Quick Reference Guide for Ob & Gyn Sonography

"Quick Reference Guide for Ob & Gyn Sonography" is an essential book for students, practicing sonographers, residents and ob/gyn physicians. Measurements, terms and abbreviations, scanning tips, helpful Spanish phrases, and much more! Small enough to fit in your scrub pocket.

In ultrasound school, so much information is thrown at you so quickly, it is extremely difficult to absorb everything you need to know.   Before graduation, I started writing down important things I didn't want to forget in a mini three-ring binder, things like protocols and normal measurements.  It gave me a little sense of security knowing I had a reference book tucked in my scrub pocket.  Over the years, I have added more great information to my notebook, like common abbreviations the doctors use, some Spanish phrases, and words I can never remember how to spell (is it mennorhagia or menorrhagia???).  It has become so useful to me that I thought other sonographers would like to have one too, so I decided to write a quick reference guide.
 
There are many small reference-style books available, but they are all written by physicians and seemed to contain a lot of "filler" information, like the history of the piezoelectric crystal (very interesting, but I don't need that information at my fingertips).  This book is different because it was written by a practicing sonographer, with much thought put into what you WILL need at your fingertips.
 
I've divided the book into two main sections: Gynecology and Obstetrics. Each section contains measurement information, protocols, common findings and a blank page for your own notes.  Pay careful attention to the Key Points pages within the sections.  Here you will find important reminders, tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid.  I've also added a few tips for your reports in "italics."
 
In the back, you will find terms and abbreviations, helpful websites, Spanish phrases and a blank page to record contact information (networking!).  Most of the diagrams found in the ob and gyn sections are duplicated in the back for you to cut-out and display in a visible spot.
 
In addition, it will be helpful for you to keep a textbook handy at your desk for more in-depth information.  I have listed some of my favorites in the back of this book.
 
After six months to a year, you will feel more comfortable performing your scans, but keep in mind that although experience is the best teacher, you will never know everything.  Even veteran sonographers get cases they can't figure out.
 
I hope you will find this book helpful and informative. I wish you great success, and may you always have the same desire to learn as you do now! 

For over ten years, Rebecca Sams Willis enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home mom, but after her three children were all in school, she decided to embark on a new career. Her husband noticed an advertisement in the local paper for an ultrasound school. Because of a high-risk pregnancy of her own, Rebecca thought the field sounded interesting so she decided to enroll. 

During her clinicals, she had the opportunity to experience work environments at hospitals, imaging centers, infertility clinics and a perinatology office. After two years, she graduated first in her class and was asked to join the school's Advisory Board, which she accepted. She was also offered a full-time position at the perinatologist's office and was truly thrilled at the opportunity, knowing that obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound was her calling. Being immersed in a high-risk pregnancy setting full-time, she was able to quickly learn the normal fetal anatomy, anomalies, and was trained in fetal echocardiography.

In 2011, Rebecca was offered an opportunity to work for a general obstetrics and gynecology practice, the same doctors who delivered her children. Here, she began working on her ultrasound book, "Quick Reference Guide for Ob & Gyn Sonography." She felt the market lacked a good quick reference book for new sonographers and hopes this book will fill the need.

Rebecca continues to work for this practice and enjoys attending workshops and seminars to further her education. She also attends a monthly fetal boards meeting at the local women and children's hospital, which gives her greater insight as to how the physician utilizes the ultrasound data to treat their patient. To her, it is yet another piece of the patient care puzzle.

Rebecca welcomes your insight on the field of ultrasound and would love the opportunity to connect with you.