Soundeffects news | Interview with Ian Schroen, AFASA

Ian Schroen, AFASA | VASCULAR | AUS

Senior Sonographer | I-MED Radiology

Ian Schroen, AFASA, is a Senior Sonographer at I-MED Radiology with a career spanning radiography, vascular ultrasound, and corporate healthcare. Holding a Master of Medical Ultrasound, he is passionate about clinical imaging, research, and education. Ian has previously served as president of the Australasian Sonographers Association and is currently an associate lecturer at Monash University, where he teaches vascular ultrasound in the postgraduate ultrasound program.

At ASA2025, Ian will present on key advancements in vascular ultrasound, practical techniques for challenging cases, and the balance between specialisation and versatility in sonography. In this interview, he shares insights on the evolving role of ultrasound in vascular imaging, professional development within the field, and what attendees can expect from his Renal Artery Duplex Masterclass.

What excites you most about connecting with fellow sonographers at the conference?

The annual conference is an amazing time to meet and reconnect with old friends. It’s great to share ideas, discuss workplace change and build a strong network. There is always a buzz that stays with you as you return to work with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.

What are the biggest breakthroughs in vascular ultrasound that sonographers should be aware of?

I keep front of mind that ultrasound today is preprocedural imaging. Rarely, diagnostic angiography or CTA is performed to confirm diagnosis; therefore, duplex ultrasound is the key diagnostic platform on which surgeons make decisions on intervention and surgery.

In clinical advancements, I think we are seeing a shift with a clear differentiation in the imaging for arthrosclerosis due to diabetes rather than smoking or other causes. The diagnostic requirements for below-knee and below-ankle imaging are increasing with techniques such as pedal acceleration time (PAT).

What adjustments do you make in your technique when assessing patients with challenging conditions, such as those with obesity, oedema, or previous vascular interventions, to ensure optimal imaging?

I imagine every sonographer has a key list of modifications in technically challenging imaging situations. My suggestions would be: know your ultrasound system well and the features that aid in these imaging situations, such as transducers, increased sensitivity and penetration modes. Evaluate patient position and imaging window – patient positions such as decubitus for aorta imaging or positioned seated with legs dependent.

The debate between broad skills and focused expertise in sonography is ongoing. From your perspective, how can sonographers strike the right balance between specialising in a niche area and maintaining versatility in their careers?

Subspecialisation in clinical ultrasound can be valuable and rewarding; however, it can also lead to career limitations should circumstances or employment change. Many departments value skills and experience across the broad range of clinical examinations, especially in private radiology. Being a subspecialist or generalist requires the same self-motivation for learning, quality and skill development. This requires deliberate intention by the individual sonographer to ensure competence and confidence.

What is one key takeaway you would like sonographers to gain from your masterclass ‘Renal artery duplex: Diagnosis, techniques, and live scanning’?

Hoping this workshop will reduce the anxiety and technical barriers to this examination and present a step-by-step approach when difficulties are encountered.

Explore Ian Schroen’s ASA2025 Program

SESSION | PRESENTATION

FRI 12:30 – 2:20pm | Abdominal vascular compression syndromes, where and how

FRI 3:00 – 3:50pm | Sound Stage: The challenges of mesenteric ischaemia from atherosclerosis to median arcuate syndrome

SAT 8:45 – 9:25am | ASA Arena: Broad skills vs focused expertise: A sonography career debate

SAT 11:00 – 11:40am | ASA Arena: Is the burden of sonography too great?

SUN 11:30am – 12:55pm | Masterclass: Renal artery duplex: Diagnosis, techniques, and live scanning