       Education resources

·       Professional opportunities

·       Showcasing the newest technologies

·       Organized networking opportunities

·       Visit https://www.sdms.org/ to learn more

At BB Imaging we are looking for highly talented sonographers that are as rare as unicorns but we believe they exist. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make us unique:

·       Massage therapy for arm health

·       Competitive Pay

·       No call, no weekends

·       Technical Assistants to partner with sonographers

·       Continued education and training opportunities

·       Your birthday is a paid holiday

·       Unique company culture focused on personal and professional growth as well as excellent patient care.

Stop by and see us at SDMS this month and share your unicorn traits.  Let’s see how we can make magic together.

Contributed by Jill Farr

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is an annual event intended to bring attention to the benefits of medical ultrasound, and highlight its value in the healthcare system.

Most of the general public is aware of the importance of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy, but many people lack familiarity with the uses of sonography for other diagnostic purposes, like vascular imaging or 3D or 4D sonography. Sharing information and educating people on the various uses of medical ultrasound can serve a double purpose; it can heighten comfort with procedures when they’re recommended by a family doctor or specialist, and it may also afford an opportunity for ultrasound professionals to take pride in the very important work that they do.

Diagnostic sonography is an important element of modern medical treatment and is a continually growing sector. New applications being researched and developed consistently, increasing its usefulness, but without skilled sonographers, medical ultrasound is just technology. Honoring the work they do is an important element of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

BB Imaging recently held a retreat for staff members and honored a few individuals for their stellar job performance and dedication to the profession. One honoree, Michael E. Gregory, R.T(R), RDMS, RDSC, RVT (and a Senior Member of AIUM) had this to say about the responsibility of sonographers, and in particular, those providing mobile imaging, as BB Imaging does…

“I do one thing,” Michael said. “I show up.”

“In more than 40 years of working in this field, I can count on one hand the number of times I have called in or taken a sick day.”

“If there is one thing I would try to emphasize to my colleagues, especially the younger technologists, it would be to just show up. Nowhere in medical imaging is it more paramount to “just show up” than in mobile imaging, as a third-party vendor or as a temp.”

“This would be my testament to my fellow sonographers; be accountable and present, not only for your clients, your patients, and your employer…but for yourself.”

This October, you can celebrate Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month by promoting the understanding of the technology through sharing information, but if you’re a sonographer, you can also give yourself a big pat on the back–you deserve it!

Contributed by Jill Cacic

Your email inbox used to be filled with harmless fun: work emails, discounted travel deals, and marketing newsletters. Now, it’s a breeding ground for phishing scammers looking to make your personal information their catch of the day.

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails, pretending to be someone else to entice individuals to reveal personal information, including credit card information, passwords, and social security numbers. In 2018, the Internet Crime Report (IC3) stated there were 351,936 complaints related to online phishing scams with losses exceeding $2.7 billion. That is a 17% increase in reported complaints and a 90% increase in losses over 2017.

As technology improves, so do the phishing schemes, making it challenging to identify a potentially dangerous email. The subject line of the email will look like a legitimate email from a company you trust – your bank, favorite department store, or popular streaming service. The body of the email often cites a believable story like there has been suspicious activity on your account, or you need to make a payment complete with a fake invoice or a coupon for a free month. So, what red flags should you look out for to discover a potential phishing scam?

A call to action asking you to click or download something. All phishing schemes will contain something you need to click (a link) or download (an attachment). That is the gateway for the malware to enter your system and swipe your sensitive information.

A generic greeting. With advanced email marketing platforms, most major companies are not sending out emails starting with “Hi dear.”

Awkward or typo-filled text. Just glancing over the email, you notice multiple improper subject-verb agreements, and many commonly used words misspelled.

Email addresses that look just a little off, including the number “0” in place of the letter “O.” Scammers will attempt to duplicate a legitimate email by making small tweaks that make it seem believable.

