Point-of-care ultrasound training in infectious diseases: Educational models, challenges, and multi-sectoral roles

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential diagnostic and procedural adjunct in infectious disease practice, providing real-time bedside evaluation that improves patient outcomes. Despite its clinical relevance, broad implementation faces educational challenges, including limited access to hands-on training, inconsistent curricular integration, and lack of standardized certification pathways across all stages of medical education. This review frames POCUS education as a longitudinal, progressive pathway starting with foundational exposure in undergraduate medical curricula and advancing through competency-based postgraduate training, continuing professional development, and formal credentialing. Key educational frameworks such as G.O.O.S.E. and I-AIM structure the acquisition of both technical imaging skills and clinical integration, fostering critical ultrasound competence. Various stakeholders contribute to this continuum: medical schools form the foundational base; private sector programs fill training gaps using innovative educational approaches including immersive workshops, simulation, blended learning, and small-group pathology-focused sessions; and scientific societies provide leadership by defining standards, supporting collaborative research, and advocating for formalized training and certification. These innovative training modalities enable flexible, practical skill acquisition tailored to evolving clinical needs and diverse practice environments, accelerating learners' progression toward competent, autonomous ultrasound use. Such approaches are especially valuable in resource-limited settings or where traditional academic resources are constrained. Sustained multisectoral collaboration among academic institutions, private educators, scientific societies, and regulatory bodies is vital to ensure accessible, effective, and equitable POCUS training worldwide. By outlining this comprehensive educational roadmap and recognizing ongoing innovations, this review aims to guide the integration of POCUS into infectious disease care, ultimately improving global patient outcomes.