Introduction to Ultrasound

Physicians in many specialties use ultrasound to confirm diagnoses and to safely guide procedures. Like all diagnostic tests, ultrasound should be applied selectively. Indiscriminate use of ‘screening’ ultrasound has the potential to identify minor abnormalities that would not otherwise have been found, leading to a cascade of costly testing and in some cases, physical or psychological harm.

In the FCM course, we will use ultrasound to identify surface landmarks and correlate physical exam maneuvers with anatomic structures. Our goal is to improve your understanding of both anatomy and the implications of exam findings, and to prepare you for further practice in your clerkships.

In Immersion, you will learn the basics, including how to operate the equipment, and identify key landmarks in the head and neck.  We will identify structures in other organ systems in the advanced physical exam sessions in Term 2 and Term 3.

Point of Care Ultrasound Basics

Resources & references:

Ganguli I, Simpkin AL et al. Cascades of Care After Incidental Findings in a US National Survey of Physicians. JAMA Network Open. 2019;2(10):e1913325