Sonographers are the unsung heroes of healthcare—combining technical precision with compassionate care. Every image they capture has the power to shape a diagnosis, guide treatment, and impact a patient’s life. Yet too often, their work takes place behind the scenes, with little public recognition.

The Sonography Impact Awards were created to change that. Now in their third year, these awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who elevate the profession, inspire their colleagues, and make a difference for patients and communities alike.

A Look Back: 2024 Sonography Impact Awards

In 2024, we proudly celebrated sonographers who exemplify excellence in leadership, teamwork, and community advocacy. Each winner demonstrated not only exceptional technical expertise but also the compassion and dedication that define the sonography profession.

• Elizabeth Fox, RDMS – Inspiring Leader: Honored for her outstanding contributions to patient care, mentorship, and advancing ultrasound programs across her organization.
• Sarah Permelia, RDMS – Team Player: Recognized for her collaboration, clinical mastery, and unwavering commitment to supporting colleagues and elevating patient outcomes.
• Erica Wiencek, BS, RDMS, RVT – Community Advocate: Celebrated for her visionary work with Sonocratic and her dedication to empowering students, underserved communities, and the next generation of sonographers.

These honorees embody the very best of the profession, setting a high standard for sonographers everywhere. Their achievements continue to inspire as we look forward to honoring the next class of winners in 2025.

The 2025 Categories: Expanding Recognition

This year, we’ve expanded the categories to reflect the many ways sonographers contribute to healthcare and beyond.

• Clinical Excellence Award: Celebrating sonographers whose precision and expertise consistently deliver outstanding diagnostic outcomes and improve patient care.
• Patient Care Champion: Honoring individuals who go above and beyond in providing comfort, empathy, and support during some of a patient’s most vulnerable moments.
• Innovator in Practice: Recognizing sonographers who embrace new techniques, technologies, or workflows that enhance the profession and elevate standards of care.
• Mentor & Educator Award: Highlighting those who share their knowledge generously—whether by training colleagues, guiding students, or contributing to professional growth.
• Community Impact Award: Celebrating sonographers who extend their dedication beyond the workplace, giving back through advocacy, outreach, or service in their local communities.

Nominations are now open, and we encourage all healthcare professionals to participate in recognizing the contributions of their colleagues.

How to Participate

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Sonography Impact Awards! If you know a sonographer who embodies these qualities, we encourage you to share their story.

Nominate a Colleague: Submit their name, award category, and a short description of why they deserve recognition.

Deadline: Nominations close October 22, 2025.

Winners Announced: Honorees will be revealed at the end of October, in celebration of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

Award Recipients Receive: A curated wellness care box from AS Software

By participating, you not only honor remarkable individuals but also help elevate the visibility of the entire sonography profession.

Every October, Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM) gives us a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the people whose work brings ultrasound imaging to life — sonographers.

Our theme for this year, “Recognizing Sonographers Who Inspire,” reminds us that inspiration in healthcare comes not just from innovation, but from compassion — from the professionals who bring care, clarity, and comfort to every scan.

At AS Software, we’re celebrating MUAM by spotlighting you — the sonographers who inspire your patients, colleagues, and the broader medical community every single day.

How to Join the Celebration

We’re sending a special AS Software MUAM gift to sonographers who share their stories this month.

Here’s how to take part:

1. Fill out the form at the end of this page
   So we know where to send your gift.
2. Download your “This Is Why I Scan” graphic
   You’ll receive it by email after completing the form.
3. Share your story on LinkedIn
   Post your “This Is Why I Scan” graphic and tell your story. Tell us what inspires you as a sonographer, or a moment that has stayed with you, or why you love what you do.
   

Use #MUAM and tag AS Software so we can celebrate with you. Once you’ve completed all three steps, you’ll receive your MUAM appreciation gift as our thank-you for your dedication and impact.

Why We’re Recognizing Sonographers

Behind every image is a professional who brings empathy, expertise, and excellence to their work. Sonographers don’t just capture scans — they comfort patients, collaborate with care teams, and translate complex technology into compassionate care.

We see your impact in every moment of clarity you bring to patients and providers alike. That’s why we’re dedicating this month to you — the sonographers who inspire us every day.

Join Us in Celebrating You

This month, let’s make sure the people behind the images get their moment in the spotlight.

Because celebrating ultrasound means celebrating you — the professionals who make a difference with every scan.

Fill out the form to join the celebration.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the exceptional dedication, expertise, and compassion that sonographers bring to their patients and communities. Each of these award winners embodies healthcare excellence and has made a lasting impact in their field. Join us in honoring these outstanding individuals who set the standard for patient care and professional leadership.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who submitted nominations, shining a light on so many remarkable professionals. Congratulations, again to the 2024 winners!

Sonographers play a pivotal role that is both technically demanding and critically important. Their expertise in capturing and interpreting ultrasound images is crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective patient care. Despite their essential contributions, sonographers often work behind the scenes, with little recognition. The Sonography Impact Awards aim to change that, providing a platform to honor those who go above and beyond in their profession.

