If you're still counting, count me on the darkside.  I learned and practiced
scanning from the head for four years, but found it awkward.  After going
bedside several times, I discovered with practice that I had better control
with the probe and less fatique by scanning from the side.  I also know that
my patients prefer having a technologist face them and make eye contact.  I
am not overbearing about my views...any way you want to scan it if its
accurate (we have two headers and three siders). However, I make the students
and my trainees learn by the side first, because going to the unit is
stressful enough when you're new in the field without freaking out about an
unfamiliar scanning position. - Christine