Your gut telling you something isn’t right. You know your account is up-to-date, and Netflix never offers a digital coupon.

How can you better protect yourself from one of these phishing scams?

1. Install anti-virus or malware software. Make sure your computer and phone are working to actively protect you against potential threats at all times.

2. Do not click on any links in an email you’re not expecting. Clicking that link gives the scammers access to your system.

3. Call the recipient and ask if they sent the email. This includes the company that sent the email. Ask the billing department if they sent a bill or customer service if there are any current email coupon offers. If you respond to the fraudulent or compromised account, the fraudsters will confirm their request for you to click the link or open the document.

4. Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts when possible. This requires you to use two credentials to access your information: something you have (a passcode you receive via text) and something you are (fingerprint or face ID).

When it comes to phishing scams, you need to trust your gut. If something feels off, err on the side of caution. Falling victim to a phishing scam can put you at risk of identity theft, monetary loss, and open up your business system to irreparable damage.

If you feel like you received a potential phishing attempt, forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov and Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. You can also forward phishing text messages to SPAM (7726).

Contributed by Jill Cacic

The holidays are the time of the year to say “thank you” to those special people in our lives. Friends, family, and our work team including the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff… but what about the sonographers? They are an important part of the healthcare ecosystem and deserve to be recognized for all of their work. So, what is the best gift for the sonographer in your life?

Here are a few ideas from stocking stuffers to the perfect present to place under the tree:

Stocking Stuffers

Coffee – Long hours, late nights and early mornings are no stranger to sonographers. They need to always be alert, so there is no better gift than the gift of coffee. Whether it is a nice bag of roasted coffee beans or a gift card to a local coffee shop, this will bring a jolt of holiday cheer!

Water Bottle – Staying hydrated throughout a sonographer’s busy day can be a challenge, especially if they do not keep a water bottle close. A personalized water bottle can be a great reminder to drink enough water throughout the day to avoid that afternoon fatigue.

Lip Balm – Why do medical buildings seem to be some of the driest places on the planet? Ensure they keep their lips moisturized throughout the day with an SPF-enhanced lip balm. Whether you choose to go with a fancy balm or a classic brand, there is an option for everyone.

Hydrating Hand Cream – There is nothing worse than the feeling of dry, cracked hands. Sonographers, as all medical professionals do, are constantly washing their hands which wreaks havoc on the two most important tools in their job. A hydrating hand cream will ensure their hands stay moisturized, even after the 13th washing of the day.

Industry Charm Necklace – With their line of work, sonographers cannot wear bracelets so look for a cute necklace instead. A charm necklace is a fun way to show off the important field they work in and offers customization options.

Custom Badge Reel – Sonographers must have their ID badge on them at all times, but that doesn’t mean it has to be on a boring badge reel or lanyard. Customize a reel just for them, and they’ll smile every time they see it.

Gifts For Under the Tree

Scrub Jackets – The temperature in an ultrasound room can get pretty low. A nice slim-fit jacket with ample pockets that they can throw on over their scrubs is an easy way to stay comfortable in unpredictably cold conditions.

Audible – An audiobook can take the stress out of any commute. A gift card for an Audible subscription means they can choose a new mystery novel to keep them on their toes, historical non-fiction to stretch those brain muscles, or a book on personal finances to make sure they are really prepared to buy that house.

Transducer Cable Brace – The use of highly repetitive motions, such as constantly moving or adjusting the transducer cable, can increase the risk of injury to the elbow, hand, and wrist. A cable brace will help hold and support the transducer cable or any other necessary cable, and alleviate some of that tension on the hand, wrist, and arm. It sounds like a savior to a sonographer!

New Scrubs (or a gift card for new scrubs) – The last thing sonographers purchases are new scrubs for themselves, yet it is their daily work uniform. Pick up a gift card so they can treat themselves to a nice, new set of scrubs.

Relaxation Gifts

Massage – Sonographers are on their feet all day long and use their arms to make sure they are getting the right read on the machine. All of that stress causes real wear and tear on their bodies. Book a massage so they can relax and destress this holiday season.

