Soundeffects News | New Voice Tabitha Gosden, QLD

NEW VOICES AT ASA2026

Tabitha Gosden, QLD

You’re presenting on 2 very different topics: fracture case studies and ultrasound of the male pelvic floor. What drew you to explore these areas in more depth?

I’m presenting on 2 very different topics because I genuinely see myself as a general sonographer in every sense of the word. What I love about ultrasound is its diversity, from obstetrics and gynaecology to MSK, vascular imaging, and the exciting emerging extensions expanding our scope. Ultrasound is dynamic, evolving, and incredibly operator-dependent, which is exactly what makes it so compelling to me.

Both case studies reflect something I feel strongly about – the continued advancement of knowledge within general sonography.

In our clinic, we see many patients referred for second opinions, and it’s highlighted to me that certain areas, such as ultrasound detection of fractures, aren’t always part of everyone’s routine practice. That’s not about fault or criticism. It’s simply that you don’t know what you don’t know.

The male pelvic floor is not traditionally an area we assess with ultrasound. However, driven by curiosity, research, and a willingness to explore beyond standard protocols, we have the opportunity to add value in ways that may prevent a diagnostic pathway from stopping at a ‘normal’ urinary tract scan.

The presenters and mentors I admire have always inspired me to keep expanding my scope and questioning what more ultrasound can offer. I hope these cases do the same. To encourage us to keep building our knowledge and confidence in areas that may sit just outside our usual comfort zone.

The male pelvic floor is not a commonly performed examination, and it will be of interest to many sonographers. How hard is the learning curve to become proficient in this examination?

I think the learning curve very much depends on your existing clinical experience. Having spent many years assessing the female pelvic floor – including 3D/4D imaging, internal and external anal sphincter evaluation, and levator ani muscle assessment – I already had a solid foundation in pelvic anatomy, function, and dysfunctional movement on dynamic scanning.

That baseline understanding made the transition into male pelvic floor imaging more approachable.

That said, this is still an evolving area, and I feel there is a great deal more to learn. The more scans I perform, particularly when paired with clinical follow-up from GPs and pelvic floor physiotherapists, the better I can correlate imaging findings with patient outcomes in a way that is both meaningful and clinically useful.

So far, as my case study highlights, it seems it will be a useful tool in the pathway from the GP to the appropriate specialist.

Stepping up as a New Voice takes confidence. What motivated you to put your hand up to present at ASA2026?

Presenting wasn’t originally part of my plan, but my passion for ultrasound ultimately encouraged me to step forward. While I don’t profess to have all the answers, I hope to contribute in a way that supports and inspires others in our profession. Although I felt nervous when asked to present, I recognised it as a valuable and rewarding opportunity for growth.

Preparing an international conference presentation is a big step. How has the experience been so far?

Presenting at an international conference is a step I once never thought possible. Yet 2 years ago, my colleague and I took an even bigger leap by establishing our own ultrasound clinic in Western Brisbane. It has been the most rewarding, challenging and transformative experience of my career.

Stepping beyond my comfort zone has reshaped my confidence and perspective. It has allowed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. Leading our own practice has deepened my commitment to ongoing learning, innovation, and growth – all with the aim of delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients and referrers.

An experience that once would have been defined by nerves and self-doubt is now one I approach with confidence, excitement, and pride.

What are you most looking forward to at ASA2026?

As always, I look forward to learning from the many talented and passionate sonographers speaking across a wide variety of subjects. Conferences like this are such valuable opportunities for growth – even if the hardest part is choosing between multiple sessions I’d love to attend all at the same time.

SESSION

FRIDAY 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm

PRESENTATION

Male pelvic floor: Not just a women’s issue

SESSION

SATURDAY 11:30 am – 11:50 am

PRESENTATION

Breaking the norm: Ultrasound’s untapped potential for fractures