The 2025 awardees represent a range of achievements, from pioneering ultrasound research to advancing clinical practices and training the next generation of professionals.

Key Takeaways:

  1. AIUM to Honor Ultrasound Leaders: The 2025 AIUM Annual Convention will recognize professionals for their contributions to ultrasound research, clinical practice, and education.
  2. Notable Awardees Announced: Honorees include experts in biomedical engineering, radiology, sonography, and medical education, reflecting advancements across the field.
  3. Event Highlights Innovation: The convention will feature discussions on AI-driven diagnostics, hands-on labs, and new clinical applications in ultrasound medicine.

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is set to convene leading practitioners and researchers in ultrasound medicine in Orlando, Fla, from March 29 through April 1 for the 2025 AIUM Annual Convention: The Ultrasound Event. While the event plays host to inspiring discussions, workshops, and presentations, it also serves to honor the achievements and individuals advancing the field of medical imaging and ultrasound.

The multi-day annual convention will conclude on April 1 with a closing ceremony at which AIUM leadership will honor professionals who have made outstanding contributions, innovations, and lasting impacts in the field of ultrasound medicine.

“Each year, our members look forward to gathering and exchanging ideas that drive innovation and shape the future of ultrasound in medicine,” says Richard Hoppmann, MD, FACP, FAIUM, President of the AIUM, who will preside over the awards ceremony, in a release. “This year’s annual convention offers an incredible opportunity to celebrate the top professionals and achievements in our field, and our honorees exemplify an unwavering commitment and passion for advancing medical ultrasound and improving the outcomes and lives of patients around the globe.”

The 2025 awardees represent a diverse range of achievements, from pioneering ultrasound research to advancing clinical practices and training the next generation of professionals. Those that will be honored at this year’s Annual Convention include:

  • William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award – Kathy R. Nightingale, PhD: The William J. Fry Memorial Award will be presented to Kathy R. Nightingale, PhD, for her contributions to the scientific progress of medical diagnostic ultrasound. This award honors those who have made significant strides in their specific field within ultrasound. Nightingale is the Theo Pilkington Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University.
  • Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award – Arthur C. Fleischer, MD, FAIUM: The Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award will be presented to Arthur C. Fleischer, MD, FAIUM, who has demonstrated contributions to ultrasound medicine, particularly in clinical research. Fleischer holds the position of Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he also serves as the medical director of ultrasound.
  • Joseph H. Holmes Basic Science Pioneer Award – Diane Dalecki, PhD, FAIUM: The Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award will be given to Diane Dalecki, PhD, FAIUM, for her research in the field of ultrasound and its scientific foundation. Dalecki holds the esteemed position of Kevin J. Parker Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Engineering, serves as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Rochester, and is the director of the Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound.
  • Distinguished Sonographer Award – M. Robert De Jong, Jr., RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM: The Distinguished Sonographer Award will be presented to M. Robert De Jong, Jr, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM, in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of medical ultrasound throughout his career. This award recognizes and honors current or retired AIUM members whose contributions warrant special merit. De Jong owns Bob DeJong, LLC, an ultrasound educational services company based in Rosedale, Maryland.
  • Peter H. Arger Excellence in Medical Student Education Award – Charlotte G. Henningsen, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM: The Peter H. Arger Excellence in Medical Student Education Award will honor Charlotte G. Henningsen, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM, for her efforts and contributions to the development of medical ultrasound education. Henningsen is adjunct faculty at the Center for Advanced Ultrasound Education in the imaging sciences department at AdventHealth University.
  • AIUM Presidential Recognition Awards – Kevin Piro, MD; Michael Blaivas, MD, MBA, FAIUM, FACEP; Yvette Groszmann, MD, MPH, FAIUM: Kevin Piro, MD; Michael Blaivas, MD, MBA, FAIUM, FACEP; and Yvette Groszmann, MD, MPH, FAIUM, will each receive the AIUM Presidential Recognition Award in recognition of their service and contributions to the AIUM and the broader ultrasound community. Piro is an associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. Blaivas is a professor of medicine, affiliate at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine. Groszmann is a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and teaches gynecologic ultrasound to the Brigham and Women’s ob-gyn residents and REI fellows.
  • Carmine M. Valente Distinguished Service Award – Levon N. Nazarian, MD, FAIUM, FACR, FSRU: The Carmine M. Valente Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Levon N. Nazarian, MD, FAIUM, FACR, FSRU, in recognition of his contributions to the field of ultrasound. The AIUM staff and president select an honoree whose longstanding contributions warrant special merit. Nazarian is the chief of the division of musculoskeletal radiology and professor of radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (Secondary).
  • Honorary Fellow Award – Giovanni Volpicelli, MD, FCCP: The Honorary Fellow Award will bestow an honorary membership upon Giovanni Volpicelli, MD, FCCP, who has made contributions to ultrasound on an international scale. Volpicelli is a professor of emergency medicine in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and the Director of the Residency Program in Emergency Medicine at the School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy. He is also the head of the emergency medicine unit at the “Renato Dulbecco” University Hospital in Catanzaro.

The Ultrasound Event 2025 is a forum that brings together practitioners, industry innovators, and newcomers to explore breakthroughs in medical ultrasound. This year’s agenda highlights the latest advances—from cutting-edge clinical applications and AI-driven diagnostics to immersive pre-convention courses and hands-on labs—all designed to spark debate, discovery, and collaboration in advancing patient care.

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