title: A pilot study of comprehensive ultrasound education at the Wayne State University School of Medicine: a pioneer year review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ultrasound is a versatile diagnostic modality used in a variety of medical fields. Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) is one of the first medical schools in the United States to integrate an ultrasound curriculum through both basic science courses and clinical clerkships.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2006, 25 portable ultrasound units were donated to WSUSOM. First-year medical students were provided an ultrasound curriculum consisting of 6 organ-system sessions that addressed the basics of ultrasound techniques, anatomy, and procedural skills. After the last session, students were administered 2 anonymous and voluntary evaluations. The first assessed their overall experience with the ultrasound curriculum, and the second assessed their technical skills in applying ultrasound techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-three percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that their experience with ultrasound education was positive. On the summative evaluation, nearly 91% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they would benefit from continued ultrasound education throughout their 4 years of medical school. Student performance on the technical assessment was also very positive, with mean class performance of 87%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As residency programs adopt ultrasound training, medical school faculty should consider incorporating ultrasound education into their curriculum. Portable ultrasound has the potential to be used in many different settings, including rural practice sites and sporting events. The WSUSOM committee's pilot ultrasound curriculum will continue to use student feedback to enhance the ultrasound experience, helping students prepare for challenges that they will face in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors.forename: Sishir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Lodewijk
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van Holsbeeck
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Musial
authors.forename: Alton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: J Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bouffard
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bridge
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dulchavsky
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D019212:Multimedia; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D012577:Schools, Medical; D014463:Ultrasonography