At-Home Massage Tool – While having a nice, hour-long massage is great, being able to de-stress when and where you need to is even better. This Theragun mini comes from the well-known brand but is small enough to be taken anywhere.

Comfortable Shoes – Being on your feet all day is tough on your whole body. Make their job a little easier by gifting them the gift of comfort. Comfortable shoes can make standing on your feet for eight hours feel like you have been floating on clouds.

Gym Memberships – Holiday potluck, anyone? A gym membership makes a great gift for a sonographer because he/she can use it to burn off those extra holiday cookie calories that someone left in the breakroom as well as stay strong to help prevent injury.

Sonographers see both miracles and tragedies every day in their line of work. Make sure they know how appreciated they are this holiday season!

Contributed by Jill Farr

Sonography is a valuable component of modern medical care, and while skilled sonographers are vital for the best diagnostics, the machines they use can be just as important. Regular maintenance and minor cleaning can prevent some issues down the line, and possibly defray expensive servicing and repair costs. We want machines to run optimally for improved lifespan, service flow, and best possible patient care.

We’ve put together a quick guide to cleaning up both the internal memory of the machine and the outer body since both are important for smooth optimal operation. Procedures will vary according to your model, so check your user manual for the best method on your machine.

1.     Cleaning out the Archive Folder.

 Every exam that is completed on a machine gets stored in the archive folder. Like any other computer, our machines only have so much storage, and if it gets too full it can cause the machine to slow down or stop working. It’s important to clear out the archive monthly, leaving just the previous month in the folder for reference.

To access the Archive Folder…

 Click the Archive button. This is where you will find every exam that’s been completed on the machine up to the current date. You do not want to select “All” since you’re keeping one previous month, but select everything up to the beginning of the month you want to keep.

2.     Cleaning Out the Spooler/DICOM Queue. 

Exams that are unable to transfer fall into the Spooler or DICOM Queue. This also takes up storage space and can cause issues if it becomes too full. Checking this queue often and cleaning it out can help with machine performance.

 There are two ways to get to the Spooler/DICOM Queue. Utilities→ System Set-Up→Set-Up Menu→Connectivity→Device Set-Up→DICOM Queue Status where you can clear the storage. (Alternatively, you can click the Spooler button and end up at the same location, but not all machines have a Spooler button.)

 3. General Dusting. 

 A weekly wipe down of the entire machine to include the keyboard and trackballs is good practice to keep dust, gel or debris from interfering with the normal operation of the machine.

4.     Probes/Cords. 

 The probes and cords are extremely delicate and need to be taken care of properly. When cleaning the probe, give the cord a gentle swipe and straightening out as well. The cords have tiny wires inside that can be compromised and lose their ability to function if in a constantly tangled state.

 5.     Air Filters.

Every machine has an air intake vent either on the front or the back of the machine. Some models have filters that can be taken out and vacuumed; if your machine doesn’t have a removable filter, you can simply vacuum the air intake area. This should be done at least once a month or bi-weekly, depending on how many days a week the machine is in service; it can prevent overheating and freezing.

These simple procedures may seem like trivial chores, but the regular clearing of an ultrasound machine’s memory and the removal of dust and other material build-ups from its outer components can pay big dividends by forestalling the problems they might cause if left unaddressed. The ultrasound machine is what enables us to do what we do…let’s keep it clean!

Contributed by Jill Farr

It’s a big deal for a business to pass the decade and a half mark, and in honor of BB Imaging and Consulting’s 15th anniversary, we sat down with co-founders Blanca Lesmes and Ben Buentipo to talk about their vision for the future, and the secret behind their success.

