Incorporation of Ultrasound Education Into Medical School Curricula: Survey of Directors of Medical Student Education in Radiology

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the degree of involvement of radiologists in ultrasound education in medical schools in the United States. An online survey was sent to 129 directors of medical student education in radiology, identified by the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology. Each survey recipient represented a unique medical school. There was a 31% survey completion rate. Radiology education was incorporated into the majority of respondents' medical school curricula (95%). Ultrasound images were used in preclinical education in the majority of schools (76%). Students were trained to perform hands-on ultrasound examinations in half of schools (49%), and a minority of schools offered a dedicated point-of-care ultrasound elective (14%). Radiology and emergency medicine were the most involved departments in teaching ultrasound to medical students (88% and 75% of medical schools, respectively). Ultrasound imaging was incorporated into the curricula of most of the responding medical schools, although actual hands-on training was less widespread.