March 2010

We have already had a busy start to the year and March looks set to be another busy month at the ASA.  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 March and make the most of your ASA membership.

ASA highlights

·         The National Office will be closed Monday 8th March due to Labour Day public holiday

·         The ASA2010 Melbourne convening committee have extended the submission deadline to 19 March for proffered poster presentations. 

·         The ASA2010 Melbourne Early Bird deadline is fast approaching. Make sure you register by 19 March to save

·         ASAR renewals are now due so make sure you complete your renewal and nominate PD-asa as your CPD program by the end of March

·         Issue 1 of soundeffects delivery is due at the end of March.

The ASA encourage contributions from members who 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

Nominations for the ASA’s Board of Directors – now open

One of the most worthwhile contributions you can make as a professional is to volunteer your time for the advancement of your profession.  As an ASA Director, you will learn new skills whilst developing a broad understanding of the Association and benefit from making new and lasting connections with your peers. Of course, it also provides you with an alternative opportunity to accrue CPD points.  Nominations must be made on the prescribed form and close at 5pm EST on Tuesday 13 April 2010. 

If you are considering nominating and require further information, please contact the ASA’s President Faye Temple. 

SGM outcome - Do you have an interest in upholding the standards of sonography practice in Australia?

Following ratification of changes to both our Constitution and Code of Professional Conduct, the ASA’s complaints handling process will commence on 1 July 2010.  We are now seeking Expressions of Interest from sonographers wishing to participate on the Disciplinary Committee or to join a pool to hear Appeals when/if necessary.  Further details on these opportunities, as well as progress reports on work towards the introduction of the complaints handling process, are available from the dedicated Complaints web page  or by contacting Elaine Trevaskis – ASA CEO on p: 03 9585 2996.

The competency framework for sonographers – consultation draft now available

The recommendations of the project report “Scoping study of role evolution for sonographers” (1 June 2009) identified, among other things, the need to clearly define the competencies of a sonographer before an extended role can be established.  The ASA Board of Directors concurred with these recommendations and committed resources to initiate a self-funded project to develop a competency framework.  We are pleased to advise that the framework, which seeks to identify the skills, fields of knowledge and attributes that a competent diagnostic medical sonographer utilises to perform their role at key stages of their career, is now available as a consultation draft.

Your feedback is important.  Before publishing the competency framework, it is important that stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback and input.  The ASA encourages all members, individuals and organisations with an interest in the sonography profession to review the consultation draft.  Submissions received by COB 20 April 2010 will be considered during a final review phase prior to publication in mid-2010.  Printed copies are available on request – enquiries should be addressed to Elaine Trevaskis – CEO or  p: 03 9585 2996.

Position statement – registration of sonographers

Registration of health professionals will be in the spotlight this year as the new national registration scheme, initially incorporating 10 professions, commences in July.  It is timely therefore that the ASA, as the peak body and leading voice for sonographers,  release our Position Statement which will be utilised when liaising with stakeholders and regulators.  The ASA contends that regulation of the performance of ultrasound examinations must incorporate all professions utilising ultrasound equipment including sonographers and that the national registration model provides an appropriate vehicle for this regulation. 

In seeking to collaborate and strengthen the impact of our position on registration, the ASA recently shared a draft of our position statement with other professional organisations with the intent of releasing a joint statement.  Some ASA members may have viewed a statement recently published by ASUM which bears a strong resemblance to our statement.  The ASA notes with significant disappointment that large portions of our statement were reprinted by them.  ASUM’s actions were taken without ASA consent and without any reference being made to the ASA as a source.  The ASA Board has expressed its disillusionment to ASUM as their inappropriate actions have unfortunately denied us the opportunity to develop a strong and united platform on this important issue.

ASUM retraction

Members were made aware in late 2009 of an issue arising due to an article published in ASUM’s publication.  The issue has now been settled and ASUM have agreed to print a retraction, and compensate the ASA for a portion of the legal fees incurred in resolving this dispute.

Membership on the March

As a valued member of the ASA, you have access to a range of benefits including discounts on education and events, PD-asa, advocacy and representation, insurance and information and resources.  Why not encourage your colleagues to join now and benefit from the same advantages.  New members who join between 9 March and 1 May pay the 2009 membership prices and enjoy the benefits of membership to 30 June 2011.  That’s up to 15 weeks free. 

Visit the ASA website or contact your Membership Officer to find out more.

ASA Member Satisfaction Survey 2009

The ASA conducts the Member Satisfaction Survey each year in an attempt to gain a broad overview of member needs.  Each year responses grow and participation in the 2009 survey was overwhelming.  We thank the hundreds of members who took the time to participate and we congratulate Annette Lawson from the ACT who is the winner of the $150 voucher.  Your feedback will help us to shape short and long term strategies for the ASA. 

ASA member benefits – ASA discussion forums

Online discussion forums provide an opportunity for members to share information, raise questions, discuss issues and receive input relating to your profession.  

ASA Discussion Forum categories include:

·         Musculoskeletal sonography

·         O&G sonography

·         Vascular sonography

·         Cardiac sonography

·         OH&S and workplace issues

·         General/other sonography

Subscribe to ASA Discussion Forums to join the conversation and receive email notifications on topics of interest to you.

