Development and Implementation of a Basic Veterinary Ultrasound Curriculum

Diagnostic ultrasound is an important imaging modality in veterinary medicine. Surveys of veterinarians suggest that ultrasound is a desired clinical competence and that new graduates are expected to practice basic ultrasound skills. This report describes the development and implementation of a basic ultrasound training program in the core curriculum at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU-CVM). A multidisciplinary team of ISU-CVM faculty created and delivered a basic ultrasound training program consisting of two lectures and two hands-on laboratories incorporated into a second-year core course, utilizing ballistic gel and silicone phantoms as well as live-dog scanning. The focus of training was on basic image acquisition, image optimization, and regional sonographic anatomy of the canine abdomen. Students were surveyed at 6-month intervals during program implementation. Survey data from graduating students, alumni, and employers were also analyzed. The program was successfully implemented and was well-received by all key stakeholders. Alumni and employer surveys reinforced the importance of basic ultrasound skills as a competency for new graduates. Student survey data revealed that satisfaction with ultrasound training increased after implementation of the program, as did students' perception of their skill level in individual ultrasound competencies. Student surveys also identified ways to enrich the program by providing additional opportunities for ultrasound practice in subsequent laboratory courses and clinical rotations. This report summarizes lessons learned during development of basic ultrasound training in the core curriculum at ISU-CVM and can serve as a reference for other institutions considering similar programs.