Volunteer Handbook

UPDATED 2017-1 1

Welcome!

Welcome to volunteering with the ARDMS! We are delighted you have joined our prestigious team of

volunteers who are subject matter experts and staff who work collaboratively to honor the legacy of

excellence in the use of diagnostic medical ultrasound that began more than 40 years ago. We enjoy a

stellar reputation for awarding sonographer-based credentials that are highly regarded throughout the

medical community and recognized throughout the world. As your career partner, we look forward to

working together as we continue our growth, innovation, and international reach.

As you become more involved with ARDMS, we hope you will find it to be a great source of professional

and personal enrichment. Volunteering as a subject matter expert with ARDMS is a tangible way to

promote quality patient care, guide the next generation of sonographers, grow in your career, and give

back to a profession you love. In addition, volunteering provides you with the opportunity to engage

with colleagues from all over North America and beyond who share your passion for the use of

diagnostic medical ultrasound.

Please stay connected with us, share your thoughts, and let us know how we can make your experiences

with us even better!

Warm Regards,

Paul Wagner, BS, RDMS, Chair, ARDMS Council

Dale Cyr, Chief Executive Officer

Toby Rabbin, Volunteer Engagement Program Manager

UPDATED 2017-1 2

Table of Contents

Achieving the mission of ARDMS to empower sonographers to provide exceptional patient care

depends on the commitment and expertise of our volunteers. Whether you are working on our

credentialing exams, talking with students and colleagues about what’s new at ARDMS, writing

an article to post our website, or “paying it forward” by offering students job-shadowing

opportunities or reviewing resumes, we want you to have the tools, information, and support

you need to be successful.

The handbook has been produced to help you understand the structure of our organization, its

history, and your role as volunteer. Please reach out to your staff liaison if you have any

questions or suggestions of how we can enhance the information in this handbook or your

volunteer experience with us.

Sections ARDMS through the Years

Vision and Mission Statements

ARDMS at a Glance

ARDMS Credentials and Specialties

Clearly Working Together: A Relationship

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers in Action

Training and Resources

Policies and Procedures

Inteleos Divisions and Departments

Contact Us

Commonly Used Acronyms and Words

UPDATED 2017-1 3

ARDMS through the Years

1970s

1974

The American Society of Ultrasound Technology Specialists (ASUTS), known today

as SDMS, is tasked with establishing a credentialing exam for sonography which is an

emerging health occupation.

At the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) annual meeting in Seattle,

WA, the first “norming” exam is given to volunteer physicians and sonographers who

help set the standard for the exam that will be implemented in the following year.

1975

ARDMS is incorporated in the state of Ohio with the mission to protect the public by

providing valid and high-quality certification procedures for medical professionals who

perform diagnostic medical sonography.

The first examinations – practical/oral and written – are administered in Winston-

Salem, NC. October 1974 – Two hundred "grandfathered" sonographers (i.e., those who

are in good standing with ASUTS) take a two-part exam: (1) A practical, hands-on

scanning of subjects given by a volunteer sonographer, and (2) an oral case-study

represented on films given by a volunteer physician. They are not required to take a

written exam.

Simultaneously, 200 “non-grandfathered” sonographers take a written exam which will

be followed by the practical/oral exam six months later.

1976

Practical/oral and written exams are administered at ten different sites across the

country, typically in university medical centers. Many Candidates travel great distances

at great expense to take the exams.

UPDATED 2017-1 4

1980s - 1990s

1983

For financial and logistical reasons, practical/oral and written portions of the exams are

integrated and administered as written questions. Hands-on testing is no longer

administered, and images are printed in exam booklets rather than presented on

slides. The RVT credential is offered for the first time.

Late 1980s

A change in ARDMS bylaws allows non-sonographers to serve as officers of the Board of

Directors so that physicians and physicists can bring their expertise to the organization.

Item-Development Workshops (IDWs) are established to keep the exams up-to-

date. The practice continues to this day and is the single largest category of volunteer

involvement.

1990

The RDCS credential is offered.

