Required Scans

Residents will be required to perform a minimum of 200 point-of-care ultrasound examinations.  Each scan done of the rotation is reviewed and graded for adequate image acquisition, proper documentation, and correct interpretation of the images obtained.  Failure in any of these areas counts as a failed scan, which does not count against you, but also does not count towards your total 200.

The resident must perform a minimum of...

• 20 cardiac examinations, with attempts to visualize...

  • suprasternal aortic arch

  • apical 5-chamber view

  • apical long view

  • subxiphoid short axis

• 15 biliary examinations

• 15 musculoskeletal examinations, with focus on...

  • fractures

  • joints / effusions

  • ligaments / tendons

• 10 DVT examinations

• 10 ocular examinations

• 10 bowel examinations, with focus on patients with possible or confirmed...

  • appendicitis

  • bowel obstruction

  • diverticulitis

• 10 female pelvic examinations

  • fertility clinic studies do not count towards this total

• 10 thoracic examinations

• 10 abdominal aorta examinations

• 10 renal tract examinations

• 10 successful vascular access examinations

The remaining 70 studies can be of various applications, including extra of any of the above studies.

It is generally recommended to try and complete 10% more scans overall and in each category than is required in anticipation of failing some studies.

While you are expected to complete the minimum number of studies above, meeting these numbers does not mean early completion of the rotation.  A set number of shifts and hours are scheduled for you that you may see a variety of different pathologies and patients, and increase the likelihood of seeing POCUS used in life-saving situations in the emergency department while you are there.