Sonographers After Dark

What does it really take to build a hospital-based echocardiography program from scratch—inside one of the busiest labs in the country?

In this episode, Lara Williams is joined by Amy Dillenbeck, who leads the echo training program at Cleveland Clinic, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about launching a sonography school after COVID-era staffing challenges pushed facilities to think differently.

Amy walks through the early...

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Lauren Castro, ACS, RDCS, to talk about one of the biggest career transitions in our field—moving from clinical sonography into the ultrasound industry.
After nearly a decade in hospital echo labs, Lauren felt pulled toward a different kind of challenge: more travel, more teaching, and a new professional mindset. Today she works as a clinical specialist supporting u...

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Debbie Dulin—educator, sonographer, and host of It’s All About the Frequency—for an unfiltered conversation about growth, mentorship, self-care, and the realities of life in the ultrasound profession.Debbie shares updates about her newest educational project launching at theultrasoundinstitute.org, and the two discuss how teaching, leadership, and community elevate the...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down to reflect on gratitude, growth, and grace in the face of personal and professional challenges. She shares her journey from hardship and health struggles to becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for sonographers everywhere.
Lara opens up about the losses she’s endured, the resilience it took to continue showing up for patients, and the internal wor...

In this episode, Lara and Lisa dive into the realities of navigating career transitions within the medical imaging world — from shifting roles to redefining what a sustainable, fulfilling path looks like as a sonographer. They talk openly about balancing demanding schedules, managing burnout, and finding your footing when your professional identity begins to evolve. The conversation also explores the newest advancements in ultrasou...

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Richie — educator, innovator, and program developer — to talk about the evolution of ultrasound education and echocardiography training. Richie shares his journey from launching his first ultrasound program in 2001 to developing the program at Duke University, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. They dive into what it takes to build a strong ultrasound program ...

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Lashell Jones, sonographer, educator, and entrepreneur, for a deep and honest conversation about how ultrasound is evolving — from the scan room to the classroom and beyond. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping fetal and obstetric imaging, how education and standardization continue to shape the next generation of sonographers, and how professionals can balance cl...

Under the Gel: The Scary Truth About Scanning & The Things They Don’t Warn You About in Ultrasound School.

Think ultrasound is all clean gel and pretty pictures? Think again. In this episode, we’re spilling (sometimes literally) the real stories from behind the probe — the smells that make your eyes water, the unexpected bodily fluids that weren’t in the job description, and the “did that really just happen?” moments only a son...

Ever wonder what it’s like to leave the day-to-day of scanning and step into the world of ultrasound industry and innovation? 💡In this episode, Lara sits down with Clinical Applications Specialist, Risa Schneck, to talk about the real transition from scanning patients to supporting sonographers, training teams, and working alongside cutting-edge tech.We’re talking:⚡ The ups and downs of leaving clinical life🌍 Life on the road and...

We’ve all been there — you walk into a shift expecting the usual, and suddenly you’re handed an exam you’ve never done before. Now what? In this episode, we’re talking about the reality of those unexpected moments in ultrasound — the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and force you to adapt on the spot. We’ll dive into how hybrid learning, cross-training, and continuous education can prepare you for those challenges, and h...

Ultrasound doesn’t have to mean staying behind the probe forever. In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth about the limitless opportunities your skills can unlock — if you’re willing to think bigger. From building a mobile or 3D/4D business, to stepping into management and leadership roles, to launching your own ultrasound opportunities, the sky is the limit when you stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. Th...

In this premiere episode, host Lara Williams shares her personal journey into the world of ultrasound — from how she got started to the experiences that shaped her career. Discover the opportunities sonography has opened for her, from continuous learning and professional growth to traveling and exploring new horizons in healthcare. This candid conversation sets the stage for future episodes, offering inspiration for anyone passiona...