Page 3 - ADG Medical Career Connections 1-17

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 MEDICAL CAREER CONNECTIONS 3K
CAREER
PROFILE
Blakely Dodson
Cardiac sonographer Arkansas Heart Hospital Little Rock
Q: What made you decide to become a medical sonographer?
A: I was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot and underwent several corrective heart surgeries growing up. I wanted to take my experiences and use them in my everyday life to help other people going through similar situations.
Q: How long have you been a medical sonographer? A: Almost two years
Q: What advice would you give someone who is considering your career field?
A: Sonography is not just “taking pictures of babies all day” like most people seem to think. What we do is important. Be prepared to work and study hard. The rewards are definitely worth it.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career? A: Having the opportunity to help my patients is what I love. It is also a challenging, exciting and often difficult field. No two patients or exams are the same. I have the opportunity to learn and grow every day.
Q: Who in your career field inspires you?
A: My co-worker Jean Klimaszewski, who also works here at Arkansas Heart Hospital, is a phenomenal sonographer, and was also a mentor to me while I was in school. She is probably the smartest person I know. I strive to be as great as she is one day.
Q: What is your work schedule?
A: Because I work in the clinic setting, I work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. No nights, weekends or holidays. I also travel to satellite clinics in different parts of the state approximately three to four times per month. My schedule will vary those days.
Q: What are your future goals for your career?
A: I would love to work in the pediatric echocardiography specialty one day. It’s been my dream to work with children since I started the diagnostic medical sonography program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
UAMS SCHMIEDING HOME CAREGIVERTRAINING PROGRAM
People with dementia need care and compassion, and the people who care for them need the skills to make that care effective and dignified. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Schmieding Caregiver Training Program can teach them those skills.
The UAMS Schmieding Caregiver Training Program provides workshops for both paid and unpaid caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most expensive disease in the United States and the cost is anticipated to rise to $1 trillion by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arkansas ranks ninth in the percentage of population over age 65, with half of those living in rural Arkansas with inadequate medical resources.
Those with Alzheimer’s disease often have behavioral and psychological symptoms that are not typical with other diseases.
Paid caregivers can take the Alzheimer’s and dementia (AD) course that provides information and practical tips on managing behaviors such as wandering and resistance to daily hygiene.
Unpaid caregivers can attend free family caregiver workshops that provide an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, along with topics such as communication techniques, understanding behaviors, nutrition, caregiver respect, maintaining good quality of care, and dignity for the older adult.
These programs and others are provided at the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging in Little Rock and at seven regional UAMS Centers on Aging throughout the state, including Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Springdale. For more information, visit UAMScaregiving.org.