Resident Ultrasound Curriculum

All PGY-1 residents attend an Introduction to Emergency Ultrasound course in July. This course introduces residents to the core topics of emergency ultrasound and includes a hands-on scanning lab. To reinforce the skills that were learned during the introductory course "scanning shifts" with the ultrasound director are included in the July orientation month. It is our belief that resident physicians should begin to integrate supervised bedside ultrasound examinations into clinical decision making as soon as they start residency.

Ultrasound lectures and hands-on skills labs are also included every two months as part of the Grand Rounds curriculum. Secondary ultrasound applications, case presentations and quality improvement discussions are presented during this time.

Ultrasound examinations are reviewed by the ultrasound director for quality and credentialing purposes. Our residency program follows the guidelines for proficiency as set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians. An ultrasound month has been included in the curriculum and may be taken in the PGY-2 or PGY-3 year. It should be noted that this month is not the beginning of the resident's ultrasound experience but rather an opportunity for residents to complete any remaining ultrasound examinations required prior to graduation. Each resident is encouraged to record bedside ultrasound examinations for credentialing purposes during the full course of their residency training.