Ultrasound in the Department
We currently have three ultrasound systems for emergency medicine resident training.
These systems are equipped with linear, phased, curvilinear, and endocavitary array transducers.
Ultrasound Curriculum:
A vertical ultrasound curriculum has been developed for the residency, with specific goals and objectives for each year of training. By the completion of this program, residents will be able to fully integrate the latest emergency ultrasound technique into their daily practice.
Interns: The emphasis during the first year is on ultrasound physics and knobology, basics of ultrasound scanning techniques, including proper probe handling, transducer orientation, and improving hand-eye-coordination. First year residents also have opportunities for scanning while rotating in the ED. They also participate in a two day ultrasound course during the June didactic month, to reinforce what has been taught during the year, as well as introduce them to more advanced topics and scanning techniques.
Junior Residents: The second year is dedicated to a systems based approach to ultrasound training. Residents participate in didactic lectures during grand rounds in the areas of abdominal, cardiac, vascular, procedural applications, musculoskeletal, renal, trauma, and obstetrics and gynecology. Residents also participate in small group sessions to further improve their skills in image acquisition and interpretation. Limited bedside studies are encouraged as part of patient evaluation, which may then warrant the need for formal studies by the radiology department. Residents are encouraged to document their bedside exams for formal review by the ultrasound coordinator. The goal in the second year is to obtain at least five adequate images each in OB, cardiac, abdominal (gall bladder), abdominal aorta, renal, trauma. With the current emphasis on improving the quality of care provided to our patients, the use of ultrasound is also encouraged in procedural applications including, paracentesis, thoracentesis, central line access (internal jugular vein), evaluation of abscess, arthrocentesis and nerve blocks. Residents are to demonstrate competence with ultrasound during these procedures.
Senior Residents: Third year residents are to complete their required ultrasound scans as recommended by the residency review committee (RRC) for emergency medicine. A minimum of forty adequate scans have to be completed by residents. Residents are also encouraged to participate in or develop new research ideas in the emergency ultrasonography. Musculoskeletal and deep venous thrombosis applications are also introduced in the third year. The Henry Ford Hospital in partnership with General Electric (GE), have initiated a program to train medical students at the Wayne state medical school in bedside ultrasonography. This involves donating about fifty GE Logic E ultrasound systems for teaching, worth about $5M. Residents have an opportunity to teach medical students, as well as improving on their skills in the use of this diagnostic modality.
The Simulation Center provides educational support to practice and learn new techniques on patients models or mannequins specifically designed for the development of US skills.