Staff shine with sonography success
The Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) recently honoured the brightest minds in the field of medical sonography where CQUniversity staff were recognised for their excellence, best practice and contributions to the field.
At the annual ASA Awards of Excellence, CQU’s Dr Jennifer Alphonse received the Pru Pratten Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr Ann Quinton the Sue Caitcheon Memorial Award ASA Volunteer of the Year, Dr Michelle Fenech was named Researcher of the Year, and Dr Kate Russo the Sonographer of the Year for South Australia.
The collective achievements highlighted the passion and commitment of staff teaching at CQU in shaping the future of sonography, inspiring countless students with their expertise and innovative teaching methods.
With more than three decades of experience as a multidisciplinary sonographer, Dr Alphonse’s prestigious Pru Pratten Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to her dedication to the profession, and the ASA, over the course of her career.
“The Pru Pratten Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious in the profession and I was overwhelmed, honoured and humbled to be the most recent recipient," Dr Alphonse said.
Dr Alphonse said she is committed to nurturing the next generation of sonographers, having been involved in tertiary education including clinical supervision, unit of study coordination, tutorial delivery and guest lecturing since 1994.
“When I was a student and early career sonographer, my learning came from experienced sonographers generously sharing their knowledge,” she said.
“It is my commitment to continue the tradition of experienced sonographers passing on their knowledge, teaching the next generation of sonographers.”
Dr Alphonse was officially announced as the 2024 Award recipient at Gala Dinner held at the ASA2024 Sydney Conference.
Several CQU lecturers, staff members and alumni attended the international conference held from Friday 31 May – 2 June as guest speakers, presenting to more than 1 200 in-person attendees as well as 769 remote registrants.
Medical sonography speakers and proffered papers and posters were presented by CQU lecturers Dr Jennifer Alphonse, Dr Kate Russo, Dr Ann Quinton, Dr Michelle Fenech, Julie Cahill, Jane Wardle and Deanne Chester.
Sessional staff members who presented included Naz Clifford, Erin Geeves, Craig Winnett and Dr Narelle Kennedy.
CQU alumni were represented by Emily Orchard-Cook and Aimee Fisher.
The ASA conference is the largest conference for sonographers in the world.
