MS1 Ultrasound Curriculum

The MS1 ultrasound curriculum is part of our gross anatomy program and is taught by second-year medical students in our Ultrasound Student Instructor Cadre (USSIC).

The ultrasound curriculum follows along with the organ systems covered in lecture, which allows MS1s to integrate their didactic knowledge with ultrasound imaging. Students are introduced on how to obtain and interpret various images, possible pathologies, and how to integrate ultrasound into a physical exam.

Ultrasound Student Instructor Cadre

The Ultrasound Student Instructor Cadre (USSIC) is made up of MS2 students who receive guidance and training under the mentorship and supervision of the selective faculty advisor. Benefits of the program include:

• Teaching basic ultrasound to MS1 students.
• Learning ultrasound pathology.
• Gaining leadership and research experience.
• Practicing skills that will help students in their third and fourth years and beyond.

USSIC instructors have ongoing teaching responsibilities throughout their MS2 year. MS2s willing to become an active part of this selective must be in good academic standing. Our instructors reflect the involvement, dedication, and enthusiasm being a technical instructor and peer educator requires.

Designated Emphasis

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Designated Emphasis (DE) will provide medical students the opportunity to expand upon their first year gross anatomy curriculum, to enhance their understanding of pathology, diagnostic assessment and procedural skills, while preparing them for an essential technology in the future of medicine. The longitudinal integration of POCUS will provide a scaffolding approach to the implementation ultrasound into the development of a physician:

• MS1 focus: Image acquisition and normal sonographic anatomy.
• MS2 focus: Both teaching image acquisition and anatomy, as well as image interpretation and sonographic pathology.
• MS3 focus: Clinical integration, by focusing on applications and pathology frequently associated with each medical specialty.
• MS4 focus: Aiming for proficiency through a concentrated study of POCUS, with the ability to emphasize its use in a student's chosen medical specialty.

Core Integrated Training in Ultrasound

The mission of the Core Integrated Training in UltraSound (CITrUS) Academy is to promote point of care ultrasound competency (POCUS).

CITrUS offers a unique ultrasound training experience throughout medical school and into the first year of residency training, as well as community outreach education that ranges from premed to medical professionals, including paramedics, physician assistants, residents, and physicians.