1991

The first computer-based ARDMS examination is administered in Baltimore, MD,

making it one of the first computer-based credentialing exams anywhere!

1994

ARDMS national headquarters relocates from Cincinnati, OH, to Rockville, MD, a

suburb of Washington, DC.

2000s

2001

A new ARDMS specialty of Breast Sonography (BR) is offered within the RDMS

credential.

2005

An online application is offered for the first time. ARDMS earns ANSI-ISO 17024

accreditation for the RDMS and RDCS credentials.

UPDATED 2017-1 5

2006

The RPVI credential, developed in response to requests from physicians who practice

vascular ultrasound, is offered for the first time.

2009

The SPI, a Sonographer Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, is offered for the first

time, replacing the need for Applicants to take a separate Principles & Instrumentation

(P&I) exam for each of their credentials.

2011

The Innovation Task Force is founded to ensure ARDMS assessments remain current

and continue to accurately measure competence as technologies in sonography evolve

and advance.

2012

The RMSK credential is offered. In 2015, this credential was split into the RMSKS for

sonographers and the RMSK for physicians.

The patented Semi-Interactive Console (SIC) items debut on the SPI exam.

2014

Work begins on the development of a certificate for Midwives (MW).

Picture Archive and Communication Simulation (PACSim) items (patent

pending) appear for the first time on an ARDMS exam (PVI).

2016

The governance structure of ARDMS changes with the introduction of Inteleos, an

umbrella management and governance organization, and an additional Council, the

Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA).

A new volunteer portal is launched, accessed via MY ARDMS, allowing Registrants to

learn about and apply online for opportunities and to create volunteer profiles.

For in-depth information about the history of ARDMS, photos, and quotes

from our past Board Chairs, read our 40th Anniversary Commemorative Book.

UPDATED 2017-1 6

Vision and Mission Statements

Introduced in 2016, Inteleos is the umbrella organization of the American Registry for

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the Alliance for Physician Certification &

Advancement (APCA). Together, Inteleos, ARDMS, and APCA represent nearly 112,000

sonographers, physicians and medical professionals around the world dedicated to creating the

standards of excellence in healthcare.

Vision

Inteleos creates the global standards of excellence in healthcare.

Mission

Inteleos is a non-profit certification organization that delivers rigorous assessments and

cultivates a global community of professionals dedicated to the highest standards in healthcare

and patient safety.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), founded in 1975,

administers examinations and awards credentials in the areas of medical ultrasound. With

more than 93,000 certified professionals worldwide, ARDMS is considered the global standard

of excellence in sonography.

Vision

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) creates the global

standards of professional excellence in sonography.

Mission

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) empowers sonographers to

provide exceptional patient care through rigorous assessments and continual learning.

UPDATED 2017-1 7

The Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA) is a new physician-centric

council spun out of ARDMS. To date, nearly 21,000 physicians have been welcomed into APCA.

Some physicians hold ARDMS as well as APCA certifications.

Vision: The Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement™ (APCA™) creates the global

standards of physician excellence in patient care.

Mission: The Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA) recognizes physicians’

enduring commitment to the highest quality patient care through rigorous assessments and

continual learning.

UPDATED 2017-1 8

ARDMS at a Glance

Location Headquartered in Rockville, MD (a suburb of Washington, DC)

Governance As of January 2016, managed by Inteleos, an umbrella organization that oversees several

healthcare organizations; governed directly by the volunteer-led ARDMS Council,

comprised of sonographers and subject-matter experts representing each of the specialty

exams

Staff Approximately 80 employees, including staff in six states

Accreditation Earned accreditation for Personnel Certification Bodies under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024: 2012

Exams Offers 10 specialty exams leading to four credentials

Scope 90,000+ Registrants worldwide, with the majority in the United States and Canada

Website ARDMS.org ARDMS.org/MYARDMS

Contact Us 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600

Rockville, MD 20852

P (301) 738-8401 (800) 541-9754

F (301) 738-0312

Volunteer Engagement Program Manager Toby Rabbin

Direct Phone: (240) 386-1597 Toby.Rabbin@ardms.org

UPDATED 2017-1 9

ARDMS Credentials and Specialties

1975 RDMS – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer® (Since 1975) Abdomen (AB)

(Since 1975….being phased out) Neurosonology (NE)

