Practice Experience

I started my Diagnostic Imaging Technologist career as a night-shift Radiology Technologist in 1997, at a Public Regional Hospital in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. This role exposed me to the world of x-rays, where I dealt with trauma cases like motor vehicle accidents and gun shot wounds, along with other emergency scenarios requiring radiography examinations. Concurrently, I pursued my degree as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, completing it in 1998. As a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, my first job was at Pavia Hospital in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Here, I conducted various ultrasound studies including Abdominal, Pelvic, Transvaginal, Obstetric, Breast, Scrotum, and Thyroid scans. My journey at Pavia Hospital also provided me with the valuable opportunity to delve into Vascular Ultrasound, a growing and fascinating field within sonography that I truly appreciate being introduced to.

In 1999, a new working and learning growing opportunity arrived with a diagnostic ultrasound mobile service company. This job experience helped in two different ways. First, I was able to travel, meet and appreciate more the beauty of my island of Puerto Rico and our people, while providing my ultrasound services in different facilities. Second, it served me as an introduction to the adult echocardiography sonography specialty.

In 2001, I successfully obtained my first certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the Abdomen subspecialty. During the same year, I was fortunate to secure a position at Dr Jose A. Nassar and Associates Outpatient Radiology Center as a General and Vascular Sonographer. This invaluable job opportunity not only allowed me to enhance my expertise but also provided me with direct patient interaction, particularly in non-invasive peripheral arterial and venous testing. As a result of this experience, I was able to acquire my second registry in Vascular Technology from the ARDMS in 2004.

In 2004, I began a new chapter in my professional journey and personal development when I made the pivotal decision to move to Central Florida. I embraced the role of Vascular Technologist at Orlando Regional Medical Center, now recognized as Orlando Health, diving into intricate non-invasive vascular examinations. My responsibilities encompassed a range of specialized procedures like Transcranial Duplex, Hemodialysis Access Surveillance with Color Flow Duplex, and Bypass-Graft evaluations. Transitioning into the Central Florida healthcare community has brought me immense gratitude for the supportive environment among the Orlando Health allied health team. Alongside, I grasped new prospects such as performing Renal Ultrasounds and Duplex assessments for a network of Nephrologists. Furthermore, I embraced part-time positions as a Cardiac and Vascular Sonographer at reputable institutions including Health Central, Orlando Health, and Advent Health's Celebration Campus. These experiences have been instrumental in advancing my expertise in adult echocardiography and peripheral vascular techniques.

My Sonographer career journey with Orlando Health has been immensely gratifying since my very first day of work back in 2004. I have had the opportunity to perform ultrasound studies in various facilities and department subspecialties, which has significantly enriched my knowledge in the field. This experience has also broadened my perspective on the mission and vision of this not-for-profit healthcare organization, dedicated to enhancing the health of Central Florida residents and ensuring the institution's sustainability for the future. Through the support of Orlando Health, I have been able to continually advance in my profession, eventually securing a position as a Cardiac and Vascular Sonographer at the Orlando Heart and Vascular Institute, the outpatient division of Orlando Health. I take great pride in representing this institute and strive to enhance patient experiences and outcomes in the realm of cardiovascular diseases.