portrait par Olivia Ivany

Olivia Ivany

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Avantia Medical Imaging

Created On: April 13, 2023
Sector:
Healthcare,  Technology
Education Pathway: College/Technical
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Anatomy,  Family Studies,  Physics,  Science
Readability:
6.8

Learn About My Career

I perform different kinds of ultrasounds on different parts of the body.

I was born/grew up in: Corner Brook, NL

I now live in: Ottawa, ON

I completed my training/education at: The Canadian National Institute of Health

As a medical sonographer, my day is quite busy!  Doctors may request ultrasound images (sonogram) to help them diagnose medical disorders. Sometimes they want to monitor an existing condition or pregnancy. For example, the doctor might want to know if a cancer tumor has gotten larger. During a pregnancy, sonograms can help screen for birth defects. As a result, my usual day at work involves performing many different types of ultrasounds on many different patients. In between appointments, I clean the room and restock materials.

Each ultrasound involves me making different decisions. This could include what images are needed and how best to capture that image.  My goal is to make sure I get images that will be most useful for the patient. I work as a part of a fantastic team! We are always willing to help each other out and get different opinions when needed. A background in STEM helps me at work every day. It is very important to know how different parts of the body work. I use this knowledge to obtain the best images possible.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated. I was interested in the medical field but wasn’t interested in being a doctor or nurse. When I took the ultrasound program, I wasn’t quite sure want to expect. But moving to Ottawa and taking the risk was 100% worth it! I really enjoy my career today. I’m thankful for all the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had along the way.

I enjoy the opportunity to learn new things every day. I like meeting new people. I love that I get to use all the different skills I learned in school.

My career has a direct effect on people’s lives. During each ultrasound I am looking for things that can change how people go about their lives in either small or big ways. When their doctor gets these images, they can make decisions on what treatment is best.  

I love to get outside and try new activities any chance I get. I enjoy spending time with my little morkie Phoebe and my friends!

For anyone interested in this career or something similar, I would say to be prepared to study a lot. You also have to learn how to handle a heavy workload. Once you finish your schooling, this career is very rewarding. You get to make little differences in people’s lives every day.

What I do at work

As a medical sonographer, my day is quite busy!  Doctors may request ultrasound images (sonogram) to help them diagnose medical disorders. Sometimes they want to monitor an existing condition or pregnancy. For example, the doctor might want to know if a cancer tumor has gotten larger. During a pregnancy, sonograms can help screen for birth defects. As a result, my usual day at work involves performing many different types of ultrasounds on many different patients. In between appointments, I clean the room and restock materials.

Each ultrasound involves me making different decisions. This could include what images are needed and how best to capture that image.  My goal is to make sure I get images that will be most useful for the patient. I work as a part of a fantastic team! We are always willing to help each other out and get different opinions when needed. A background in STEM helps me at work every day. It is very important to know how different parts of the body work. I use this knowledge to obtain the best images possible.

My career path is

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated. I was interested in the medical field but wasn’t interested in being a doctor or nurse. When I took the ultrasound program, I wasn’t quite sure want to expect. But moving to Ottawa and taking the risk was 100% worth it! I really enjoy my career today. I’m thankful for all the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had along the way.

I am motivated by

I enjoy the opportunity to learn new things every day. I like meeting new people. I love that I get to use all the different skills I learned in school.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My career has a direct effect on people’s lives. During each ultrasound I am looking for things that can change how people go about their lives in either small or big ways. When their doctor gets these images, they can make decisions on what treatment is best.  

Outside of work I

I love to get outside and try new activities any chance I get. I enjoy spending time with my little morkie Phoebe and my friends!

My advice to others

For anyone interested in this career or something similar, I would say to be prepared to study a lot. You also have to learn how to handle a heavy workload. Once you finish your schooling, this career is very rewarding. You get to make little differences in people’s lives every day.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • History
  • Literature and Language arts
  • Science
  • Music

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Enjoyed playing music and spending time with friends

Related Topics

Careers Health Careers 11 Health Careers 12 Medical Imaging Medicine Public Health Sound Sound Waves

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