(Since 1975) Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN)

(Since 2001) Breast (BR)

(Since 2004) Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

(Since 2015) Pediatric Sonography (PS)

1983 RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist® (Since 1983) Vascular Technology (VT)

1990 RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer® (Since 1975) Adult Echocardiography (AE)

(Since 1975) Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)

(Since 2004) Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

2015 RMSKS – Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer® (Since 2015) Musculoskeletal Sonographer (MSKS)

UPDATED 2017-1 10

Clearly Working Together: A Relationship

Volunteers have worked side-by-side with ARDMS staff and each other since 1975. As

additional credentialing assessments and specialties are in development to meet the emerging

needs in the field of ultrasound, an expanded and evolving Volunteer Engagement Program

opens the door even wider for more Registrants to engage with ARDMS in career-long

relationships. Volunteer opportunities provide pathways for volunteers to make a difference in

the field of ultrasound, grow in their careers, and tap into their natural strengths and interests.

Becoming a Volunteer We welcome you to invite your colleagues and coworkers to join hundreds of our volunteers

who help develop exams, communicate about ARDMS, and guide students. Writing questions

for our exams provides a solid foundation if you are interested in becoming involved in

governance activities.

All ARDMS volunteers are required to meet two prerequisites (except in rare situations when

there are extenuating circumstances) before being allowed to submit a volunteer application:

Be an active ARDMS Registrant in good standing

Agree to the Volunteer and Confidentiality Agreement

Opportunities to Volunteer Develop Exams

Write questions (we call them items)

Review questions

Analyze test content

Set passing standards

Participate in a Job Task Analysis

Submit diagnostic-quality images Communicate about ARDMS

Share information, advancements, ultrasound-related stories

Tell students about the value of ARDMS certification

Incorporate what’s new at ARDMS in presentations at regional industry meetings

Guide Students

Offer job-shadowing opportunities

Review Resumes

UPDATED 2017-1 11

Volunteer Opportunities

Write Exam Questions Volunteers are integral to every step of the ARDMS exam-development

process. It all begins with writing questions (we call them items). Our

Item Writers are subject-matter experts who play a significant role in

shaping the body of knowledge required to become certified which,

ultimately, leads to high-quality patient care. Approximately 4,000

items are written by volunteers each year!

All new Item Writers receive training and are coached online by a Mentor for their first three

months to ensure that items follow ARDMS guidelines and reflect the appropriate level of

difficulty. Time commitment varies but, in general, an Item Writer might devote approximately

30 minutes crafting each item.

After becoming experienced at writing items, some volunteers are invited to join working

groups that review items, review images, review the content quality of exams, and set the

passing standards. Item Writing is the first step on the pathway to volunteer governance

positions.

Mentor New Item Writers If you are a successful ARDMS Item Writer, we encourage you to become a

Mentor to new Item Writers. Mentors provide constructive feedback online

and keep new writers committed to the task. The better the training of new

writers, the more efficient the entire exam-development process becomes.

Mentors receive training in two major areas: (1) the technical aspects of

mentoring in the remote item-writing software, and (2) on the characteristics

of effective feedback that guide writers toward better items.

Because new Item Writers are asked to write 10 items per project, a Mentor

might be asked to give feedback on 50 items over a three-month period.

UPDATED 2017-1 12

Contribute Articles The position of Content Contributor was created so that our

ARDMS Registrants can form a community in which you discuss

trends in the field of ultrasound, share what’s new and exciting

in your workplaces, and introduce yourself to your colleagues

around the country (and world!).

The articles you write will be posted in a new space we call Clearly Connected. That space is

easily accessed via the Volunteer page on the ARDMS website as well as directly from your

dashboard on this volunteer site (by clicking the purple tab right under you photo).

As a Content Contributor, you will work closely with an ARDMS staff member to ensure the

topic, style, and tone of the piece are appropriate for our website. While we cannot promise to

publish all contributed articles, we can promise that those we do publish will receive lots of

online attention!

