I juggle quite a few things here! (laughs) Currently, I work as a sonographer, using ultrasound scans to detect any structural abnormalities in the body. I mainly focus on prenatal examinations to ensure everything's good for natural childbirth. Through detailed ultrasounds, we assess the risk of complications due to placental position or fetal anomalies that might lead to emergency situations after birth. I also have certification in breast ultrasound, so I conduct breast ultrasound examinations and look for any structural abnormalities that could indicate potential health issues, like in the thyroid or uterus.

Well, you've got to be good at capturing images and videos. Since doctors rely on the images we capture for diagnosis, being able to capture high-quality images is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Also, since ultrasound is a real-time examination, it involves a lot of subjective judgment, so experience is key. I've been working as a sonographer in Korea since the sonographer system was established in 1996, so I've got 30 years of experience under my belt. And I'm not alone – many of our sonographers here at Houm have over 20 years of experience. We have weekly ultrasound study meetings where we share knowledge and continue learning.

I trust the mindset of our director. Personally, I'm not a big fan of change, but he is always pushing for new things. It's been challenging at times, but I trust his approach to patient care, so I've followed along, believing there's a reason behind it. Plus, I get to do what I love – ultrasound work – and the environment allows me to continue learning and growing.

And you know, I've experienced a lot of personal growth while adapting to changes. I've learned to see things from a broader perspective. For instance, (actually, I picked up on this during my time here), I used to be quite introverted. Especially when communicating in English, I'd often wonder if my message was getting across or would spend a while thinking before speaking. Without facial expressions to convey my emotions, I worried that I might come across as unfriendly or upset. So, I've made a conscious effort to speak more brightly and react more responsively. With more experience under my belt now, I've become somewhat more comfortable in these situations.

It's really about showcasing our space. Most nursing students do their practicum in typical hospital settings. Reflecting on my own experience as a student nurse, I realize how valuable it would have been to have exposure to this unique environment during my training. While I may not always have as much time to dedicate to them as I'd like, just offering them our clinical attitude and the process here is satisfying enough for them and me as well. It's truly fulfilling to witness students being deeply moved and satisfied with their newfound experiences during their practicum.

I try to explain what we're doing. For example, a detailed prenatal ultrasound takes about 15 minutes. If I just silently do the scan, the mother might start worrying if something's wrong. So, I make sure to keep them informed about what I'm looking at, assuring them that everything's developing well. And if we do find something concerning, I prefer to communicate it directly to the doctor rather than just repeating the scene. If it's a major issue, we might even pause the examination for a moment. When it comes to breast ultrasound, since sensitivity varies from person to person, I strive to make everyone as comfortable as possible during the exam. It's important to me that everyone leaves feeling at ease after their appointment.