One of the founding principles behind BB Imaging is the belief that women deserve access to high quality healthcare and the latest medical technology, no matter what their economic situation or geographic location. BB Imaging has served rural areas in Texas, Oklahoma, and in 2020 added Kansas and Missouri to their sphere of operation.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity for a partnership with HCA,” BB Imaging CEO Blanca Lesmes explains. “They’re one of the largest hospital corporations in the U.S. and they’re very much in line with our mission.”

“It’s part of their program to expand specialty maternal and fetal medical care to outlying areas. As their preferred ultrasound provider, we’re able to work together to increase services to women and children.”

When asked about plans for the next fifteen years, Blanca points to technology and continued focus on team building as priorities.

“Looking at the next five to ten years, we want to continue to be a leader on the forefront of technology, allowing us to do what we do even better. The more connectivity we can take into the communities, the better we can serve them.”

“One of the challenges we face is that sonographers are scarce—add to that our high standard of excellence and we are looking for the best of the best, the elite athletes in ultrasound. Continued relationship building and advancing technology to give this high-level team the tools they need are our next steps. I think these innovations will be the best way to extend our reach.”

“Social entrepreneurship”, the blending of profitability with more wholistic outcomes is a growing trend. These business owners are working toward solutions for social, cultural, or environmental issues. Companies like BB Imaging, rooted for years in conscious service to the community, can serve as role models to up and coming businesses who want to pair financial gain with more altruistic objectives.

One way Blanca would like to advance social entrepreneurship is to reframe how underserved individuals and communities are perceived and addressed.

“In a recent conversation about “vulnerable communities”,” Blanca says, “Someone encouraged me to consider that labeling people “vulnerable” because they lack access is inaccurate. Actually, they can be very resilient communities who are figuring out work-arounds because they are separated from the care they need.”

“An individual in a representative’s office told me, “There are Native American women here who are hitchhiking 50 miles to get to their provider.” That’s an incredibly resilient person. Is it right? No. Should it be happening? No. While we respect her determination, we want to stop that struggle from being necessary by bringing care to her. We need to shift the way we think about the communities we serve. We need to focus on how to meet them where they are.”

The goal of expanding the provision of care and reaching those who are underserved is only one element to BB Imaging’s model; making sure that care is based on innovative technology and uses best practices in administration is also key.

COO Ben Buentipo worked in high risk obstetrics before co-founding BB Imaging. He went back to get an additional degree in healthcare administration and then a graduate degree in biomedical informatics. He wanted to ensure the company’s place as a liaison between healthcare providers and other stakeholders, bridging communication gaps, while addressing the objectives of all parties.

Ben’s investment of his time, expertise, and talents has set a tone for the BB Imaging team. They are a fun group, who share a strong work ethic and very high standards.

Ben believes that high level expectations is a big part of the reason BB Imaging has made it to the fifteen-year mark and continues to grow.

“We talk about value-based care, but having a value-based team is just as important,” Ben says.

“It’s crucial to realize the importance of your team, and we do.”

“We want to honor those who have worked with us throughout the years. Some were with us for a very short time, some have been with us long term. Without them, we couldn’t have made it 15 years. Personally, I’m very grateful for everyone who has been part of our team.”

To date, BB Imaging has performed 30,000 scans. Blanca is quick to point out a number that large couldn’t happen without teamwork.

“That’s 400 to 500 scans a week,” Blanca says. “Most of which are in rural, underserved communities. Those scans are done by extraordinary people. They’re the ones championing excellent care to underserved communities.”

To Ben, Blanca, and the entire BB Imaging and Consulting team…congratulations.

Contributed by Jill Cacic

Whether you are an experienced sonographer looking for a new opportunity or a recent graduate looking for your first job, a polished resume is necessary to catch a recruiter’s eye. Applying for ultrasound jobs can be stressful but having a well-written resume and reliable references will help you on the job hunt.

Our team of experienced human resource specialists created these tips to help your resume stand out:

· Research templates – You don’t need to create a resume from scratch. A simple search for resume templates will provide you with free or low-cost options that work best for those in the medical field. Make sure you find space to include your credentialing and to explain any gaps in employment.