Promote ARDMS at a School or a Meeting The next time you are invited to speak to an audience

of students or to present at a meeting, consider

introducing or advancing our shared mission of

providing quality care and patient safety through

certification and continuing competency by being an

ARDMS Ambassador. Depending on your request, our

staff will provide you with a few slides to include in a

larger presentation or a full set of slides about ARDMS

credentials and volunteer opportunities.

We are happy to ship informational materials and giveaways for ARDMS Ambassadors to

display at regional meetings where we are not exhibiting.

This activity is a great way to enhance your relationship with ARDMS while fulfilling professional

commitments you have already made.

UPDATED 2017-1 13

Offer Job Shadowing Opportunities A significant challenge for sonography students these days is

finding opportunities to job shadow. ARDMS has created this

new volunteer activity with the hope of facilitating matches

between those who need to meet a job-shadowing requirement

and those who are able to offer the opportunity. ARDMS is not

liable for any aspect of the job-shadowing experience.

Review Resumes Provide constructive feedback to sonography students and

recent graduates on how to polish their resumes for maximum

effectiveness. In this new ARDMS volunteer opportunity, you

will download a resume on this site, review it, and provide

comments for improvement. Volunteer reviewers and

students communicate back-and-forth online until a

satisfactory outcome is achieved.

UPDATED 2017-1 14

ARDMS Volunteers in Action

Many volunteers help develop specialty exams by

writing and reviewing questions and setting the passing

standards. Much of that work is done in small groups at

meetings in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area or in

regional workshops in different parts of the country.

The work is stimulating, intense, and educational.

Downtime is spent enjoying the company of old and new

friends who share a passion for the use of diagnostic

medical sonography.

UPDATED 2017-1 15

ARDMS Online Resource Center

The ARDMS online Resource Center houses the information you need to be successful in your

volunteer position, including training and resource materials for each volunteer opportunity.

The Resource Center may be accessed only on the dashboard (homepage) of your volunteer

profile.

Exam Development Exam Content Outlines

• Abdomen

• Adult Echocardiography

• Breast

• Fetal Echo

• Musculoskeletal – Sonographers

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Pediatric Echocardiography

• Pediatric Sonography

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation

• Vascular Technology

Item Writer

• Item Writer – Orientation

• Item Writer Training (PowerPoint)

• Instructions for Using EPIC

• Item Writing Handbook

• Specifications for Submitting Media in EPIC

• Stem Starters

Mentor to Item Writers

• Mentor to Item Writers: Orientation

• Coaching Tips

• Evaluating Your Mentees

• Example of Mentee Tracking Sheet

• Template for Tracking Your Mentees’ Progress

UPDATED 2017-1 16

• Mentor Training (PowerPoint)

• Mentor Training - Part 1 (Video)

• Mentor Training - Part 2 (Video)

• Mentor Training - Part 3 (Video)

• Mentor Training - Part 4 (Video)

ARDMS Ambassador ARDMS Ambassador: Orientation

ARDMS Ambassador: Exhibit Booths

ARDMS Ambassador: Effective Presentations

Current Volunteer Positions with ARDMS

Some Questions You Might Be Asked

Talking Points to Recruit Item Writers

Career Guide • Disclaimer for Career Guide

• Disclaimer for Students

Content Contributor • Content Contributor: Orientation

• Writing Articles

• Writing Blog Posts

UPDATED 2017-1 17

Volunteer Policies and Procedures

Prerequisites for Becoming a Volunteer

Confidentiality

Code of Conduct

Conflict of Interest

Financial Reimbursement

Supervision and Support

Reporting Hours

Returning after an Extended Absence

Ending the Volunteer Relationship

Confidentiality Maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance. Because the majority of our volunteers are

intimately and intricately involved with the questions (items) on ARDMS exams, we ask that

each volunteer agrees to the behaviors detailed in the Volunteer and Confidentiality

Agreement. Lack of agreement will prohibit someone from volunteering.

