AIUM develops online portal to assist integration of ultrasound into medical school curricula

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine's (AIUM's) Ultrasound in Medical Education Interest Group has developed an online portal to assist those with an interest in integrating ultrasound into medical school curricula. The portal, found at http://meded.aium.org/, is designed to be a collaborative clearinghouse of resources and includes a mentor program; educational resources; and a tool kit that features curriculum examples, links to online lectures, sample proficiency assessments, tips on discussions with medical school leadership, instructor pools, equipment, and more.

AIUM President Steven R. Goldstein, MD, states: "Future physicians will be expected to be familiar with the use of ultrasound in their clinical practice, regardless of specialty. At this time, medical educators have a unique and timely opportunity to use ultrasound at the bedside as an innovative teaching modality in the undergraduate medical curriculum."

Using ultrasound as a teaching tool enhances traditional educational methods and brings concepts to life by looking inside the body at anatomic structures and organ systems. In addition, students become comfortable and proficient with ultrasound techniques, thus preparing them for diagnostic and clinical use for future training. Medical students from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine share their first-hand experience learning with ultrasound through video interviews that are available on the portal.

David Bahner, MD, RDMS, chair of the AIUM's Ultrasound in Medical Education Interest Group, shares his vision for the portal: "A handful of medical schools have fully integrated ultrasound into their programs, and more are currently in the process at varying stages. A tremendous amount of work goes into an endeavor such as this, but as more schools embark on this effort, more experience can be shared so each school does not need to re-create the wheel for every step of the way. The portal was created to facilitate the sharing of resources and help shape the next generation of clinicians who use point-of-care ultrasound."