Meet Natasha
From a young age, Natasha Quin was drawn to the world of medical imaging. She would frequently attend ultrasound appointments with family members, fascinated by the technology that made it all possible.
When she was in grade 12, she had a co-op placement in ultrasound at Victoria Hospital. After this experience, she immediately knew what she wanted to pursue after graduation.
Natasha is now a distinguished sonographer at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and she’s been scanning for 20 years. She recently became a recipient of the 2024 Academic Realignment Initiative Award. With this award, she is tasked with developing an advanced training and education program in Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) ultrasound to empower the next generation of sonographers.
Ultrasound imaging or sonography uses sound waves to create pictures of organs, tissues and other structures inside your body. This imaging is also used to provide important information on fetal development, growth and well-being.
In 2023 alone, LHSC welcomed 6,069 newborns, with countless ultrasounds performed to monitor the health of both mother and child.
Did you know?
LHSC has an outstanding reputation in MFM and sonography. Professionals from all over the world, including MFM Fellows and future Obstetricians, flock to London for its extensive training programs.
More than just babies
Natasha acknowledges there is a common misconception that sonographers just scan embryos and fetuses all day. In reality, the scope of their work is much broader.
“We rotate between different areas,” Natasha explains. “Some days, we’re in the operating rooms or we’re doing biopsies. Other times, we are at the forefront of emergencies, scanning patients when they’re at their worst.”
Beyond the surface
Natasha was born and raised in South Africa. Her family made the decision to move to Canada when she was 15. Natasha is a devoted mother to two children, both active in competitive sports. When she can find time for herself, she enjoys reading and painting.
the sound of gratitude
For Natasha, one of the most gratifying elements of her role at LHSC is the direct impact she has on the lives of patients. Each scan can provide a vital piece of the puzzle in diagnosing and understanding an individual’s condition, often revealing the underlying causes of their symptoms and suffering.
She recounts experiences where patients have recognized her outside of work, expressing heartfelt gratitude for her role in their medical journeys.
“It’s incredibly rewarding when someone tells you that you were the one who gave them answers and made a significant difference in their life.”
Natasha Quin
The unseen toll
Staffing shortages
- The path to becoming a sonographer is often long and costly, which can deter people from entering the field.
- There is also a lack of awareness about sonography as a profession.
Physical demands
- The role is physically demanding due to the repetitive nature of the scanning processes. Sonographers are more susceptible to workplace injuries, particularly to the shoulders and wrists.
Leading the way
Despite these challenges, donor support has begun to turn the tide. The acquisition of state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and the publicity surrounding LHSC’s esteemed MFM program have helped recruit new sonographers.
The novel technology also improves ergonomics as scanning has become much faster.
Natasha proudly notes, “Working at LHSC means having access to the best equipment in the field, which not only enhances our capabilities but also attracts new talent into the profession.”
building a sound future
Currently, LHSF is spearheading a fundraising campaign with a goal of $2.5 million to further enhance LHSC’s ultrasound facilities and recruit more sonographers. With $1.37 million already secured, significant strides have been made but there is still a gap to bridge.
Continued support will ensure LHSC remains at the forefront of medical imaging technology. By investing in the obstetrical ultrasound department, you will help attract and train top talent to follow in the footsteps of extraordinary sonographers like Natasha.
Expect the unexpected
Throughout her career, Natasha has encountered numerous cases underscoring the unexpected and complex nature of the human body.
She once encountered one patient with organs flipped from their normal positions. A few patients have also discovered they have three functioning kidneys.
If you would like to learn more or support LHSC’s obstetrical ultrasound department program’s $2.5 million goal, please contact:
Tracy Burwell| Senior Development Officer | London Health Sciences Foundation | 226.377.8780 | tracy.burwell@lhsc.on.ca