AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – After nearly four decades of dedicated service, Sheila Chenoweth, a cherished ultrasound sonographer at Lee OB, is set to retire on August 30th. Known for her exceptional skills and compassionate care, Chenoweth has become a fixture in the lives of countless families during some of their most significant moments.
“I was 25 years old when I came to Lee OB,” recalled Chenoweth, now a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. “It’s been 39 years—39 years as of July 1st.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared how she began in 1985, taking classes, reading books, and teaching herself the intricacies of ultrasound technology.
Throughout her career, Chenoweth performed an impressive number of ultrasounds. “Think about 30 years—I did probably 18 to 20 a day, five days a week,” she noted. Despite the demanding workload, her passion for the job never waned. “I love people. I love meeting different people, and I love babies, of course.”
Chenoweth’s approach to her work was providing the best care possible. However, the emotional aspects of the job were often challenging. “So when we have to tell them something’s abnormal, I’m a crying person, I’m afraid to say. I get really emotional with them, and if they are crying, I’m crying with them. We usually hug.”
The highs and lows of the job were something Chenoweth experienced daily. “It’s a big up-and-down. Some days, when you have too many bad things, you feel like, ‘Okay, I can’t do it anymore.’ You’re like, ‘OK, God, give me some good things.’ And you just have to go on. You never get used to it, which is a good thing—it means I’m still human.”
Over the years, Chenoweth has become a beloved figure not only among patients but also among her colleagues. “She’s just a wonderful ultrasonographer,” said Dr. Rob Marino of Lee OB. “One thing I joke with her about all the time is she’s so good that at some point, I don’t even think she needs the machine anymore—she could just wave her hand over the patient.”
Dr. Marino emphasized how Chenoweth’s calm and reassuring presence made a difference, especially in difficult situations. “You really see her shine when things are perhaps not so good. She’s very calm. She explains things in a lot of ways, and she gets people through the tough times as well as the good times.”
As she prepares to step away from her role, Chenoweth reflected on the fun memories she will carry with her, especially when she gets to tell a couple they are having multiples. “It’s hilarious sometimes to see their faces. ‘You’re lying,’ they say all the time. I’m like, ‘Nope, not lying about that.’ And they are just in shock—I’ve had husbands fall out.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been witnessing the full circle of life. “The best thing is now I am seeing people that I scanned in their mom’s uterus, and I look at them and think, ‘I counted your fingers and your toes. I looked at your heart, and look at you now—you’re having a baby.’ And so life just goes full circle,” said Chenoweth.
The thought of leaving behind the daily interactions with patients weighs heavy on her heart. “I’m going to miss the patients terribly, so it’s gonna be a hard thing to get used to—not coming to work every day.”
In retirement, Chenoweth looks forward to a slower pace. “I’ll sleep a little late. I have an elderly mom, so I’ll spend a little bit more time helping her. And I’ve got seven grandchildren—plenty of things that they are doing.”
Reflecting on her unexpected career path, Chenoweth expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had. “I never in a million years thought I’d be doing ultrasounds. Most of it was self-taught, and the doctors believed in me enough to give me that chance and that opportunity.”
As the Lee OB community reflects on Chenoweth’s departure, it’s impossible to measure just how much she has meant to everyone she has encountered. Even if we counted on all ten fingers and toes—just like Sheila has done for countless babies—we still couldn’t sum up the love and gratitude we feel for her.