The Critical Roles of Sonographers

Sonographers are skilled professionals who operate ultrasound equipment to capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures. These images are vital for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from monitoring fetal development in pregnancy to detecting cardiovascular diseases and assessing organ function. The precision and accuracy required in this role cannot be overstated; a sonographer’s work directly impacts patient outcomes.

Yet, the work of sonographers extends beyond the technical. They interact with patients during vulnerable moments, often providing comfort and reassurance. They collaborate with physicians, contribute to team member development, and continuously update their skills to keep pace with advances in technology. It’s a profession that demands both expertise and empathy.

Recap of the 2023 Sonography Impact Award Winners

Last year’s Sonography Impact Awards celebrated outstanding individuals who exemplify the best of this profession. The 2023 winners were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Let’s revisit the achievements of last year’s awardees:

• Jenna Perhacs, RDMS – Team Player: Jenna was honored for her incredible amount of care and compassion for her team and patients.
• Roy Armand, BS, RDMS – Inspiring Leader: Roy was recognized by his nominators for his kindness, generosity, and mentorship to the younger generation of sonographers.
• Hayley Bartkus, MS-HPEd., BSDMS, RDMS – Community Advocate: Haley was overwhelmingly nominated as someone who is making a positive impact on the future of sonography, sharing her enthusiasm for the field and giving back to her community.

These individuals not only excelled in their roles but also set a standard for others in the field, demonstrating the profound impact sonographers have on both patients and colleagues alike.

Nominations Now Open: 2024 Sonography Impact Awards

As we launch the 2024 Sonography Impact Awards, we invite nominations to recognize the sonographers who embody the spirit of excellence in their work. This year’s categories continue to highlight the diverse ways sonographers contribute to healthcare:

• Team Player: Honored for exceptional collaboration and support within their healthcare team, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.
• Inspiring Leader: Recognized for their ability to lead by example, inspiring colleagues through their dedication and professionalism.
• Community Advocate: Awarded to a sonographer who goes beyond their professional duties to make a positive impact in their community.

Nominations are now open, and we encourage all healthcare professionals to participate in recognizing the contributions of their colleagues. Whether it’s someone who consistently supports their team, leads with vision and compassion, or actively works to improve their community, your nomination can help bring their achievements to light.

How to Participate

To nominate a deserving sonographer or learn more about the award categories, visit the Sonography Impact Awards Page. Submissions will be accepted through October 15th, 2024, with winners announced at the end of October in celebration of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

The awards not only serve to recognize individual excellence but also to inspire the entire sonography community by sharing stories of dedication and impact. We look forward to celebrating the remarkable work of sonographers and their vital contributions to healthcare.

Sonographers are at the heart of patient care, working tirelessly each day to capture highly technical images while putting patients at ease. We want to help recognize the hard work and dedication of sonographers, who each deserve to be celebrated and appreciated!

Recipients receive a $250 digital gift card award of their preference from a selection of over 200+ popular retailers, restaurants, and service providers.

Award Categories

Selection Committee

Terms and Eligibility

Nominees must reside in the United States and be a current, or former, licensed sonographer. A nominee may be nominated for more than one category. Nominators can submit more than one nomination for different nominees. Nominations may be submitted by peers, community members, or employers, and self-nominations are accepted. Nominations must be completed through the nomination form before the submission deadline of October 20th, 2024. Award recipients who are prohibited from retaining the monetary value of the award can either donate it to a charitable cause of their choice, or decline it.

Congratulations to the 2023 winners!

October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for the role of diagnostic sonography in healthcare and help inform and educate on the growing usage and importance of ultrasound as a vital medical tool. 

“MUAM is a joint effort of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), and Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU).” (ARDMS) 

We’ve gathered some resources and content to help celebrate MUAM and the sonographers who are vital to the world of ultrasound.  

Industry Resources, Information, and Ways to Celebrate MUAM

• The SDMS’ ​202​​​3 MUAM theme ​is “​Images from the Inside Out” Learn More 

• How can sonographers and future sonographers participate in MUAM? Learn More 

• The ARDMS photo submission campaign Learn More 

• SVU vascular ultrasound awareness and content (check out the spooky wallpaper!)  Learn More 

• ASE cardiovascular ultrasound education and awareness Learn More 

There are so many amazing social pictures, infographics, and social content to share from the links above. Make sure to tag us on LinkedIn and Instagram so we can like and share your posts! 

More Resources for Sonographers

• Visit the Sonographer Wellness Hub, a compilation of helpful resources and tools tailored for sonographers. 

• Watch the Wellness Forum to learn how to help prevent and alleviate physical and mental pain. 

• Nominate a deserving sonographer for the Sonography Impact Awards 

MUAM provides an opportunity to celebrate ultrasound technology and professionals, and the extraordinary impact they make on modern medicine. Their roles are physically and mentally demanding, working through extended hours and tight timelines. So let’s each make sure to give ultrasound professionals a big THANK YOU for everything they do!