The strong association the stereotypical Einstein-like caricature retains with science cannot be shaken (try typing ‘scientist’ into Google Images). Nevertheless, the image of science is evolving…thanks to shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and the inclusion of Tim Berners-Lee in the opening ceremony of the Olympics earlier this year, science is starting to infiltrate the public domain. Furthermore, for those of us wishing to pursue a career in science, job opportunities are rife. Whether you are a keen chemist, a promising physicist or even a budding biologist, there are no shortages of jobs to take your fancy.

In addition, a Google image search of ‘ultrasound’ retrieves a whole range of images of the foetus/pregnant women. It is also not uncommon to see pictures of ultrasound images posted on Facebook or Twitter, expectant mothers proudly displaying their unborn child to the world. However, just as it is unfair to solely associate science with Einstein (what about the biologists and chemists?), it is also not correct to exclusively associate ultrasound with pregnancy as the stereotype would suggest.

Previous articles have described the variety of roles ultrasonography can play in daily life, not just during pregnancy. The term ‘medical ultrasonography’ reveals a number of further diverse applications for ultrasound imaging. These applications are not just applicable to humans, but are also likely to play roles within the field of veterinary ultrasound. By way of examples, medical ultrasonography encompasses the use of ultrasound in anesthesiology, cardiology and thrombosonography. In brief, anaesthesiologists can use ultrasound to aid in the directing of anaesthetic-loaded needles in close proximity to nerve tissue, heart dilatation and function can be measured using ultrasound imaging and finally, ultrasonography can be used as a method by which to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Needless to say, this list is by no means exhaustive, and states just some of the uses ultrasound imaging can play within this field.

Although it is reasonable to assume that ultrasound will remain inextricably linked to pregnancy (even in the veterinary field, it's most often what a breeder may associate the use of ultrasound with), it is equally as important to raise awareness of the alternative uses for this important technique. It is therefore easy to see that not unlike the field of science, the choice of jobs within the field of ultrasound is seemingly endless, with future research sure to throw up additional uses for ultrasonography.