William A. Zang, BS, RVT, RDMS

Technical Director, Vascular Lab
Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center
Vascular Institute
Hershey, PA

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession? 

I have been a Vascular Sonographer for 11 years, including three years in the private practice of Dr. George Jabaji (Essex, Maryland) and over eight years in my present location.

What degrees and credentials do you have?   

I earned a Bachelor of Science from Towson State University (1992), where I completed a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I also completed the ARDMS requirements of a RVT in 1996 and RDMS in 2000.

What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career? 

In the early 1990's I was fortunate to form a close friendship with vascular surgeon Dr. George Jabaji, and vascular technologist Gloria Garst, who has tested with Dr. Jabaji since the early years of his practice. As our relationship grew, they introduced me to the world of vascular ultrasound and eventually brought me on as a technologist in Dr. Jabaji's office. Their constant encouragement was instrumental in the acquisition of skills essential for a career in our field, and within a few years led to my current position with Penn State University. We remain close to this day and I am fortunate to be in a position where I can repay their many years of support by sharing new technologies and techniques I see throughout my work.

What do you like best about your current position? 

Often I find myself in a position in which I pause with a feeling of satisfaction and gratification for the work I do every day. When this occurs, one or more of the following elements is involved: a camaraderie shared with one or more members of my staff and professionals in our field; a difference created in the life of a patient with vascular disease; and perhaps the most personally enjoyable, a role as a mentor to others who are interested in our profession. This passion was passed along to me by my predecessor, Marsha Neumyer, who to the point of exhaustion was always there to teach, offer advice and point me in the right direction.

How do you stay up to date on changes in vascular technology? 

We are all working in our jobs because of advancements in technologies and techniques, which ultimately lead to better quality of care for patients with vascular disease. Therefore, all technologists have a responsibility to stay informed and exposed to the changes in our field. I do this by visiting regularly the SVU website ( www.svunet.org), reading the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, and attending and participating in the SVU Annual Conferences and vascular interpretation courses.

When did you join SVU? 

I joined the SVU, then SVT, in 1994

Why did you decide to run for the SVU Board of Directors? 

With the encouragement of current President George Berdejo, last year I concluded my knowledge and dedication to our profession had reached a point in which I would be an asset as a member of the SVU Board of Directors. Throughout my SVU membership, I have marveled at the commitment and compassion of the elected officers and directors toward our members and our field. Since I believe I too can assist in making a difference for our members, I agreed to have my name placed on the ballot for the SVU members to consider. Since the day the election results were announced in Charlotte last July, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve on the SVU Board.

Do you serve on any SVU Committees? 

Yes, I am pleased to serve on the SVU Abstracts and Awards Committees.

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing vascular technologists today? 

Just the fact that we work in the medical profession compounds the number of issues that we work with everyday. On the national front we have to be constantly aware of federal government policies that affect our jobs such as reimbursement, supervision and compliance issues to name a few. Closer to home we have to be aware of the shortage of vascular sonographers and commit more of our time and resources to encouraging and educating the next generation of technologists.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future? 

Our Society has to remain focused on the needs of its members by continuously offering valuable information and services. This however is a" two way street" and our Society depends on its members for support. So I encourage all of our members to become involved in the future of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound through renewing your membership, encouraging others to join SVU, attending meetings, participating in SVU Affiliated Chapters, becoming involved in SVU committees, running for office or the Board, or offering contributions to the government relations or scholarship funds.

SVU members can contact Billy Zang by email at wzang@psu.edu .