Royal North Shore Hospital sonographer Linda Thebridge has received the Australian Sonographer Association Award for NSW Sonographer of the Year for 2023.

Linda is the section chief of the vascular ultrasound unit at the hospital and is currently completing her PhD at The University of Sydney investigating the use of intra-operative ultrasound in renal transplant surgery. She said it was a huge honour to receive the accolade. 

Linda and the team at the vascular ultrasound unit cover a range of dedicated specialties including acute spinal patients, severe burns, trauma, reconstructive plastic surgery, neonatal intensive care, vascular and cardiovascular surgery, and oncology.

“I am passionate about turning quality research into clinical outcomes and am currently investigating the effectiveness of the protocol I have developed and implemented in my determination that ultrasound should be used in the interests of best patient outcomes,” Linda said.

Associate Professor of Medical Imaging at the University of Sydney Dr Jillian Clarke supported Linda’s nomination for the award.

“It takes a special sonographer to have the courage to stand strong amongst a team of surgeons and use your ultrasound expertise to guide them in theatre, and Linda excels at this and teaches others to do so,” Jillian said.

“Linda is passionate about contributing to the profession, regularly trains sonography students, and fosters research in her department.”