POCUS Pathway

The Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Pathway aims to reinforce resident comfort, accuracy and proficiency with bedside point of care ultrasound as a means of patient evaluation.

This is a supplementary pathway that will offer a system-based curriculum that emphasizes not only a keen understanding of ultrasound mechanics and physiology, but also offers simulation training and hands-on scanning using some of the most up-to-date hardware and software for image acquisition and review. 

​ The curriculum will repeat on a yearly cycle allowing residents who were unable to attend certain lectures to have the opportunity to train in each organ system by the end of their three years at Advocate Christ Medical Center. 

POCUS Pathway Structure

PGY-1

PGY-2

PGY-3
Workshops and Discussion Sessions:​
  • Each month is dedicated to a different organ system based on the American College of Chest Physicians Ultrasound Certification 
    • Monthly lecture given by an Intensivist, EM physician or Ultrasound Fellow
    • Bimonthly hands-on learning sessions in our simulation lab 
      • Live patient models 
      • EVE Ultrasound Simulator 
  • Video bank of prior POCUS lectures to enhance your learning at your convenience 
  • Dedicated inpatient SonoSite Ultrasound
System Based Approach 
​
  1. Introduction to Ultrasound 
    1. Ultrasound Terminology and Handling
    2. How to Pick an Ultrasound Probe
    3. Introduction to the Physics of Ultrasound​
  2. Echocardiography 
    1. The Pitfalls of Bedside Echo
    2.  Introduction to Echo I
    3. Introduction to Echo II
  3. Lung and Pleura 
    1. Introduction to Pulmonology Anatomy
    2. Pleura and Effusions​
    3. Blue Protocol
  4. Abdomen (Gallbladder, Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Bladder)
    1. Introduction to Bedside Abdominal Ultrasound
    2. RUSH Exam Basics
  5. Vascular (Aorta, Venous Systems, DVTs)
    1. Introduction to Vascular Evaluation
    2. Deep Venous Thrombosis
  6. Musculoskeletal (Joint effusion/Aspiration)