Q&A with Jason Moore

Hetvi Patel, 9/15/24

What is your name and job? 

• Jason Moore 

• Supervising sonographer at Medical City, Denton 

What is your background? 

• I took a non-traditional route into medicine. 

• I originally studied computer science in college but later switched to the medical field. 

• I attended the X-ray program at Parkland Hospital and then pursued ultrasound school after college. 

What are your day-to-day responsibilities and typical caseload? 

• I typically handle 10-20 patients a day. 

• I arrive at the hospital by 7 AM, print the schedule, and stock the rooms. 

• Scanning begins almost immediately. 

• While I see scheduled patients, we also cover the entire hospital, including the ER. 

• Every day is different, which keeps the job exciting. 

What is your professional and educational journey that led you to sonography? 

• At 18, I started with a clerical job in radiology at a hospital in Denton, TX. 

  • My duties included answering phones, doing clerical tasks, and stocking rooms.

  • I didn’t know much about the medical field at the time, but I soon became interested in X-rays. 

• I applied to Parkland Hospital’s X-ray program, which had over a thousand applicants. 

  • Out of those, only 20 were accepted, and I was one of them. 

  • It was a 2-year program, after which I worked for a year before pursuing ultrasound.

  • Understanding the complex details of anatomy and being able to analyze and interpret scans is what drew me to ultrasound. 

What training and experiences prepared you for your current role as a sonographer? 

• Parkland Hospital is a huge facility, providing exposure to a variety of cases. 

• This experience really prepares you for the workforce by teaching you how to handle diverse situations and patients. 

What is the most exciting thing about your job? 

• In ultrasound, you have direct interaction with patients. 

• You build rapport and communication by investigating their symptoms or medical history. 

• I’ve also been teaching ultrasound students for the past 20 years, and helping others is something I truly enjoy. 

• It’s rewarding to show empathy and support to patients.

Why did you decide to pursue sonography? 

• During X-ray school, we rotated through various areas in radiology. 

• Ultrasound caught my eye because it seemed the most interesting. 

• After getting credentialed, I enrolled in an ultrasound school in Dallas. 

What is one moment in your career that made you appreciate sonography? 

• What makes me appreciate medicine the most is helping people during their difficult times.

• Whether it is someone in the ER or a routine patient, showing empathy and assisting them in understanding their health makes the job fulfilling. 

How has technology changed the field of sonography since you started, and how do you keep up with these advancements? 

• The technology has significantly evolved. Machines are getting faster, smaller, and lighter, and the resolution is so much better now. 

• We primarily use GE equipment, which has incredible resolution. 

  • The probes, containing piezoelectric crystals, are key to producing sound waves and forming the images.

  • It’s amazing how instant and detailed the results are. 

What trends do you see in the future of sonography, and how do you think they will affect the profession? 

• I think the future of sonography is promising and is only going to get better over time.

• We’re already seeing advancements like color imaging with Doppler technology, which allows us to visualize the blood flow and direction. 

• However, sonography will always require skilled operators. 

What was the most difficult aspect of your journey to sonography? 

• Passing the boards was probably the toughest part. 

• Although it is a common hurdle, it’s challenging because of the competitiveness and the large number of applicants who apply to these programs. 

How are you able to manage a work-life balance? 

• Initially, finding a full-time job in sonography can be tough. 

• The work schedule depends on the hospital’s size and needs, and busier hospitals usually require 24/7 staffing. 

What skills are most crucial for success in sonography that might not be obvious to someone outside the field? 

• Critical thinking and knowledge of disease processes are very important. 

• You also need to be quick on your feet and be prepared for almost anything. 

• Having a solid foundation of experience and exposure is key. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

•  The recognition from my peers and the doctors I work with is highly rewarding.

• I strive to be perfect and provide the best possible scans for radiologists to diagnose patients and make sure the patients feel better. 

What is your advice to students interested in pursuing sonography or a healthcare-related field? 

• Make sure medicine is truly what you want to pursue. It’s a long and challenging road, requiring a lot of determination and dedication. 

• Stay on top of your studies. 

• Remember that patients are human too – approach them with humility and compassion.