ULTRASOUND ANATOMY INCREASES UNDERSTANDING of LIVING ANATOMY

Abstract

Despite increase in residency programs including ultrasound training, few medical schools have incorporated it into their curricula. The Gross Anatomy course at Mayo Medical School has introduced ultrasound in the curriculum. Cadaver dissection teaches students static anatomical relationships, but ultrasound offers dynamic display of how those relationships can change with movement. Ultrasound curriculum consists of four 1 hour didactic sessions and five 30 minute hands-on modules, covering Carpal tunnel, Heart, Abdominal viscera, and Doppler imaging of blood flow. Each module is guided by a checklist of techniques and structures. Students are graded using ARS system, and ultrasound objectives are incorporated into the final exam. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of ultrasound curriculum in a 7 week anatomy course. Students were asked to complete pre- and post- test surveys that assessed whether ultrasound sessions allowed them to better appreciate living anatomy, learn the basics of operating a portable ultrasound machine, and become more comfortable with medical technology. Pre and post surveys showed that ultrasound helped students appreciate living anatomy, and that they were comfortable with technology. There was an increase in students’ perception of their ability to interpret ultrasound images with a p-value of 0.000026. Ultrasound was a successful addition to the anatomy curriculum.