Hayley O. Bartkus joined The Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging Faculty in 2023 as Director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Hayley’s sonography story began at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she graduated first-generation cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2017. Hayley credits her passion for ultrasound education to her faculty at RIT, having gone on to earn a Master of Science in Health Professions Education from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2022, where she is now proud to also serve on the faculty of her graduate program. Passionate about pulse-waves and patient-centered care, Hayley is committed to advancing the field of diagnostic medical sonography with a mission to improve patient outcomes through her advocacy and work as an educator, sonographer, and host of her podcast 256 Shades of Gray.

Hayley began her professional career in the radiology department at Albany Medical Center in 2017. In 2018, she returned to her home city of Philadelphia, where she continued in the general and pediatric specialties before transitioning to high-risk obstetric sonography at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. During her time at UPenn, Hayley participated in cutting-edge clinical research, including uterine transplantation and medical device trials for pelvic floor wellness, while also helping align resident and advanced practice provider ultrasound education.

Honored as RIT College of Health Sciences & Technology’s 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipient, AS Software’s 2023 Sonography Impact Community Advocate Award recipient, and selected as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s 2024 Annual Conference keynote speaker, Hayley continues to pursue her mission of advocacy for equitable, evidence-based, patient-centered medical care, with a strong emphasis on the vital role of sonographers and the importance of high-quality ultrasonic imaging.