Echo Department

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a complex imaging technique that relies on the experience and training of both the physician and sonographer. Their interpretive and technical abilities determine the diagnostic accuracy of an echocardiographic examination.

Cardiac structure and flow information provided by echocardiographic testing is useful in the detection and management of many types of heart disease. This noninvasive test has become one of the standard diagnostic tools in cardiology.

ICAEL Accreditation

The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) has developed an accreditation program which evaluates the quality of the critical elements of an echocardiography laboratory. Pediatric Cardiology Associates, PC has been granted accreditation by ICAEL and was one of the first one thousand echocardiography laboratories in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be so recognized for its commitment to high quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing.

Dr. Sharon S. Karr is the Medical Director for our ICAEL accredited laboratory. Susan Dziedzic is the Technical Director of the Echocardiography Department.

The Cardiac Sonographer Team

Our highly experienced sonographer staff is registered in pediatric echocardiography.  To become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer, with special credentialing for pediatric cardiology, each sonographer completed a rigorous curriculum and passed a difficult examination.  The department strives for exceptional quality care, requiring ongoing continuing education while also incorporating best practices from top echo labs in the country. The department participates in various research studies and continues to be a resource to the health care community in training other sonographers.

Susan Dziedzic, RDCS, FASE

Sue is a cardiac sonographer and the Technical Director of the Echocardiography Department. She is registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in pediatric, fetal and adult echocardiography and is a Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography. Her professional interests include pediatric and fetal echo, with continuing education focused on new advances in the field both locally and abroad. Sue has been part of the Pediatric Cardiology Associates team since 1994. She enjoys family time with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchild as well as personal interests including yoga, reading, gardening, swimming, ballet and Washington National’s baseball. 

Shaomei Jin, MBBS, RDCS, FASE

Shaomei is a cardiac sonographer registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in pediatric, fetal, and adult echocardiography and is a Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography. She has a MBBS degree from China and graduated from the University of Maryland Ultrasound Program. She worked at the Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital for almost 10 years before joining Pediatric Cardiology Associates in 2006. Her professional interests are in fetal and pediatric echocardiography. She enjoys classical music, hiking, and spending time with family. She also speaks fluent Chinese.

Angelina Vaughn, RDCS

Angie is a cardiac sonographer registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in adult, pediatric and fetal echocardiogram.  She has specialized in pediatric echocardiogram since 1997. Angie spent several years in the Inova Health System and joined Pediatric Cardiology Associates in 2009. She enjoys time with family.

Laura Hoye, RDCS, RDMS

Laura is a cardiac sonographer registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in pediatric and adult echocardiography, as well as OB/Gyn and abdominal sonography. Laura attended Johns Hopkins Hospital Sonography Program and has an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology from Montgomery College. Laura’s experience began in 1988 at Children’s National Medical Center, performing pediatric and fetal echocardiography, as well as assisting with research projects. In 1997, she began working with Pediatric Cardiology Associates, again utilizing her skills in pediatric, fetal and adult congenital echo. More recently, Laura has also been working at Inova Fairfax Hospital, keeping current in her congenital heart disease skills in cases needing immediate intervention. With her background in obstetrical scanning, fetal echo remains a very high interest of hers. She also enjoys playing tennis, musicals, movies and volunteers for “Make-A-Wish” events. Another very interesting and unique fact is Laura had the opportunity to echo a panda bear at the zoo!

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