Category: Blogs

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)

Sitting down and putting together a realistic budget might not be your idea of a good time. However, following a budget can put you on the path to financial freedom and keep you from accruing debt. Now is a great time to reassess your budget (or start one!) and get your finances in order.

 Here are 10 simple tips to consider when starting your budget:

1. Determine your income. Add up your total household income, including any side jobs or money that comes in regularly. Use your net pay, so you don’t have to take money out for taxes, health insurance, etc.

2. Pay yourself. Whenever possible, it can be beneficial to contribute to your retirement and savings account before you start tackling your expenses. Most financial professionals recommend having a three- to six-month emergency fund saved up (to cover all of your major bills for six months). If that feels too overwhelming at the start, another suggestion from financial guru Dave Ramsey suggests a $1,000 emergency fund to cover basic emergencies until you have paid off all of your debt. You will have to decide what savings number you need, but a good goal is to ensure that a minor emergency will not derail your finances. An emergency can be anything you didn’t plan for – your dishwasher breaks, you get a flat tire, or you get a speeding ticket.

3. Start with the core four: rent/mortgage and utilities, food, essential clothing, and transportation. Calculate what you pay in each of these categories every month. Ideally, your rent or mortgage is close to 30% of your gross monthly income. If this is non-negotiable, adjust your other spending accordingly and keep this percentage in mind next time you have an opportunity to lease or purchase a home. For items like utilities that vary month-to-month, find the average of your last few bills or look at what you paid the same time a year ago. Take into account seasonality – you may use the A/C more during the summer months or run the heat more in the winter.

4. Add up all of your monthly expenses. While the core four list covers the biggest monthly expenses, what about all of those little payments that happen every month for streaming services or fitness classes? Write down every bill you pay each month, no matter how small it is. Those add up quickly, and if you’re not using one of those services, cancel it and save some money.

5. Tackle your debt. This one can be hard to face, but it’s an important part of getting your finances together. Add up all of your monthly debts outside of the core four – credit cards, student loans, medical bills, etc. Have a good understanding of how much money each month goes directly towards debt so you can include that in your budget. Consider the snowball effect (paying the smallest to largest debt) or the avalanche method (paying off the bill with the highest interest rate first) for paying down your debt.

6. Budget for fun. After you’ve added up all of your expenses, create budgets for dining out or going to bars, entertainment, recreation, etc. Remember, this amount cannot exceed your total monthly income, so if you need to cut back in some places, this is where to start.

7. Set up auto drafts. Paying late fees is an unnecessary expense that can cut into your budget. It can be helpful to either have your bills set to automatically deduct from your checking account or set a calendar reminder to pay your bills a few days before they’re due.

8. Use a budgeting tool. Gone are the days of balancing your checkbook by hand at the kitchen table. There are a handful of free or low-cost tools available to help you tackle your budget and stick to it. Here are a few good ones: Mint, Quicken Budget Calculator, EveryDollar, You Need a Budget (YNAB).

9. Don’t forget about irregular expenses. You should have your “base budget” set with all of those tips, but don’t forget about expenses that don’t happen every month. Consider what birthdays or special events happen each month that you’ll need to spend money on. Don’t forget to include any extras for the kiddos like sports and activity fees, tutoring, or dental/health expenses not covered by insurance. If possible, set aside extra money for holiday presents so you don’t get hit with a big surprise at the end of the year.

10. Know yourself. Is cash king, or can you still swipe? Some people have a hard time sticking to a budget when they pay for everything with a debit or credit card. For those folks, using a budgeting app can be helpful as it is easier to go over your budget when you don’t see the money leave your account. If you don’t want to use an app or balance your budget every few days, try the envelope method. Put cash in different envelopes for different budget categories. Have one for groceries, one for restaurants/bars, one for shopping, one for gifts, etc. This method allows you to see exactly how much money you have left in each category. If you use this method try to ensure you have safe storage and trustworthy housemates.

Budgeting isn’t hard. It just takes a little time and discipline. By following these simple steps, you can have a better understanding of your overall budget and gain some insight into places you might need to cut back so you can invest more in yourself and bulk up your savings.

In October of 2018, Ayesha Rauf began her journey with BB Imaging as a sonographer after spending most of her life in Pakistan.

Ayesha was educated and trained as a doctor in Pakistan. She worked tirelessly with refugee women in camps alongside a non-governmental organization (NGO). The NGOs employ local professionals like Ayesha to carry out their already established programs in countries with high female refugee populations like Pakistan. She worked across programs to address women’s issues such as reproductive health, awareness of vaccination, childcare, family planning, and hygiene.

