John,
One of the first questions I would pose to you is who will be the medical director of this newly combined lab?
Having worked in both modalities, I found the echo lab very frustrating because all of the studies had to be officially read by the cardiologists.  The techs were not allowed to discuss results with referring docs or offer preliminary reads.  The cardiologists were great guys but felt strongly that it was their responsibility to be giving preliminary as well as final reports.
In my experience in the vascular world, techs work much more independently and are expected to offer preliminary results.  We are often expected to "take the next step" by suggesting further testing, arranging appts with vascular surgeons, etc.
The constraints of working in the echo lab were professionally challenging.  I didn't feel that I could offer  as much in the echo lab so I returned to the vascular world.
I think that working under medicine vs working under surgery requires a different mindset.
Good luck with your new venture.
MaryAnne Waters
UVM
-----Original Message-----
From: John K. Jain [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2002 7:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: COMBINED ECHO/VASCULAR or ULTRASOUND VASCULAR


Flownetters,

After many years of working in a dedicated vascular laboratory I am now
faced with the possibility that the vascular laboratory would be combined
with the echocardiography department.
My questio to all of you is how many of you are working in dedicated
vascular laboratories and how many are in a combined services situation?
Does anyone know of any published data or trends for combined services?

I am trying to explore the precedent and the possibilities with an open
mind and objectively weigh the pros and cons but could use the experience
and expertise of those of you who have "been there".

Thank you,

John Jain

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