· Use spellcheck – It doesn’t matter if you are Captain of the Grammar Police or won the third-grade Spelling Bee, use spellcheck on your resume before hitting send. There can be dozens of applicants per opening, correcting a simple spelling or grammar error might save you from the discard pile.

· Consistency is key – Are you using bullet points, dashes, or numbers? Make sure your formatting stays the same throughout your resume. You shouldn’t switch between bullet points and numbers. Keep it consistent throughout.

· Easy to follow – Your resume should take the hiring manager on a journey through your education and employment history. Make sure you list your most recent job first. Avoid flowery or complicated formats. Keep it simple; let your qualifications shine!

· Be basic – Avoid using custom or unique fonts that may not be compatible with every computer. Send your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document. Not every computer opens every file the same, so your resume masterpiece may turn up a scrambled mess on the hiring manager’s screen.

· Update your contact information – Make sure you have a professional email address listed on your resume. You can use a free email provider to get an email address with your first and last name. Double-check that your current phone number is listed. Not having the most current contact information can make it difficult for recruiters to contact you.

· Don’t take any work history for granted – Even if your employment history covers more retail positions than medical experience, do not omit them. Customer service is one of the most desired skills for sonographers. If you have a gap in your work history, think about how you can apply the skills you learned as a stay at home mom, for example, and use them in this new position.

So, you’ve written your resume and (spell)checked it twice, now you need to make sure you have a solid list of references to back it up. Here are some tips to consider when selecting your references:

· List at least three references – You don’t need a laundry list of people to contact. You should aim to have at least three solid references listed on your resume. Remember quality over quantity.

· Inform your references that you are using them as a reference – Before listing someone as a reference, make sure you let him/her know you are using them as a reference and with what position, if possible. Make sure they are available for a phone call and able to pick up the phone.

· Be direct – List the first and last name of your reference, direct phone number (including extensions), and an email address they regularly check. If you are unable to list their direct line, the human resources department would be the next best thing.

· Don’t underestimate the power of your professors – If you recently graduated college and don’t have strong references from your work experience, use your professors as a reference.

· Avoid personal connections – Avoid using a personal or character reference if you can. Using a professional contact (even a professor or instructor) is preferred.

· Say “Thank You” – After you land the job, send a personal note to your references to thank them for their time. A hand-written note is recommended, but an email will suffice in a pinch.

Having a polished resume that showcases your qualifications and a list of references eager to share glowing reviews about you will make your job search a lot easier. View our current openings and apply today.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine sonography can be a very rewarding specialty; you are providing care for not just one, but two patients. The excitement around pregnancy and new life are contagious–it’s hard not to share in the joy. The reverse can apply as well; being an MFM sonographer can also mean crying with your patient over their loss or going to sleep wondering how a delivery went for a patient you’ve seen every week for the last 4 months. Most non-sonographers don’t understand the mental, emotional and physical toll this career can take and how common it is for MFM sonographers to experience compassion fatigue.

The American Institute of Stress refers to Compassion Fatigue as “vicarious traumatization or secondary traumatization” and “the emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events… Compassion Fatigue can occur due to exposure to one case or can be due to a cumulative level of trauma”.

MFM sonographers work with a number of patients experiencing traumatic events, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or a current pregnancy complicated by anomalies. It is possible to take on some amount of their stress during the course of care, sometimes without even realizing it. Many sonographers do not recognize when Compassion Fatigue sets in, and this makes it difficult to address. Understanding what Compassion Fatigue is and looking for warning signs can help mitigate its effects. Some of the most common symptoms include chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, irritability and feelings of inequity about the therapeutic or caregiver relationship.

How do you prevent compassion fatigue, or deal with it, if you find yourself suffering? The most immediate answer is self-care. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation author Colleen Breen states, “There is this myth that we have unlimited energy, but we are not Energizer Bunnies… we can’t just keep going and going and going, giving and giving and giving. Self-care is a way to charge our inner batteries so we can continue caring for others.”

