Ultrasound Qualifications and Credentialing - the ASUM Experience

Abstract

The Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) is a multidisciplinary society whose mission is to advance the clinical practice of diagnostic medical ultrasound for the highest standards of patient care. Education is a key role in achieving these high standards. Ultrasound is a complex, highly operator-dependent skill to learn, both in image acquisition and interpretation requiring appropriate training to achieve this. ASUM has offered training and qualifications in ultrasound for both doctors and sonographers in the specialties of radiology, cardiology, vascular, obstetrics and gynaecology for approximately 40 years. More recently we have added ultrasound training opportunities to physicians in emerging markets as ultrasound is used routinely in such specialties as rheumatology and emergency medicine. Training for examiners and supervisors further supports the professional standards expected to gain qualifications within ultrasound. Training and education is key to ensuring patient care and safety and does not stop once a qualification is achieved. To support this, ASUM offers continued professional development workshops, webinars and events to further enhance learning while ensuring recertification of qualifications in line with scope of practice.