Learning Objectives

Understand the limitations of ejection fraction as a standalone metric in the evaluation of cardiac function.
Recognize how mitral regurgitation affects the interpretation of ejection fraction and forward flow.
Implement an integrated approach to echocardiographic assessments that includes multiple metrics and clinical context.

Meet Our Presenter

Desiree Lerma

Memorial Hermann Hospital, Center for Advanced Heart Failure, Houston, TX, USA

Desiree Lerma, MSHL, ACS, RCS, RVS, FASE, is an Advanced Cardiac Sonographer and clinical educator with more than 12 years of experience in cardiovascular ultrasound, including advanced heart failure, structural heart disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy within high-acuity tertiary care settings. She holds the Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) credential and is a Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE). Her clinical practice includes advanced echocardiographic quantification, complex hemodynamic assessment, and preliminary interpretive reporting for physician review. She is also actively involved in practice-based education, protocol standardization, competency development, and quality improvement to strengthen clinical reasoning and technical performance in echocardiography.

Desiree earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership with a concentration in Teaching from Oregon Institute of Technology. Her scholarly and professional interests focus on cardiac sonographer clinical readiness, workforce development, professional development, mentorship, and career sustainability. She is actively involved in professional service through the American Society of Echocardiography, including committee participation, mentorship, educational resource review, and initiatives supporting the advancement of the cardiac sonography profession.

Learning Objectives

Meet Our Presenter

Desiree Lerma

Test your knowledge

Beyond EF: When Symptoms Don’t Match the Ejection Fraction – Desiree Lerma

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