Self-care can include any act done deliberately for mental, emotional and physical health, and can look different from one person to the next. Some examples of self-care include exercise, meditation, long soaks in the bath, venting to a close friend, or even engaging a therapist. Acknowledging feelings and expressing them can be an effective release and talking to other caregivers about Compassion Fatigue is one way to address the issue with those who understand. Even if the trauma is being experienced second-hand, it’s still trauma. Compassion Fatigue is a natural by-product of being human, and understanding it is the first step towards dealing with it and strengthening your ability to continue to provide empathetic care to those you serve.

Compassion Fatigue is not unique to Sonographers, however, as a group, we can look out for one another, talk openly about stressors specific to our profession and support each other.  We can encourage our team members and lead by example in trying some of the preventative measures listed above.  Sometimes it takes just one person to reach out and help.  Compassion Fatigue is a chronic problem, but we can minimize its impact if we work together.

Information in this blog post should not replace the advice of a physician or a mental health expert. Please contact a health professional if you feel that your symptoms warrant it.

At BB Imaging we like to make our company culture evident in all we do. Our, blog, newsletter, and social media posts strive not only to inform but to entertain and invite comradery. Our “lighter” side is an important part of our company culture. We love the response to our Unicorn campaign and the sticker giveaways. We also care deeply about each person on our team which happens to be made up of mostly women, in an industry that is also predominantly female and in the business of serving women and their children. For this reason, we are uniquely positioned to address serious issues that most impact women.

During this time of crisis and unprecedented global shutdown we have been encouraged to reframe our situation for the sake of our mental health and think of ourselves as “safe at home” rather than “stuck at home”. Unfortunately for many people home is not a safe place. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives, making it the most widespread but least reported human rights abuse. Statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline indicate that 4 out of 5 victims of intimate partner violence are women. Because of the predominance of women in our company and in our field, we can infer that one fourth to one-third of our team has experienced or is experiencing some type of abuse perpetrated by an intimate partner.

That reality is sobering under the best of circumstances and we as a global community are certainly not at our best. Time magazine said that in February reports of domestic violence tripled in China compared to the same time last year. CNN reported that in Great Britain domestic violence helpline calls have increased by 25% since movement restrictions were put in place. Considering the current circumstances what can we do to help ourselves or someone we care about in this situation? COVID-19 has made it more difficult to leave an abusive situation as shelters across the country are at capacity or have had to shut down intakes altogether to protect the health of those already inside. What options does that leave for those who are not mentally, physically, or emotionally safe in their own homes?

Fortunately, this is not a hopeless situation. There are advocates across the country who have been trained extensively to help women who are living with or in contact with abusive partners regardless of the reasons. The goal of these advocates is to increase the safety of the victims and any children involved. This includes a reduction of all risks from a partner’s controlling behaviors not just physical violence but also, income, housing, healthcare, food, and children’s needs. Techniques for intervention include:

·       Safety planning – Safety planning is a primary tool for advocates and can include how to identify and mitigate risk in the home, how to include children and pets in planning measures, how to best protect yourself in special circumstances such as pregnancy or with medical conditions, and how to protect your emotional safety. The advocates at the hotline will safety plan with anyone, victims or their friends, family members, or coworkers.

·       Self-Care– Including making small gradual changes and a focus on being gentle with yourself.

·       Resources for how to get help – Such as shelter options if available, and legal resources in your area.

At BB Imaging if you or a teammate are experiencing violence or resource control, we have some ideas about how we can help. In addition to contacting advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, please reach out to the People and Culture Team, to Ben and Blanca, or anyone you trust. Together, let’s discuss how to safely assist you.

RESOURCES

These national resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are completely anonymous and confidential.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.7233

National Dating Abuse Helpline
1.866.331.9474

If you need to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Detailed information on Safety Planning

Interactive Safety Planning guide (personalized to your circumstances)