July 2010

Through your monthly e-mode we hope to bring you up to date on all events, Branch announcements and insights relevant to sonographers.  Make sure you visit the ASA website for more information on what’s coming up in July and make the most of your ASA membership.

July e-mode highlights

·         SIG2010 Sydney program and registration is now available online

·         ASA Masterclass Series: Communication and Management workshops scheduled for 20 August in Sydney

·         New Code of Professional Conduct is now effective

·         Rural and Remote Sonographer Scholarship applications are now open

·         If you have not yet renewed, your 2010/11 ASA membership is now due

The ASA encourages contributions from members who may have news items, updates, information or opportunities that may be of interest to members.   Contributions can be emailed to the ASA Membership Officer.  Please note, the decision to publish in e-mode is at the discretion of the ASA.

ASA roundup

Introducing the Complaints Handling Process

A significant change to ASA membership happened yesterday, with the commencement of the revised Code of  Professional Conduct .  The ASA now has a formal process to receive and investigate complaints about its members, and to take disciplinary action where appropriate. This complaints handling process is an important part of ensuring that professional standards are upheld by all members. 

We encourage you to review the implications of this process – full documentation is available on the ASA website.

Definition of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

The ASA Board has recently approved a revised Definition of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.  This definition will be used widely by the ASA in coming months as we implement strategies to further inform government, regulators and the wider community about the role of sonographers.  ASA members are encouraged to use this definition when relevant - by working together we can raise the profile of our profession.

Disinfection of transducers used for intracavity ultrasound examinations

In response to numerous queries, the ASA has developed a statement which we believe is an important resource for all ASA members.  We encourage all members to use this statement to inform the review and/or revision of relevant workplace protocol(s).

The ASA are currently developing a dedicated web page which will contain important resources such as this document so that members will have easy access to up-to-date information to assist them to maintain high standards of sonography practice.

ASA membership renewals - renew now to stay connected to your profession

The new ASA membership year has now commenced, so if you have not yet renewed, now is the time to  ensure you continue to access the benefits of ASA membership including discounts on events and education, advocacy and representation, information, resources and Professional Indemnity, Legal Benefits and Public Liability Insurance. Renew your membership online, or contact your ASA Membership Officer on phone 03 9585 2996.

Your member logo – make green your new black

With the introduction of a revised Code of Professional Conduct from 1 July 2010, Ordinary and Student members are now entitled to use the designation of ASA Certified Sonographer or ASA Certified Student Sonographer. By displaying your ASA member logo on your stationery or in your workplace, you can use the standing of the ASA – the peak body and leading voice for sonographers - to make a strong statement to peers, employers, regulators and patients about your commitment to clinical and professional excellence.

When you renew your ASA membership you will receive your new ASA Certified Sonographer or ASA Certified Student Sonographer sticker which we encourage you to display to promote your commitment to high standards of professional behaviour.  An electronic copy of your ASA member logo will also be available from 9 July by contacting the ASA National Office.

‘Snapshot of sonography’ – survey coming soon

The ASA is the only Australian organisation dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of all sonographers.  Your participation in this important project will ensure the ASA can inform members of workplace trends including remuneration levels, employment experiences and job satisfaction.  In the coming weeks, all members will receive a copy of the survey via email.  We strongly encourage you to complete the survey as your feedback will help the ASA to continue to lobby government, educators and regulators on your behalf and assist us all in working towards a sustainable future for all sonographers.

Rural and Remote Sonographer Scholarship 2011 – apply now

The ASA is committed to supporting sonographers living and working in rural and remote areas.  The Rural and Remote Sonographer Scholarship provides support for sonographers who:

·         live more than 100km from a major capital city

·         have conducted a research project or identified a case to investigate

·         are financial members of the ASA

Applications for the Scholarship are now being accepted. Visit the ASA website for more information on this scholarship as well as scholarships, grants and prizes.

ASA Member Benefits – We’ve got you covered with a new benefit to members

While ASA members already have access to a range of great resources and services, we have recently negotiated a special deal exclusive to members of the ASA.  This exciting offer delivered by our Professional Indemnity, Legal Benefits and Public Liability Insurance partners Gamman Insurance and CGU, provides discounted premiums on all your general insurances. You’ll also receive 15 months cover for the price of 12 and  the CGU Privilege Card delivering savings of between 5%-10% on the purchase price of Gift Cards which can then be used to pay for your groceries, shopping and petrol at some of Australia's largest retailers & supermarkets as well as discounted movie tickets and accommodation across Australia & NZ.  Visit the ASA website for more information. 