Pru Pratten Memorial Award for Sonographer Achievement – nominations close 9 April

The Pru Pratten Memorial Award for Sonographer Achievement recognises excellence and outstanding achievement in sonography.  Don’t miss your chance to nominate someone who you feel has made a significant contribution to the field of medical ultrasound. Nominations close 9 April 2010.

Travelling educators – expressions of interest

Join the team of Travelling Workshop educators for the 2010/11 series. 

Experienced sonographers are required to present “1st trimester obstetric examinations, including counselling patients”.

·           Be recognised as an expert in your field

·           Share your experiences and expertise with your colleagues

·           Obtain CPD points (restrictions apply, please contact the PD-asa Administrator for more information)

·           Receive an honorarium and all travel and accommodation expenses

·           Enhance your own professional experience

·           Give back to the profession

Register your interest by 10 March by contacting ASA Event Manager.

PD-asa – planning your professional development in 2010 

It is now time to start planning your professional development for 2010 and for PD-asa participants, we’re making the process a little easier.  As a PD-asa participant you can enjoy the benefits of:

·         Access to a simple online tool for tracking your CPD activity and progress for your triennium

·         The expertise of a PD-asa Administrator who will work with you to navigate any ASAR audit process

·         Access to your personalised profile so you can update your details anytime

·         Regular PD-asa Alerts highlighting upcoming CPD events and tips for planning your CPD program and notifications of cycle timelines.

Some points to consider when developing your professional development objectives may be:

·         What did I cover last year?

·         Where am I heading and what are my skills and knowledge gaps?

·         What is scheduled already? And how many points will that give me?

·         What does ASA and other providers offer that interests me?

·         How does it contribute to my workplace, develop my skills or my practise?

·         How will it improve my patient’s experience?

Nominate PD-asa on the CPD Nomination forms sent with your 2010 ASAR renewal notice. Visit the ASA website or email your dedicated PD-asa Administrator.

Sonography roundup

2010 National SARRAH Conference

New Frontiers in Allied Health: Gathering Pearls of Wisdom

Broome, WA 20-23 October 2010

Authors are invited and encouraged to submit an abstract for consideration by the Conference Committee.  Call for abstracts close: 26th March 2010

Visit the SARRAH website for more information

Professions Australia Conference

What Practising Professionals Need to Know About the New Fair Work Arrangements and Harmonisation of the OHS Laws

Fair Work arrangements came into force on 1 January 2010.  They represent the biggest changes to workplace arrangements in decades.  Virtually all workplaces will be affected by them.   Many professionals operate practices employing a small number of people, or are themselves employees, while others hold managerial positions in larger organisations.  Whatever role they play it is really important that they understand how these new Fair Work arrangements operate and the implications for them and /or their organisation. Members of the ASA are eligible for the discounted member rate for this event.

Visit the Professions Australia for more information 

ASA events

ASA2010 Melbourne 28–30 May – early bird closes on Friday 19 March 2010

Conference highlights -

Always the ‘must attend’ of any ASA national conference, the social calendar planned for ASA2010 Melbourne will not disappoint. 

·         Welcome function - ASA Lights up Melbourne offers the perfect opportunity to meet up with friends old and new.  Held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre you’ll be perched right on the south bank of the Yarra River and be given a unique and fresh perspective of Melbourne under lights.

·         Breakfast on Saturday – Join conference delegates for a scrumptious breakfast and hear from guest presenters on the emerging topic of contrast in ultrasound.

·         The Silver Ball – Saturday evening dress in cocktail with a touch of silver for the Silver Saturday Ball.  Relax and enjoy entertainment by the Baker Boys Band over dinner.

Visit the ASA website for program details and to register online or contact the ASA National Office for your ASA2010 Melbourne program.

Managing healthcare in the modern environment – workshop series

These workshops have been designed to address the challenges of managing in the modern environment.

Management part 1 – Leadership and managing performance            27 May 9am - 12.45pm

Management part 2 – Team building, delegation and mentoring         27 May 1.30 -  5pm

Introduction to ultrasound research                                                 27 May 9am - 12.30pm

Presentation skills                                                                        27 May 1.30 - 5pm

Communication: Mastering difficult patient interaction                      27 May 9am - 12.30pm

Communication: Skills for the healthcare environment                      27 May 1.30 - 5pm

Education: Train the trainer                                                            27 May 9am - 12.30pm

Education: Dealing with the poor performer in sonography                27 May 1.30 - 5pm

Workshop registration from $195 half day/$375 full day for members.  Visit the ASA Calendar for program details or to register.

Travelling Workshops

The ASA Travelling Workshops promote best practice in sonography by providing continuing education and a forum for communication.  Continuing on the success of the 2009 series, the 2010 Travelling Workshop Series includes:

Visit the ASA Calendar for the 2010 Travelling Workshops.

Goulburn Valley Sub-branch – your support required

A meeting will be held on Monday 22 March at 6pm for anyone who is interested in becoming involved in assisting with Sub-branch educational activities for ASA members in the region.

Venue:  Goulburn Valley Imaging

104 Nixon St, Shepparton

If you would like to assist but are unable to attend either contact Eileen Brettig at Goulburn Valley Imaging or ASA Membership Officer Barbara Haseloff phone: 03 9585 2996.

Branch and Sub-branch meetings

The 2010 program of Branch and Sub-branch education meetings are well underway with the delivery of a great range of topics and speakers.

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 Thursday 1 April

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

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