How we started an elective in emergency bedside ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Bedside ultrasonography use is increasing in emergency medicine and other specialties.
• There is a growing need to train medical students in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, launch, and management of an ultrasound elective course.
• To address the need for medical student training in ultrasonography applications and interpretation.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a structured ultrasound elective curriculum.
• Focus on practical skills-building and interpretation of ultrasound findings.

Main Results:

• The ultrasound elective at the University of Maryland School of Medicine was successfully launched and managed.
• The course has been well-received by medical students.

Conclusions:

• The developed ultrasound elective provides a successful model for medical student training.
• Expansion of the course content and skills-building opportunities to other venues is being explored.