What first prompted you to volunteer with the ARRT?
I have been a ARRT registered Radiologic Technologist since 2004 and an ARDMS registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer since 2005. In 2016, I received a letter from the ARRT telling me that I was one of only a handful of technologists who held my specific ARRT credential in Sonography and Vascular Sonography.
When did you start volunteering with ARRT?
After receiving the letter, I was invited and attended an item writing workshop held at the ARRT headquarters. Since then, I have traveled two more times to the ARRT to attend review committee meetings as well.
What type of volunteering have you done with ARRT?
Since I began, I have been an item writer for the Breast Sonography and general Sonography exams, as well as a reviewer for the Vascular Sonography exam. Our Vascular Sonography review committee has met at least twice at the ARRT headquarters to review and evaluate Vascular Sonography exam items.
What do you enjoy the most about being a volunteer with ARRT?
I have enjoyed being able to visit the ARRT in person and see where everything begins...meeting some incredible people and having a hand in the creation of credentialed testing for future sonographers everywhere.
If you could give advice to someone who is interested in volunteering with ARRT, what would that be?
I would encourage any technologist who truly loves what they do and wants to take part in the process of future credential testing, then they should reach out to the ARRT staff and let them know. We are always in need of great minds to better improve the quality of exam content and testing.
What do you like to do when you are not working or volunteering with ARRT?
In my free time, I enjoy just hanging out watching old tv shows, going to dinners, concerts and shows with friends and coworkers, as well as spending time with my family and rescue fur babies.
The Sonography and Vascular Sonography Exam Development Coordinator, Roxanne Koenen, says: "I really enjoy working with Debra. She brings an in-depth knowledge to our vascular sonography exam committee and helps other committee members feel comfortable during the meetings. Her items are awesome and contribute greatly to our exam."
