Point-of-Care Applications of Ultrasound (PoCUS)
The resident ultrasound education is a longitudinal curriculum embedded throughout various rotations from CA1-CA3 training years. Below is a description of activities by year. The ultrasound curriculum is both rapidly evolving and expanding based on resident feedback and to meet educational needs in this growing field.
CA-1
Residents receive an introductory lecture series that provides a basis for FoCUS (Focused Cardiovascular Ultrasound) training. The CA-1 PACU and preoperative clinic rotations include extensive hours of hands-on ultrasound patient scanning, image acquisition and review sessions with an ultrasound faculty attending. By the conclusion of a scheduled two-week, individual training period, CA1 residents are required to demonstrate mastery over basic cardiac image acquisition and interpretation of normal cardiac function.
CA-2/CA-3
During the intensive care unit rotation, residents participate in a series of lectures focused on cardiac pathology, fluid status, hemodynamic monitoring and ultrasound evaluation of patients in shock. In addition, weekly ultrasound rounds with a faculty attending and cardiac ultrasonographer provide residents with hands-on ultrasound training and tips for acquiring difficult-to-obtain views in critically ill patients. On the obstetrical rotation, residents participate in lectures and hands-on training to gain expertise in pulmonary ultrasound.
CA-3
For senior residents, advanced ultrasound lectures are available as part of the senior lecture series. They additionally revisit pathophysiologic states in the context of FoCUS in the intensive care unit. Lastly, senior residents on their perioperative medicine rotation are given personalized, 1:1 ultrasound scanning sessions with a faculty attending to focus on an ultrasound area of choice that best supports their career goals.