Incorporation of Ultrasound Education Into Medical School Curricula: Survey of Directors of Medical Student Education in Radiology

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: This study aimed to determine the degree of involvement of radiologists in ultrasound education in medical schools in the United States.

Materials and methods: An online survey was sent to 129 directors of medical student education in radiology, identified by the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology. Each survey recipient represented a unique medical school.

Results: There was a 31% survey completion rate. Radiology education was incorporated into the majority of respondents' medical school curricula (95%). Ultrasound images were used in preclinical education in the majority of schools (76%). Students were trained to perform hands-on ultrasound examinations in half of schools (49%), and a minority of schools offered a dedicated point-of-care ultrasound elective (14%). Radiology and emergency medicine were the most involved departments in teaching ultrasound to medical students (88% and 75% of medical schools, respectively).

Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging was incorporated into the curricula of most of the responding medical schools, although actual hands-on training was less widespread.

Keywords: education; point-of-care; ultrasound.