Implementation of Ultrasound in Anatomy Education

The use of different ways to view the body has always been associated with anatomy. With advancing technology, the use of ultrasound has become more portable and accessible as a way for students to learn anatomy. Moreover, ultrasound's direct clinical context makes it an important skill that students need to acquire and be competent in, not only after graduation but on clinical placements as a student. There does appear to be a learned skill in being able to interpret ultrasound images and to be able to relate the anatomy seen to existing anatomical knowledge. In addition, there is a learned skill in being able to correctly hold the ultrasound probe and gain clear images. Because ultrasound use and interpretation is a skill it therefore needs to be taught as part of undergraduate medical and allied health care professional education. A key to successful training is regular teaching sessions distributed longitudinally throughout the curriculum with active, hands-on learning time being the focus of any teaching session.