Building the Future of Ultrasound Education - with Richie Palma

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 — from clinical site partnerships and student selection to teaching physics in ways that actually click. Richie opens up about his passion for making learning interactive and engaging for today’s students, while Lara explores how these principles are shaping new programs like her upcoming ECHO initiative in Ohio. The conversation also touches on major shifts in echocardiography technology, the role of AI in the scan room, and Richie’s upcoming physics textbook designed to help sonographers optimize imaging performance. If you’ve ever thought about teaching, building a program, or taking your ultrasound career to the next level — this one’s packed with inspiration, insights, and innovation.
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