Friday, 12 September 2025
Interview with ASA Grant Recipients: Turning Ideas into Evidence
The ASA Grants Program is more than financial support, it’s an investment in the future of sonography. We spoke with two of last year’s recipients, Dr Paul Stoodley and Chris Gilmore,FASA, about their projects, their experiences, and how the grants helped turn ideas into reality.
Can you tell us about your projects?
Paul:
"Novices Learning Echo and Abdominal Sonography (NOLEAS)" is designed to give a better understanding of how novices develop ultrasound image acquisition and optimisation skills. In the setting of cardiac and vascular sonography, we are trialling two learning models: in the first, image acquisition and optimisation are learnt simultaneously; in the second, the skills are learnt separately and then combined. Additionally, we are examining how the inherent mental rotation skills of all participants influence their learning.
Chris: My project, “Sonographer administration of local anaesthetic (LA) prior to ultrasound guidance of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC): A clinical audit”, focuses on a really exciting clinical practice that has been occurring at our workplace for some years, where sonographers use ultrasound to guide an interventional procedure in vascular access. It wasn’t widely known, and there had been a plan to eventually publish on the practice.
How did the ASA Grant support your projects, practically or professionally?
Paul:
In the grant application, we presented the promising results of our pilot research. Being awarded the grant has enabled us to dedicate more time to the project and build upon the preliminary findings.
Chris:
Support from the ASA was very important. Of course, the funding helped resource the time for the project, but more importantly, the ASA brand gave credibility. Knowing that the project was supported by ASA meant that its impact for the sonography profession would be maximised.
"Support from the ASA was very important. Of course, the funding helped resource the time for the project, but more importantly, the ASA brand gave credibility"
What impact has your project had so far, or what impact do you hope it will have?
Paul:
We aim to better understand, enrich, and accelerate sonography education. In doing so, we hope to positively impact workforce capability and ultimately patient care.
Chris:
With the project transcribed to written form and accepted for publication, the impact so far has been limited to the small number of sonographers who were involved at the investigating site. The hope is that, with publication, these findings can reach a wider audience and inspire other sonographers to share their stories and showcase their excellence in scientific endeavours
What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
Paul:
Prior to funding, our pilot research was carried out by several people over a number of years. Receiving ASA support has enabled us to dedicate more time and resources to the project, which wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. As a result, we’ve achieved more progress in the past six months than in the previous several years combined. This has been particularly rewarding, as we can now share with those involved in the earlier pilot work that their contributions laid the foundation for more focused and impactful research.
Chris:
For me, the most rewarding part of the experience was being able to work with co-investigators who share a passion for projects like this. Collaboration is great!
"If you have a strong research idea, I encourage you to apply. The application process itself helps refine and strengthen proposals and may even lead to receiving an award."
What would you say to other sonographers thinking about applying for an ASA Grant?
Paul:
The ASA Grant provides an important opportunity for sonographers to become more actively involved in clinical research. If you have a strong research idea, I encourage you to apply. The application process itself helps refine and strengthen proposals and may even lead to receiving an award.
Chris:
Apply for an ASA Grant not only to get financial assistance, but also to gain support from the ASA organisation through its network of sonographers. Use the timelines to drive your project forward and deliver it on time for maximum impact.
Applications for the 2025 ASA Research and Clinical Audit Grants are now open. Whether you’re curious about starting a project or ready to refine your protocol, visit our website to learn more and apply today.