Code of Conduct

Inteleos personnel, including both staff and consultants, are highly skilled professionals who

serve the vision and mission of the organization. The working partnership between Inteleos

personnel, volunteer leaders, and various subject-matter experts is the core strength of

Inteleos and its related entities, including ARDMS. The interaction between Inteleos personnel

and volunteers is solely meant to complete specific organizational tasks and ensure efficient

and effective development and management of projects and programs. Interactions between

Inteleos personnel and volunteers should be professional and respectful in accordance with

Inteleos culture at all times. Inteleos is fully committed to providing a harassment-free

workplace and expressly prohibits any unwelcome behavior by any volunteers, consultants,

staff or other third parties that has the intended or unintended effect of making personnel feel

uncomfortable or unsafe, whether it be through verbal, physical, or nonverbal behavior.

Individuals who experience or witness any such behavior should immediately report to an on-

site staff member, Chief Assessment Officer, or any Executive Staff member so it can be

immediately investigated.

UPDATED 2017-1 18

Conflict of Interest Conflict of interest is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, it is always a conflict of

interest when a volunteer owns, works for, or participates in a prep class for any ARDMS exam,

has done so in the past 12 months, or plans to do so in the coming 12 months. When such

conflict of interest is discovered, it will necessitate the immediate termination of the person’s

volunteer activity.

Financial Reimbursement We recognize that the time and commitment of our volunteers is vital to the achievement of

our mission as we continue to grow. Our Travel and Expense Policy reflects our dual goals of

(1) remaining fiscally prudent, and (2) continuing to show profound appreciation for the

efforts volunteers expend while on business-related travel for ARDMS. To see which specific

expenses are eligible for reimbursement, please review the Inteleos Volunteer Travel and

Expense Policy.

Supervision and Support Each volunteer position is managed by an Inteleos staff member. Our goal is to build a

relationship in which volunteers feel supported and comfortable discussing all aspects of their

volunteer engagement with us.

Depending on the volunteer activity, the amount of supervision varies from only introductory

information to regularly-scheduled calls and meetings throughout the year. In general,

volunteers who participate in any aspect of exam development or ARDMS governance enjoy

greater interaction and teamwork with their staff liaisons.

Reporting Hours We do not ask volunteers to record the number of hours spent on volunteer activities.

However, if you volunteer in exam development, it would be helpful for the staff to have an

estimate of how much time you devote to your volunteer tasks over a three-month period. You

may share that information with your staff liaison at any time.

Returning after an Extended Absence We welcome former volunteers to become engaged with ARDMS when they, once again, have

the time and desire to do so. An email or phone call to the Volunteer Engagement Program

UPDATED 2017-1 19

Manager will begin the process. Depending on the situation and the activity, the volunteer

might be asked to repeat training that was previously taken.

Ending the Volunteer Relationship If you no longer desire to, or are unable to, volunteer with ARDMS in your current role, please send an

email to your staff liaison as soon as possible. We know that the time you spend on ARDMS activities is a

choice, and we will always understand when other aspects of your life take precedence or your

motivation is no longer as strong. However, we do count on your involvement when we plan our

projects and events, so clear and honest communication is greatly appreciated.

If a situation arises in which ARDMS decides to remove you from the volunteer activity in which you are

currently engaged, you will be notified by the Volunteer Engagement Program Manager with a clear

explanation of cause and, perhaps, the opportunity to engage in a different volunteer activity with

ARDMS.

If a volunteer does not adhere to the policies outlined in the Volunteer and Confidentiality Agreement or

to the Code of Conduct, an executive staff member will inform the volunteer of the termination of the

volunteer relationship.

UPDATED 2017-1 20

Inteleos Divisions and Departments

Executive Division

Executive Team

The Executive team includes the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and five

Division Chief Officers:

Chief Assessment Officer

Chief Business Development Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer

Chief Technology Officer

The team is accountable for daily operations at Inteleos and for executing the strategic goals as

directed by the Inteleos Board of Directors.

Community Resources Department

The Community Resources Department manages the human and office resources of the

organization.