A few years ago, Ayesha decided to move to the United States for safety reasons including a terrorist attack in Pakistan. Soon after Ayesha arrived, she knew she wanted to utilize her skills and knowledge of medicine, which led her to sonography. Although working in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine field is different from her work in Pakistan, Ayesha can use her training as a physician to recognize diseases and conditions that affect pregnancies. She can care for her high-risk patients accordingly. Knowing how to assess and treat this specific group of patients is a benefit Ayesha feels she has carried from her previous career. The work itself might be different for her, but patient care is the same.

Ayesha felt empathy and compassion when working with the refugees. Women were rendered helpless and distinctly disadvantaged. She appreciated the opportunity to work with people whose needs were significant and help them in any way she could. Still, the lack of necessary supplies to provide care often left Ayesha angry and frustrated.

“The lack of basic health care facilities in the camps lead to complications in childbirth and pregnancies,” Rauf said. “The perinatal mortality and morbidity in those camps were very high.”

In addition to providing medical care Ayesha took on a mentorship role in the refugee camps, becoming a confidant for the women who had gone through physical and sexual abuse.

“My job required a high level of care, confidentiality, compassion, and competency,” Rauf said.

Passion is something that can be beneficial to all healthcare workers; for Ayesha, her drive comes from the interactions and relationships she formed with the women while working in Pakistan. Being a female doctor allowed her to help women when they needed it most.

“Due to the cultural norms, these women would not even speak to a male doctor,” she said.

Elated, Ayesha said the NGOs’ work in Pakistan helped lower the perinatal mortality rate. Within a year, they were able to successfully perform deliveries in a labor room in one of their clinics.

“Every day I spent at the camps increased my desire to help,” she said.

Ayesha is not only knowledgeable but also full of love and compassion. She held the hands of women who experienced violence and did what she could to help them through their trauma, including reducing the physical and emotional impact when possible. When asked why this work is so important to her, Ayesha mentioned the BB Imaging mission statement, “We believe serving the underserved is not just good for business but good for our greater human community.”

Ayesha’s mission is to continue to help and serve those who need “something extra.” Over a year into her BBI journey, Ayesha is an MFM sonographer following her passion and using her experience as strengths for her future.

If you would like to help refugee women, you may make a donation to the International Medical Corps (IMC) https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/  or EDHI foundation https://edhi.org/. Both organizations are in Pakistan and would benefit from any monetary donations.

You wrote the perfect cover letter and polished up your resume. Now, the only thing holding you back from your dream job is acing the interview. Here are a few tips from our team of experienced human resource specialists to help you nail the interview:

·      Practice makes perfect – study potential interview questions and practice the interview before you go in for the real thing. You’ll feel better prepared and more confident in your answers.

·      Do your research – Look up the company and their history beforehand so you feel comfortable discussing during the interview. You will also be able to ensure their mission statement aligns with your values (or passions).

·      Be prepared for a phone interview – Don’t be surprised when an interviewer calls you on the number you gave them at the agreed upon time. Make sure you are in a quiet place to take the phone call, away from any potential distractions.

·      Updated your voicemail – Your voicemail is to your interview as your email address is to your resume. Make sure it’s professional. If you have extenuating circumstances and are not able to take the phone call for the interview, your voicemail should have your first and last name, so they know they called the right number. Also make sure your voicemail isn’t full so they can leave a message. Make every attempt to notify the interviewer of your conflict in advance.

·      Be confident – Walk into the interview with confidence. Be confident in your work history. Be confident in your ability to do the job. Be confident in what you bring to the organization. When you enter the room with that self-confidence, you let the interviewers know you are the person for the job.

·      Be on time – There’s an old saying, “Five minutes early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable.” This certainly applies to job interviews. Make sure you give yourself enough time to account for traffic, finding the right building/office, and getting through any potential security. The last thing you want is the interviewer waiting on you to arrive and you  walk in feeling flustered.

·      Dress professionally – Being overdressed is better than being underdressed. Some markets are more casual than others but err on the side of caution and present yourself well. If you are asked to come in scrubs, all black scrubs are preferred for BB Imaging. A solid color is an acceptable substitute. If your interviewer doesn’t let you know what to wear to the interview, be proactive and ask. Also, make sure you put your phone and any other potential distractions away during the entire interview.

·      Who’s who – Know the name of the person you are scheduled to meet during the interview. If you are introduced to others during the interview process, especially potential co-workers, make an effort to remember their names.

·      Come prepared – Bring a few paper copies of your resume. You may meet someone during the process who hasn’t seen it yet. Ask ahead of time what requirements there are before visiting the clinic and starting the position. Consider immunizations you may need and records you may have to present. This shows you are eager to get started in the clinic and thinking ahead.

