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Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to know聽more of our featured grads.

In this Convocation Q&A, learn about Becky Foster of Mount Hanley, N.S., this year's recipient of the University Medal in Health Sciences with a specialization in diagnostic medical ultrasound. The medal is awarded to the student with the highest academic standing in a department, school, or faculty, among graduates of diploma and baccalaureate programs.

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

There has always been something about health care and its environment that has motivated me to dream big and work hard.

From ages two to 18, I was a patient in the IWK ultrasound department. In my last ultrasound as an IWK patient, I asked the technologist about her work. She explained what diagnostic medical ultrasound truly involved and told me about the Dal program

I went home, researched it, and instantly knew I had found my calling. What drew me in鈥攁nd continues to motivate me is the intricacy of the profession, which isn鈥檛 always apparent from the outside. The job demands a wide range of skills, along with dedication and constant practice. Every day offers new learning opportunities, whether in school or in clinical practice, and all of it contributes to the care we provide to patients.

What was a moment at Dal that you鈥檒l never forget?

I鈥檒l never forget the ultrasound labs from our third-year vascular course (DMUT 4010).聽We had a new lab location with brand-new ultrasound machines, so walking in each week was always exciting. Our labs were scheduled at the end of the academic day, and it was just the eight of us and our professor.

Each week, we paired up: four of us would scan while the other four acted as patients, then we鈥檇 switch halfway through. While we worked, we also talked about life, school, and everything in between. It became a space where we could slow down, reflect, and support each other.

Who supported you along the way and how?

My mom, and my partner, Ben 鈥� they always reminded me of how capable I was.

My ultrasound professors are the most approachable, understanding, selfless people ever. They were always available to answer a question or just for a good long talk about life. I am so thankful to remain connected with them post-graduation and continue to celebrate my achievements with them as I enter my profession.

My seven ultrasound classmates 鈥� from the CHEB study rooms to the eternal 鈥淯ltrasound Besties鈥� groupchat 鈥� we have gotten each other through every moment of the past four years!

Is there a course/research topic/placement or project that really impacted you?

In my third year, I completed a research course (HSCE 4220) that led me to write a scoping review on the clinical relevance of spina bifida occulta. Under the mentorship of Robert Gilbert and Sherry Chauder, I compiled my findings into a presentation that I delivered as a student presenter at the National Sonography Canada Conference in Halifax in Fall 2023.

Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is generally considered a non-significant incidental finding in diagnostic imaging. I was diagnosed with SBO at a young age, which inspired me to explore the condition further. I quickly discovered that, because it is typically viewed as clinically insignificant, there is a lack of substantial research on its potential long-term effects.

Through this project, I was able to explore what is currently known about SBO and bring awareness to a national audience of sonographers 鈥� professionals who may one day play a key role in its detection. This experience gave me the opportunity to advocate for individuals with SBO, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of its potential clinical relevance.

What does graduating mean to you?

As a student who has often struggled with self-doubt and spent too much time questioning her own worth, graduating represents a moment of grace 鈥� permission to feel confident and proud of myself, without hesitation.

For me, graduation is more than a milestone. It鈥檚 a celebration of who I was, who I am, and who I鈥檓 becoming. And I鈥檓 deeply grateful to have this opportunity to recognize and reflect on how meaningful that journey has been.

What is next for you?

At the end of my third year, I earned my credential in general ultrasound and accepted my first position as a sonographer in Alberta. I鈥檝e been living here since last summer, completing the final year of my degree while working both online and in the vascular lab to specialize in vascular ultrasound and earn my vascular credential.

As one of the past Student Advisors on the Sonography Canada Board of Directors, I was recently invited to continue my involvement with Sonography Canada as a member of the Strategic Planning Working Group, where I help shape a future-focused strategy that will benefit members for years to come.

As I continue to grow as a sonographer, I鈥檓 actively combining my clinical skills with research to help educate others and contribute to competent, evidence-based care for patients.

What makes this career truly special is that it not only gives me fulfillment but allows me to have a meaningful impact on the lives of my patients by doing so 鈥� an impact I know firsthand, having experienced the care and dedication of ultrasound technologists as a patient myself.