From coaching gymnastics to ultrasound training, Suean Pascoe has always taught with passion. We caught up to hear what motivates her and get some tips to share with tutors to help make life that little bit easier.
Teaching novice ultrasound learners for nearly 20 years…where do you get the energy?!
Seeing that ‘ah-HA’ moment in someone really gives me a kick. I love delivering teaching in a systematic and structured way – by eliminating the noise and focusing on the fundamentals you can build solid foundations for learners, which delivers confidence in ability and promotes independent practice. I’m spoiled because my teaching time is not compromised by a clinical list, and I get to focus 100% on skill development. I see learners making solid progress faster that can happen in a clinical setting. A learner’s progress can often be hampered by the little things that get missed in their skills development journey. I’ve found that assumptions about small things – down to even how to hold the probe – can really undermine the ability to acquire images, and in turn undermine confidence.
What attracted you to teaching and setting up your own education company?
I’ve always had an affinity with teaching and helping others progress their skills, so when the opportunity to start up my own education business presented itself, I grabbed it. And it wasn’t the business side of things that motivated me – that’s not the beer and skittles entrepreneurial dreamscape you see on the socials! It was down to the fact that I simply loved teaching and was constantly frustrated by the impact that the commercial pressures of radiology and the operational demands in the POCUS space were having on the ability to do a good job. Skills development takes time and there is never enough of it when you are trying to run a full list or running around a ward. And there was never time to develop teaching resources that would make the job easier – it was always in my own time. Another motivator for going solo was the independence and autonomy you get from being your own boss. There are trade-offs, of course, and the learning curve is steep (I never thought I’d have learned so much about tax, marketing, IP and competition law) but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus in clinical practice I found there was a real lack of sonographer recognition, so in creating your own business you can form a team around you that values sonographer skills and abilities.
Give us your two best teaching tools!
What I value the most and couldn’t work without is my telescopic pointer. It lets me teach in a hands-off fashion from the other side of the exam couch. It keeps me at arm’s length – removing the temptation to take over the machine and probe – ensuring that the learner gets the image, works their machine independently and learns. My other must have item is an ultrasound probe prop I developed that helps learners visualise the ultrasound beam with respect to the anatomy teamed with anatomical models – it really helps with spatial awareness.
Any tips for tutors who want to improve their teaching skills?
I am of the firm belief that teaching ultrasound is a distinct vocational pathway that requires recognition, commitment, and deduction. If teaching is something you are passionate about – dedicate time to developing your teaching skills. Watch how others teach. See what methods you think work and what doesn’t work. Be curious. If you have a specific challenge – you don’t have to find the answers yourself as often others have faced the same issues; just Google it! We can learn a lot from other professions. Or give me a call – I’m always up for a chat.
Any funny or interesting experiences educating?
I remember teaching a 1st year student how to perform a testicular ultrasound exam. It was her very first time ever scanning the testicles. Our patient was a young fellow – maybe 23 years old. We had finished scanning the first side and my student was looking for the second testicle and having some trouble. She whispered very loudly to me that ‘they were slippery little buggers’. Our patient was very amused (thankfully) and then he informed us that he only had one testicle. No wonder she had trouble finding it. ?
If teaching ultrasound is something you’d like to pursue and want a headstart in a new career pathway, be sure to check out Zedu’s Train the Trainer course.
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