Preface
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Since authoring the 1st edition of this book in 2005, a great deal has
changed in the healthcare industry and the world at large. Tech-
nological advancements for ultrasound usage in diagnostic care
have been substantial. An emphasis on the economic necessity for
preventive care over corrective care has thrust ultrasound into the
foreground for procedural utility. Increasingly, through emerging
technologies, ultrasound related techniques are being developed
which supplant more invasive or more expensive technologies.
For many career-minded individuals a depressed economy has
highlighted the prudence of aligning professional growth with an
expanding field like healthcare. Additionally, the portability of di-
agnostic equipment has improved to the point where it will benefit
a worldwide population rather than a select few. I have witnessed
this change firsthand in visits to the African nation of Uganda in
2009-2012.
While the world around us changes, this principle, cryptically
described by Thomas Edison does not: “good fortune often hap-
pens when opportunity meets with preparation.” As my career has
placed me before thousands of students and professionals, I know
this to be true.
For this reason, I continue to emphasize understanding founda-
tional and underlying principles in mastering any individual field.
Specific to the subject matter throughout this book, and as I have
stated in previous editions, every reader possesses a different level
of knowledge, experience, and ambition. For many, this book rep-
resents their first exposure to ultrasound, and this book will serve
as a foundation on which to build. Others bring twenty or more
years of experience and will use this book as a way to reinforce the
principles on which they perform their daily scans, or as a means
to better understand new ultrasound techniques. Some are using
this book in an ultrasound educational program, and others hope
to prepare for a credentialing exam.
The Importance of Understanding the Structure of
this Book
There are three reasons why understanding the structure of this
book is so important:
1. So that you can customize usage of this book to your experi-
ence level and goals.
2. In order to have a systematic approach to increase your knowl-
edge and clinical abilities.
3. To have a clear indication of when you are knowledgeable to
take a credentialing exam.
Complementing the printed content within this textbook is a
web-based resource, 5e Online Extras, designed to reinforce your
comprehension of the subject matter. Within 5e Online Extras, a
specific Test-Taking Strategies section outlines skills that will help
you improve test performance, including specific approaches that
incorporate the use of logic and reasoning for multiple choice exams.
Additionally, an extensive collectionwithin 5e Online Extras features
animations, flowmodels, an online Quiz Bank, cardiac and vascular
principles, and supplemental exercises intended to strengthen your
aptitude and familiarity with this textbook’s content. It cannot be
stressed enough that your exposure to a full battery of exercises
and illustrations is key to absorbing these concepts. Although the
temptation exists to focus solely on the printed material, this will
ultimately short-change your learning experience.
A Final Word about this Book’s Structure
By writing this book in three different levels, I hope to reach out to
a wider audience, increasing knowledge for both the experienced
and the neophyte in ultrasound. I have chosen to create a book
that takes students through an introductory level, into fluency and
beyond with clear direction toward the knowledge necessary to
demonstrate competency at the credentialing exam level. I have
tried to write this book so that each level becomes appropriate as
the reader’s knowledge grows.
I believe the first step to knowledge is a true assessment of where
you are, where you want to be, and what path you are willing to
take to get there.
And so starts the journey…
Preface
