We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dawn Puentes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dawn below.

Alright, Dawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

The degree program for becoming a sonographer was intense & demanding. I remember being told by the director that this program was going to be a full time job in and of itself. The program was highly competitive, but it gave me such a well rounded education & understanding for my career. I was ready to hit the ground running immediately after graduation. I’m thankful everyday that I was able to attend such a reputable program.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

A little more about me? Well, to be honest sonography was never on my radar throughout high school & early college. I always knew I would do something in the medical field (family doctor, nurse, surgeon, something amazing), with the exception of the detour into marine biology & marine mammal training. After a couple years of doing basic college courses, I decided to take a small break from college and just work until I figured out exactly what I wanted to do. I mean come on, there are SO many options out there. How is one to choose? I landed an amazing job at an animal clinic, right up my alley because I’m an avid animal lover. I was working as a vet assistant. I remember my interview took place during a surgery. How cool is that? I loved what I was doing, and thought about becoming a veterinary technologist. One day, we had another veterinary doctor come in and perform an ultrasound on a cat. I was intrigued. It was amazing that we could clear as day view the internal organs and identify any abnormalities without an invasive procedure. So, after that, I started doing my research. I read all about what a career in sonography was, what the career prospects were and how to get started. I had to find an accredited program, which thankfully I found right at home in Corpus Christi, TX. And from there the rest is history. I fell in love with the path I chose. I chose an amazing career that helps patients in so many ways, and always presents me with opportunities to continue learning.

After working in the hospital for years, I decided to start a family. It was at this time, that the idea of opening my own sonography business emerged. I have a whole plan for where I want to take my business. Currently, we offer non-diagnostic 3D imaging for pregnant women. Down the road I would love and plan to expand to include full diagnostic imaging. But, one step at a time. Right now, the focus is on creating wonderful memories & putting smiles on my patient’s faces. What sets myself & my business apart from others is my drive, my ethics, and my open hearted character. My patients can come in expecting a exuberant, light hearted, and quite often educational ultrasound experience all in the comfort of their home. And this is an important one, they can feel confident knowing that they are in the hands of someone that is passionate and educated in the field and will always put safe practices as top priority.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This is actually a current story. Being a new small business is tough, but doing it in an economic recession is a formidable task. We have a unique niche, but with the economy in it’s current state, it has been extremely difficult to get going so to speak and to gain clientele and presence in the community. But, that has not stopped me, and it won’t. Every single day, I am thinking of new ways to advertise, and looking for events and opportunities to participate in to get my company noticed. I know that eventually, we’ll be prosperous and that continues my drive.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I have thought about this many times. If I could go back, would I do it all again the same way. Or, should I “go back” and learn a new profession. Thinking back, there is a part of me that would have loved to follow desire to work more with animals, but I am a firm believer that things happen the way they are meant to be. And with that, I think I would still end up in sonography. It’s a field that allows me to make a difference, and balance work & family life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.firstpeekathome.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstpeek3dultrasounds/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstPeek3DUltrasounds
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-puentes-10b3321b6/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstpeek3dultrasounds

Image Credits
JBTX Photography & Calvin Pennick JR Photography