Human Resources (HR) – The HR team oversees the full-life cycle of an employee

through recruitment, compensation and benefits, training and development,

performance management and payroll. In addition, the team is responsible for ensuring

the organization remains compliant with federal, state and local employment laws.

Facilities – The Facilities team creates an environment that encourages productivity, is

safe and attractive to staff, volunteers and guests. In addition, the team manages the

design, planning, construction, maintenance and safety of equipment and the office.

Compliance and Accreditation Department

The Compliance team works closely with volunteer-led committees and governance leaders to

preserve the level of professionalism and trust for which ARDMS and its sister Councils are

globally recognized. The focus of the team is to create and uphold policies designed to protect

UPDATED 2017-1 21

patient safety, ensure that our Registrants’ credentials remain credible and provide a clear and

fair review process.

Innovation Department

The Innovation Department consists of staff located outside the national office who focus on

developing new assessment methodologies to ensure that Inteleos examinations continue to

accurately reflect the necessary knowledge and skills as technologies in sonography evolve and

advance. The Innovation team uses technology every day to reinvent the traditional workplace

as well as the way sonography and medical imaging will be defined and assessed in the future.

Assessment Division

Certification Department

The Certification Department is comprised of two parts: the Certification Processing Team and

the Customer Care Team. Both teams interact directly with Applicants, Registrants, educators,

employers, and the public to provide prompt, concise, personalized, reliable, and innovative

customer relations via phone, email, the website, and personal-login pages.

In addition, the Certification Department has many related responsibilities:

Screens and processes all applications for exams.

Processes information needed for the awarding and maintenance of certification,

such as printing and mailing welcoming packages, CME audit information,

renewals, and appeals.

Researches and responds to Candidates’ appeals concerning their experiences

scheduling and/or taking an exam.

Processes administrative requests.

Testing Department

The Testing Department works extensively and cooperatively with volunteer subject-matter

experts to develop all exams. The Testing Department is comprised of three essential units:

Test Development – Together, volunteers and staff determine content, write and review

items (questions), and publish exams.

UPDATED 2017-1 22

Test Content – Staff sonographers and a videographer ensure content is accurate and all

media are formatted correctly.

Psychometric Assessment Services – Staff psychometricians use advanced analytical

techniques to ensure items and exams are fair, reliable, and valid.

Business Development Division

Business Development is focused on strategic alliances, corporate relations, and opportunities

to expand Inteleos’ reach both domestically and globally. Working with volunteers and staff,

Business Development helps to identify opportunities for partnership and growth to further the

mission of improving patient safety internationally.

Finance Division

Accounting Department

The Accounting Department ensures that Inteleos fulfills its mission by planning, monitoring,

and reporting on the financial resources of the organization with oversight from the Finance

and Audit Committee, which reviews the organizational financial statements, approves the

annual audit, and has oversight of the annual budget and investment accounts.

Risk Management Department

The Risk-Management team identifies and analyzes major contracts, new program initiatives,

proposed facilities, and claims to determine financial impact and potential loss to the

organization, employees, constituencies, and the public.

Marketing and Engagement Division

Marketing Department

The Marketing and Communication Department develops and promotes messages to large

audiences:

General Marketing and Communications – Expands the reach of Inteleos by reinforcing

the mission and introducing new audiences to the benefits of certification.

UPDATED 2017-1 23

Registrant Management Program – Ensures that Registrants have the information they

need to maintain their certification (e.g., renewals, ID cards, CME Audit, recertification,

Registry Reports).

Engagement Department

The Engagement Department communicates directly with specific groups, creating and

maintaining personalized relationships with constituencies:

Academic Programs – Provide students and educators with resources, information, and

support regarding the field of ultrasound and ARDMS credentialing.

Meetings and Tradeshows – Manages the dozens of meetings and events Inteleos hosts

or participates in each year.

Volunteer Engagement Program – Develops and enhances volunteer opportunities and

recruits and recognizes volunteers.

Technology Division

The Technology Division develops, maintains, and upgrades the all aspects of the technological

infrastructure of Inteleos:

Creates new information systems and resources to enable Inteleos to meet its

current and future strategic goals.

