World Congress Messages

I attended the 1st World Congress on Ultrasound in Medical Education and it was really interesting.  Here is some food for thought:

• There are currently 4 medical schools here in the US that are using ultrasound in their curriculum during all four years.  Ultrasound is used to aid in teaching normal anatomy and physiology, pathology and pathophysiology in the first two years.  Third year students are taught clinical diagnosis with the aid of portable ultrasound during their clinicals.  Senior medical students are mentoring those in lower classes, performing research projects in US, and completing specialized electives in US.  Check out these two schools who are leading this charge:  University of South Carolina US Curriculum & University of California at Irvine US Curriculum
• The University of South Carolina has their own Ultrasound Education Center that allows students to spend time in the lab practicing and even allows them to check out machines and phantoms for further study.  Wow!!!
• Other medical schools are incorporating US into workshops and preparation for the clinical years, teaching their students ultrasound guided line placement and basic scan protocols such as the FAST or RUSH exam.
• Portable US can be used just about anywhere: many international groups are using portable US to reduce the risk of maternal mortality in third world countries where it is highest and they are seeing real differences in the lives of the people they serve.  Others presented US uses in austere environments such as disaster sites, like Haiti, high altitude locals, such as climbing base stations, and even the International Space Station.
• Although there is not an International consensus on ultrasound use, we are heading in that direction.  As more and more non-radiologists are performing POC US, standards for its use are a must.  Interestingly enough, ACEP was recognized as one of the earliest governing medical bodies to create a consensus statement and create guidelines for its use.

Lastly, this conference has inspired me to continue my "Ultrasound Evangelism" and I plan to continue to spread the message of point of care US.  I hope to incorporate it into the medical student rotation this coming academic year.  Any residents who would like to help, please let me know!