Ultrasound Images: A Literature Review

The use of ultrasound images in a medical education environment has been largely ignored. Based on Hoppmann et al., (2011) , incorporating ultrasound into the M2 year of medical school would promote the advancement of student knowledge on pathology and familiarize them with scenarios in different anatomical structures. The ideal approach would involve reinforcing understanding of medical conditions by identifying them using ultrasound images. For example, in conducting an eye exam, an ultrasound would produce a reliable image of a possible retinal detachment. It would also provide clear details on the extent of damage whether localized or broad. In application, initial academic sessions would involve presenting small groups of students with …show more content…
Indeed, incorporating ultrasound images into the required lectures during the M2 creates the opportunity for further understanding of gross pathology. Hoppmann et al., (2009) , promotes the application of greater emphasis on cardiovascular and genitourinary systems. In such cases, knowledge of disease progression can be enhanced using time lapse ultrasound video showing the different stages in the disease’s development. The benefits of visual aids such as the ultrasound images are evident as the students have broader comprehension of conditions that they will later handle routinely when they begin practice. In the short term, conception and recollection of theoretical information on pathology become easier for the student. Indeed, ultrasound imaging confers a very practical understanding of both form and function. Notably, this is presented in a multidimensional and real time manner that is unachievable in a dissecting room or lecture hall (Dolgor, Peinado, Sarmiento & Hoi, 2014). For example, it is possible to observe the function of the heart structures from different angles and in different situations. Similarly, ultrasound images allow the student to conceptualize different tissue densities in various disease processes. In a broader sense, incorporating ultrasound in the medical curriculum …show more content…
The objective of clerkships is to provide hands-on experience which along with theoretical information collected in the two previous years can be used in clinical applications. In the integrated ultrasound curriculum, the student would be stationed with a practicing professional such as a cardiologist. In this case, the student will witness different applications of ultrasound imaging in making a diagnosis on cardiac defects. Later the student is subjected to a practical OSCE with a model patient. For example, the student is presented with a patient reporting abdominal pain, back pain, and hoarsening voice. The student would then be expected to introduce themselves, and explain the procedure. The awarding of points would also be guided by factors such as the attention offered to ensure patient comfort. The student would then proceed to conduct a scan on the patient after collecting background health information and performing a physical exam. The aorta should then be measured to determine the possibility of an aortic aneurysm. Significant focus is laid on the student’s ability to inform the patient of the consequences of the