Valvular Heart Disease Expert Insights for Sonographers with Dr. Judy Hung

In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Dr. Judy Hung (Mass General Hospital, Boston) for a candid, sonographer-focused conversation on valvular heart disease—and why high-quality echocardiography drives real clinical decisions in today’s structural heart era. Dr. Hung shares what drew her to valve disease through the lens of physiology and hemodynamics, and why echo is the frontline tool for determining whether stenosis or regurgitation is truly hemodynamically significant. The discussion dives into common valve-assessment pitfalls—like failing to chase the highest aortic stenosis gradients with multiple windows, skipping the non-imaging (Pedoff) probe, and missing key steps in MR quantification (zoom, baseline shift, and PISA setup). They also unpack how echo data influences heart team decisions for TAVR, why sonographer training and career pathways matter for retention, and how the profession may evolve with AI-assisted measurements and improving 3D transthoracic imaging—without replacing the need for skilled sonographers. Plus: a few fun rapid-fire moments (equitherapy “donkeys,” talking to chickens, and an echo myth Dr. Hung is ready to retire for good). If you’re ready to level up your valve game—this one’s for you. 💜💙🩵