In the fall of 2000, Jennifer Burton took her first steps onto Mohawk College's newly opened Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University campus, as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (DCS) student. This fall, the program turns 25, and Jennifer now walks the same halls as a faculty member.
"Being part of the first full-time DCS graduating cohort and now being the program coordinator at the 25-year milestone is a huge feeling of excitement and renewed passion," says Jennifer. "I am so proud of this program, having graduated and come full circle to teach in it and helping it grow through the years."
After graduation, Jennifer began her career working part-time at Hamilton General Hospital and Brantford General Hospital while raising her family. In 2004, she returned to the college as a scan instructor and professor. That step began a new chapter in her professional journey one that has allowed her to shape the next generation of cardiac sonographers.
Starting Sonography Week 2025 (October 6-10) and continuing throughout the fall, Jennifer, as program coordinator and professor, will be celebrating the program that launched her career.
Her colleagues, classmates and former students also reflect on the program's twenty-five years of education in the life-saving field of cardiac imaging.
A strong foundation
The program has grown significantly since its inception, but its reputation for quality was evident from the start.
One of Jennifer's classmates, Nadia Bozzo credits the program with significantly impacting her career. "It created a path into the ultrasound world where I worked clinically, learned from incredible cardiologists and sonographers and fell in love with how technology could impact patient care," she said. Now, as a product manager at GE Healthcare Canada, Nadia stays connected to the college by sitting on the Cardiac Diagnostic Program Advisory Committee and returning to speak to current students.
A 2015 graduate (and one of Jennifer's former students), Paul Zavaglia continues to partner with the program in his role as clinical applications manager - ultrasound at Philips. "I can't say enough positive things about the program and the massive impact it's had on my career," he says. "Staying involved as an industry partner has been an equally wonderful experience."
Looking back, Jennifer recalls the engaging lectures by faculty pioneers such as Marg Barrie, who turned a weekly four-hour lecture into a memorable learning experience through her passion for the field.
Faculty excellence has remained a hallmark of the program.
Long-time faculty member Judy Jones, who specializes in teaching about congenital heart disease, sees the college's ability to stay current with the latest technology as an advantage to both faculty and students. "We have a state-of-the-art scan lab and simulation lab where students can practice on lifelike mannequins with a beating heart," she says. "I am proud to be part of a program invested in students and inevitably in providing better outcomes in healthcare for patients and their families."
Program achievements and milestones
Over the past 25 years, the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program has achieved several milestones that reflect both its local and global impact:
- Expanding access: The program has welcomed sponsored students from across Canada to address shortages of cardiac sonographers in underserved regions.
- Meeting demand: A second intake has been added to keep pace with growing labour market needs. Students can now begin their studies in the spring and fall.
- Advancing research: Faculty members have spearheaded award-winning research in cardiac sonography education, contributing to the profession internationally.
- Global health initiatives: Through a partnership with the University of Guyana and Georgetown Public Hospital Institute of Health Sciences Education department, the program has provided education in cardiac sonography abroad and created international learning opportunities for students and faculty.
While the program's core structure a fast-track, four-semester model has remained consistent since 2000, innovation has been a constant driver of growth. The program has invested in high-fidelity simulation equipment, giving students hands-on experience with complex case scenarios, preparing them for real-world practice.
In 2024, a research team that included faculty members Babitha Thampinathan, Jacqueline Wheatley, and Jennifer Burton won international recognition at the 35th Annual American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Scientific Sessions. The team took home the Brian Haluska Sonographer Research Award, previously won by Yale University and the Mayo Clinic, demonstrating the world-class education and research offered at Mohawk College.
Babitha Thampinathan reflects on receiving the prestigious award as a surreal and humbling moment. "[It] showcased the calibre of research at Mohawk College," she says. "It reminded me why I'm passionate about this work. Research not only advances echocardiography and patient care, but it also creates meaningful opportunities for our students and faculty to lead and inspire."
The project that gives Jennifer her biggest sense of accomplishment is the global health collaboration in Guyana. "It offers educational opportunities in cardiac sonography for students in Guyana and at Mohawk College. [It] allows me to continue my passion to help cardiac patients globally."
The future of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program
As the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program celebrates its 25th anniversary, Jennifer sees the milestone not just as a chance to look back, but as an opportunity to look forward.
"This program has always been unique strong from the start, but never afraid to evolve," she says. "What excites me most is knowing that our graduates are making a real difference in the lives of cardiac patients, both here in Canada and around the world."
With a quarter century of success behind it and a vision for continued innovation and global engagement, Mohawk College's Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program stands as a model of excellence in healthcare education and a proud legacy for the college, its alumni and faculty.
