Upstate Ultrasound student Becca Lumb looks for signs of stenosis (narrowing) in a patient’s carotid artery.
Upstate’s Ultrasound students helped screen more than 180 people for potential vascular problems during Upstate’s “Legs for Life” program June 27.
The students, along with a team of nurses, physicians and sonographers, provided free diagnostic screening to determine who might need more detailed vascular exams. The screening included a carotid ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, ankle-brachial blood pressure and a counseling session with a vascular specialist to review results.
The event was run by Upstate vascular surgeon Michael Costanza, MD, at Upstate’s HealthLink in DeWitt. It targeted ages 55 and older who had not been screened in five years. Vascular disease can cause stroke, aneurysm rupture and poor circulation. People with diabetes are especially at risk.
“It was a great experience for the students and patients alike,” said Kenneth Galbraith, MS, instructor in Upstate’s Medical Imaging Sciences program. “As a faculty member, days like this are extremely rewarding. It is great to see these students becoming the type of professionals I would want working on me someday!”
Ultrasound students who participated included Nicole Clapper; Shauna Dittl; Mindy Ingerson; Becca Lumb; Alex VanNostrand; Jennifer Ovieda, and Alyssa Reale.