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IN MEMORIAM –Shirley J. Staiano, MS, RDMS, RDCS
The medical community lost a distinguished, veteran sonographer on November 11,
2005, with the passing of Shirley J.Staiano, MS, RDMS, RDCS.
Prior to, and during her Presidency of the American Society of Ultrasound
Technical Specialists (ASUTS), Staiano worked tirelessly with the founding
leaders of the ASUTS to gain recognition of sonography as a separate allied
health career. (1)
Adamant about the use of appropriate terminology when referring to the
ultrasound technical specialist, she was strongly opposed to references such as
tech, technician, or technologist. She understood that what was at stake was
more than a simple semantic argument, because the Medical Community defined a
technician as someone with six weeks to six months education beyond high school.
During her presidency, she led the fight to change the title of those who
performed ultrasound imaging to that of sonographer.
Staiano firmly believed that recognition of sonographers as medical
professionals would be dependent on such critical criterion as certification and
post secondary education. She recognized the urgent need for sonographers and
their leadership to demonstrate professional qualities in every undertaking.
Under her term as ASUTS President, she supported the creation of a Document of
Essentials for the field of Sonography as the first step toward formal and
accredited education, with the ultimate goal of certification.
It was during her term of office that the “grandfather clause” preceding
voluntary registration, was enacted. Staiano contributed to the formation of the
ASUTS Examination Committee, which eventually gave rise to the American Registry
of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. One accomplishment that gave her great
satisfaction was the creation of the first sonographer’s journal, Medical
Ultrasound, which eventually metamorphosed into our current Journal of
Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Shirley Staiano’s work in sonography was wide ranging. Among her primary
accomplishments were:
- Research
- Assistant to Lajos von Micsky MD, New York City.
- Writing
- Author and co-author of many scientific articles.
- First editor of the journal: Medical Ultrasound
- Speaking
- Presented scientific papers at numerous medical meetings
- Education
- Didactic and Clinical Instructor: to interns/residents and visiting fellows, as well as student sonographers.
- Service
- ASUTS Executive Board
- President-elect: 1973-1974
- President: 1974-1976
- Past President 1976-1978
- Established the first ASUTS Executive Office (1974)
- Established and served as first editor of the journal, Medical Ultrasound (1975)
Ill-health eventually forced a 15-year hiatus from participation in the field
of sonography. In 1996 Staiano
left New York City to take up residence in Tucson, Arizona. Within several
years, she regained her health and became active again in the fields of
sonographer education, mobile and hospital-based sonography.
It was in Tucson that she discovered a new interest and love: Arabian horses. At
the time of her death, she was the proud owner of three award-winning stallions.
If medals were awarded to sonographers, Shirley Staiano would have had a
drawer-full. Knowledge of her contributions and impact on sonography as we know
it, is slowly slipping away with the retirement and death of so many veteran
sonographers. Though few modern sonographers have ever heard of her, they owe
much of the benefits, recognition and respect they currently command to the
vision, leadership and uncompromising demand for excellence that was Shirley Staiano’s gift to our profession.
Marveen Craig, RDMS
1. Joan P. Baker; Commemorations -- The History of Sonographers J. Ultrasound
Med., Vol. 24, Issue 1, 1-14, January 1, 2005