Supports, maintains, and updates our existing information systems, continually

moving Inteleos forward.

Ensures that information systems operate as designed, without errors or omissions,

so that all data is current and correct.

Keeps systems, networks, personal computers, and mobile devices running smoothly

for the department’s internal and external customers.

Stays current about new technologies, processes, and tools, and recommends new

ideas and technology for the department’s internal and external customers.

UPDATED 2017-1 24

Contact Us

Each volunteer opportunity is managed by a staff liaison who is the primary contact for volunteers engaged in

that activity. If you have questions, concerns, or need resources and support relating to your position, please

reach out to your staff liaison first. At any time, however, feel free to call or write to the Volunteer

Engagement Program Manager with feedback and suggestions about your volunteer experience with ARDMS.

Position Staff Liaison, Email, Phone General Inquiries and Comments Toby Rabbin, Volunteer Engagement Program Manager

Toby.Rabbin@ardms.org (240) 386-1597

ARDMS Meetings and Events Quione Rice, Meetings and Events Manager

Quione.Rice@ardms.org (240) 386-1598

Item Writer Bronwen Sandor, Item Development Coordinator

Bronwen.Sandor@inteleos.org (240) 386-1597

Mentor to Item Writers Bronwen Sandor

Bronwen.Sandor@inteleos.org (240) 386-1597

Exams

Fetal Echocardiography

Pediatric Echocardiography

Obstetrics-Gynecology

Midwives

Hannah Gibson, Exam Program Manager

Hannah.Gibson@inteleos.org (240) 386-1565

Exams

Pediatric Sonography

Vascular Technology

Sonography Principles and Instrumentation

Adam Dwoskin, Exam Program Manager

Adam.Dwoskin@inteleos.org (240) 386-1559

Exams

Abdomen

Adult Echocardiography

Musculoskeletal (Sonographer)

Mischa Truong, Exam Program Manager

Mischa.Truong@inteleos.org (240) 386-1609

Exams

Breast

Darlene Leuschke, Exam Program Manager

Darlene.Leuschke@inteleos.org (240) 386-1584

ARDMS Ambassador

Promote ARDMS at meetings

Work at exhibit booths

Toby Rabbin

Toby.Rabbin@ardms.org (240) 386-1597

Career Guide

Review resumes

Offer job-shadowing opportunities

Toby Rabbin

Toby.Rabbin@ardms.org (240) 386-1597

Content Contributor

Write articles for the website

Toby Rabbin

Toby.Rabbin@ardms.org (240) 386-1597

UPDATED 2017-1 25

Commonly Used Acronyms and Words

AB Abdomen

AE Adult Echocardiography

AOT Assessment Oversight Team

APCA Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement

ARDMS American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

BR Breast

Candidate Some who has been approved to take an ARDMS exam

CMEs Continuing Medical Education credits

Council The governance body of ARDMS, managed by Inteleos

Credentials Earned by those who pass the SPI exam plus at least one specialty exam

Distractors The wrong optional answers to an item

EPIC The name of the remote item-writing software

EPM Exam Program Manager

FE Fetal Echocardiography

IDW Item Development Workshop

Item All the parts of a question, including the stem, distractors, and key

JTA Job Task Analysis survey

Key The correct answer to an item

MSKS Musculoskeletal Sonographers

MSKP Musculoskeletal Physicians

MW Midwife sonography certificate

OB-GYN Obstetrics & Gynecology

OCR Online Committee Review

PE Pediatric Echocardiography

POC Point of Care

POCUS Point-of-Care Ultrasound

PS Pediatric Sonography

PVI Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation examination

Registrant Someone who has earned an ARDMS credential

RIW Remote Item-Writing

SME Subject Matter Expert

SPI Sonography Principles & Instrumentation

Stem The question part of an item

TCOG Transition Center Oversight Group

VT Vascular Technology

WGL Working Group Lead

UPDATED 2017-1 26

Since 1975, volunteers like you have chosen

to share expertise and knowledge to

enhance the stature of sonographers

and to ensure that the standard for

patient care remains high.

Thank you for joining our team.

Together, we are making a difference.