Ultrasound Experience

Ultrasound is an essential imaging modality in emergency care. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may be used to guide resuscitations, assist in the timely diagnosis of many emergent conditions, increase procedural safety, and monitor effects of therapies. POCUS is shown to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, reduce radiation exposure, reduce costs, and most importantly save lives. Attaining proficiency in POCUS is vital in the formation of an outstanding emergency medicine physician.

 

The East Carolina University Emergency Medicine Residency program offers a comprehensive emergency ultrasonography curriculum for their residents. The curriculum is tailored to meet ACEP’s ultrasound guidelines. Throughout residency, residents will acquire ultrasound expertise in the twelve-core POCUS applications:

 

  • Trauma (FAST exam)
  • Intrauterine Pregnancy
  • AAA
  • Cardiac/Hemodynamic Assessment
  • Biliary
  • Urinary Tract/Renal
  • Deep Venous Thrombosis
  • Soft tissue/Musculoskeletal
  • Thoracic/Airway
  • Ocular
  • Bowel
  • Procedural Guidance

 

Interns participate in a 4-week ultrasound rotation during their first year of residency. The intern rotation consists of:

  • Over 50 hours of bedside scanning in the ED with ultrasound-fellowship trained faculty
  • Dedicated lectures on POCUS applications identified by ACEP
  • Supplemental asynchronous learning activities including online videos and POCUS reading resources
  • Scanning time in the simulation lab with standardized patients to practice image acquisition in a controlled setting
  • Ultrasound-guided procedural training in the simulation lab
  • In-person QA sessions to provide feedback on image acquisition

 

Third year residents may participate in a 4-week elective as a senior resident to solidify their POCUS knowledge and participate in additional dedicated scanning sessions. During the advanced elective, residents will have the opportunity to explore more advanced/emerging POCUS applications.

 

At the end of residency, residents will be equipped with the ultrasound knowledge and skills needed to confidently obtain and interpret ultrasound images and successfully incorporate ultrasound findings into the medical decision-making process to provide exemplary patient care. We hope you come scan with us at ECU!

 

The US Team: 

Christelle Rodriguez, MD

  • Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Co-Director
  • Resident Ultrasound Course Director

 

Kimberly Fender, MD

  • Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Co-Director
  • Medical Student Ultrasound Course Director