To what degree do residents gain experience in bedside ultrasound?
The use of ultrasound has become an integral part of the practice of Emergency Medicine. Ultrasound techniques and utilization are practiced throughout all of the clinical Emergency Departments at which residents train. A designated month of ultrasound training is also incorporated into the clinical curriculum for each year of residency. The Focused Assessment of Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is utilized in the initial evaluation of every trauma patient at Shock Trauma. Residents become adept at both ultrasound-guided peripheral and central venous access, as well as incorporating ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of the aorta, hepatobiliary system, heart, kidneys, gravid uterus, and soft tissue. Ultrasound is utilized in virtually all acute resuscitations, including cardiopulmonary arrest. University of Maryland also offers an ultrasound fellowship training program.