PD-asa – Does your triennium end this year?

If your triennium is ending this year it is a great time to log-in to your PD-asa profile and check where you are sitting with your CPD points. Make sure that your triennium end date is correct and ensure you have planned and/or are undertaking the activity you need to complete the required 40 points.

The PD-asa program has the Triennium Tracker, a tool which shows you the points you have earned towards your triennium, helping make the management of your CPD easier.

The PD-asa program has been designed to encourage ASA members to participate in regular and planned CPD activities.  By achieving 15 CPD points per yearly cycle, you are also satisfying your ASAR triennium requirements.

Most sonographers are already participating in regular professional development such as in-house professional development meetings and self directed learning on specific subjects. These activities are regularly being overlooked when tracking your CPD progress. The key to claiming these activities as CPD is evidence - PD-asa has made it easier for you by providing standard forms to record this information.

For more information visit the ASA website or email your dedicated PD-asa Administrator.

Sonography roundup

National Rural Health Alliance – call for abstracts and presenters

The National Rural Health Alliance is calling for Abstracts and presenters for the 11^th National Rural Health Conference in Perth 13-16 March 2011.  Deadline for Abstracts is 23 August.  Full details visit the National Rural Health Alliance website

ASA events

SIG2010 Sydney 21-22 August 2010 – Early bird registrations close 23 July

This year’s annual Special Interest Group seminar runs over two days in Sydney, and is targeted at sonographers and other medical and allied health professionals with an interest in women's imaging and musculoskeletal sonography. Speakers from medical, allied health and ultrasound backgrounds will present topics that aim to challenge the thinking and extend the knowledge of even the most experienced sonographers.  With health reform now never far from the daily headlines, this seminar offers the freedom to explore the issues with your peers, as well as stimulate the exchange of information between sonographers and other professional groups with which you work.  Registration numbers are limited – so get in early to save with the discounted early bird rate.  Visit the ASA website for more information.

Key dates

23 July - Early bird registration closes

From 8 August - Late registration fee applies

ASA Masterclass Series – 20 August 2010, Sydney

Designed to address the challenges of managing in the modern environment, as part of our ASA Masterclass Series, we are pleased to offer two intensive full day workshops on Communication and Management. Participant numbers are limited to 25 in each session to enable an interactive and personal experience with practical take home techniques. You do not have to register for SIG2010 Sydney to attend the ASA Masterclass Series.

Visit the ASA calendar for more information

Travelling Workshops 2010/11 - dates for your diary 

The ASA Travelling Workshops promote best practice in sonography by providing continuing education and a forum for communication. Building on the success of the 2009/10 series, the 2010/11 Travelling Workshop Series will present the following topics:

The ASA is committed to providing high quality and affordable education outside the major capital cities.  We are pleased to advise that the cost of attending these workshops remains unchanged since 2008 and ASA Student members pay only $90.00. Register online now and secure a place in a travelling workshop near you!

Visit the ASA website for the full 2010 calendar of Travelling Workshops.

ASA2011 Brisbane – 27–29 May 2011

Showcasing the latest in scientific presentations and live scanning workshops, the ASA Annual National Conference is celebrated as the largest educational and networking experience for Sonographers in Australia.

Dates for your diary:

Branch and Sub-branch meetings

The 2010 program of Branch and Sub-branch education meetings are well underway and ACT and SA are holding social events for a more relaxed networking occasion.

 Visit the ASA website for the full 2010 calendar of Branch and Sub-branch meetings.

Please note: Dates and topics are subject to change. Please check the ASA website for updates.

The next e-mode
The next edition of e-mode will be circulated on 6 August.

Spread the word

Do you like what the ASA is doing? Spread the word! We encourage you to print this email or forward it to your colleagues to spread the word about what's happening within the ASA. 

Australian Sonographers Association

 National Office

PO Box 709  Moorabbin  Vic  3189

P: 03 9585 2996   F: 03 9585 2331

  www.a-s-a.com.au   members@a-s-a.com.au

Subscribe                  Unsubscribe