·      Ask questions – Show that you’re interested in the job and the clinic by asking questions. How do they run the practice? What is their approach to training? Let them know that you’re interested in the development of the position and the clinic.

·      Be flexible – Block off the whole morning or afternoon for the interview. This allows plenty of time for you to tour the clinic or meet any potential co-workers. If you have a time limitation, explain that before the interview (I wouldn’t suggest an option to tell someone at the beginning of the interview)

·      Follow up, quickly – Send a quick “thank you” note promptly after the interview. Send it to the person you met with and any one you spent time talking to during the interview. The letter should be brief and simply thank them for their time, highlight something specific from the interview and explain why you would be a good fit for the role. This helps keep you fresh in the mind of the person doing the interview. You can send this via email because they may not have a typical office, making it harder to send  through the mail.

Your resume and cover letter proved that you have the experience to do the job. With these tips, you can have a successful interview,  get an offer letter, and start your new job. View our current openings and apply for your next career move today.

COVID-19 has derailed a lot of fundamental things, including the economy, our education system, and the lives of millions. While it may seem frivolous to focus on vacations as a point of discussion, the truth is, dedicated vacation time is important. It’s not only okay to take a formal break but necessary for continued productivity, so we will give time off a moment in the spotlight.

For those who work in the healthcare industry, this is a particularly tricky conversation. There are a few reasons why healthcare workers may be the most resistant to taking vacation days right now, so to jumpstart the time off tête-à-tête, let’s examine some common objections:

They need me. Okay, you’re right! Your employer and the world at large need healthcare workers in a different way than other “essential personnel” are needed. It’s a health crisis, after all, and you have a particular set of skills. There’s a downside to the heralding of healthcare workers as heroes; heroes don’t usually feel like they can take time off. Does Batman ever get to ignore the Bat Signal?! Whether it’s direct COVID-19-related healthcare or catching up on care and procedures that were pushed back during quarantine, it can feel selfish to want to take a break.

However, your break helps more than just you. Study after study tells us vacations are healthy for our body (we’ll link this article that talks about the heart benefit in particular). Common sense also tells us that rested team members are the best team members, especially in healthcare. There will always be the propensity for medical personnel to overwork. However, the balance of backing off from time to time keeps everyone at their best. Patients and providers D.O. need you…but they need the best version of you. Vacations help that version stay at the forefront.

I need them. There’s no shame in admitting that you simply want to stay busy. A pandemic is not fun and while working without a real break can certainly help take your mind off of mortality and musing about whether or not we’re going to end up in a Mad Max-esque situation shortly, it isn’t a lasting solution. If you have not taken a significant break since the pandemic kicked off, or if you were quarantined and then incredibly glad to be back to work, there may be a certain amount of hesitation to face some quiet time. If that describes you, you’re not alone.

A staycation can be a great opportunity to either lean into what typically brings you peace, or a chance to find something that does. Curious about meditation? Wistfully remembering how great a regular Tai Chi practice made you feel? Fire up YouTube and kick off your time off with mindfulness!

We can’t go anywhere. Again…fair point. While much of the U.S. is opening back up, and it’s possible to travel to certain destinations while following the CDC guidelines, the prudent choice and the most practical is a staycation. (might want to say “Some healthcare employers may even require unpaid quarantines upon return from non-essential travel.”)

What is there to do at home, you ask, beyond figuring out how to make sure your children are actually doing school online or watching every single season of every television series known to humankind on Netflix? There’s quite a lot you can do, with the Internet and a little imagination. New York Magazine’s newsletter, The Cut, devoted an issue to staycation ideas that can jog your creativity. Some of the best include movie-themed dinners, camping inside or in your yard, full-fledged spa days, or merely putting fruit in pitchers of water to make a fancy statement. Still, we have a few ideas of our own:

● Quarantine Cup. Write down questions (here’s a list for starters), dares, directions or charade prompts on a million little pieces of paper and put them in a cup. Bored? Take one out. Alone? Make them all things you want to do or need to do.

● Takeout Till You Drop. If the budget allows, take a whole day off from cooking (and support local restaurants) by eating everything from somewhere else.

● Download a New App. Want to lip-sync on Tik Tok? Learn to sketch? Speak Spanish? There’s an app for all of those.

● Facetime, with a Twist, get in costume and dial-up your mom all your high school friends, college roommate, kids, dog walker…this is your chance to start your variety show. No Facetime? No excuse. Everyone else has Facebook Messenger Chat.

The short version is, we’re in this for the long haul. Healthcare workers are the definition of essential personnel. Working hard in this industry is a given but performing at your peak without a break isn’t sustainable, it also makes things less enjoyable.

Taking time off, even for “just” a staycation is a good thing to do for your patients, and your employer, but most importantly, it’s a good thing for you.