Author Archives: aium14750

Because Adults Need to Play

Posted on by
Reply

One of my favorite TedMed 2014 talks is by Jill Vialet, CEO and Founder of Playworks titled “The Power of Play”.  In it Jill describes how people and circumstances are transformed through play. There is actually a physical and mental function which play serves in our daily lives. When I first began educating health care providers in ultrasound internationally, I noticed this. Amidst directing and organizing courses–alternating lectures first, then lectures last; hands-on stations first with flipped classroom pre-class; a half-day course; a two-day course; or even a three-day course. The combination matrix never really mattered and the post-course evaluations never varied.

SonoGames 3However, one key piece of each course always ensured a winning recipe for sealing the learners’ knowledge and ending on a greatly positive note.

That was the final day’s game of Jeopardy®.

Yes, splitting the adult course attendants in two competing teams and having them play a game. Despite the relatively benign prize of candy, having them play promised a room full of noise, laughter, positive feelings, and raving post-course evaluations.

From India, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Ghana, it didn’t matter the country. It didn’t even matter if they knew the rules of the game. What mattered, and what made the course, was play. This was true for the learners as well as the educators.

As the president of the Academy of Emergency Ultrasound (AEUS) of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) in 2011, I was allotted 4 hours of conference time to plan as I wished. I immediately saw this as an opportunity to create and innovate. I envisioned a 4-hour game event of fun, focused ultrasound education, and resident competition. My friend Y. Teresa Liu, M.D. (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) had told me about running an ultrasound game event with our mutual good friend David Bahner, MD. (the Ohio State University Medical Center).  I conferred with my education officer Andrew Liteplo, MD. (Massachusetts General Hospital).  He loved the idea.

The SonoGames® was born.

Since that first year, we have increased the aspects and the intensity of play. This past year, the organizing committee dressed in costume commensurate with the conference city. There was a best team costume competition, a best team name award, and the teams competed for medals and for the opportunity to bring the SonoCup to their home institution.

I am convinced that the success of this event is due to its focus on play and fun. We are now planning for the 2016 SonoGames® and I suspect there will be even more play, fun, laughter, and learning.  If you want to learn more about the details of how we structured the games, check out the article that appeared in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. And, if you think you are up to the challenge, get your 3-member ultrasound-savvy team ready to compete!

How do you play? What other ideas do you have to incorporate play and ultrasound? Have you ever competed in an ultrasound event? Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Resa E. Lewiss (@ultrasoundREL) is the Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound at the University of Colorado. She has published on medical education and Point-of-Care Ultrasound. Check out her TedMed2014 talk.

Why 76811 Accreditation?

Posted on by
3

Starting in 2013, the AIUM and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) co-led a task force of medical societies to explore what distinguished a 76811 examination from the more routine 76805 examination. The result of that task force was the “Consensus Report on the Detailed Fetal Anatomic Ultrasound Examination,” which was published in the February 2014 edition of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.

aium_accredThe report concludes that the 76811 is a distinct examination that requires special expertise. While many obstetricians and radiologists perform the 76805 on a routine basis, the skills and detail required for a 76811 generally require additional training and expertise—frequently through a Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship or similar targeted radiology fellowship.

Unfortunately in practice, what constitutes a “detailed obstetrical ultrasound” (or a 76811 examination) varies tremendously. It was for this reason that the AIUM felt it was critically important to promote standardization of what is required of such an examination and work to ensure that individuals performing these are competent and qualified. Additionally, given the move by some payors to reimburse only examinations performed by accredited practices, the AIUM felt it was prudent to have a mechanism in place to accredit practices that would be qualified to perform these examinations before it was directed by the insurers.

To address these concerns the AIUM developed the 76811 accreditation. This new accreditation is an “adjunctive” accreditation for practices that have, or are seeking, accreditation in 2nd/3rd trimester obstetrical ultrasound. It operates very similarly to how 3-D gynecologic ultrasound accreditation is an adjunct to the basic GYN ultrasound accreditation.

If your practice is performing detailed ultrasound examinations for women at high risk of, or who are suspected of having, an anomaly, you should consider adding the 76811 accreditation.

The structure for this accreditation submission is a little different however. Because the consensus statement provided a long list of “always must show” anatomy, and an additional list of “when clinically indicated” anatomy, the accreditation submission must show all of the “always” anatomy on each of the normals, but only needs to show an example of a selection of the “when clinically indicated anatomy” structures on at least one of the studies. In this way, you can exhibit competence getting the views that are occasionally, but not always, needed without having to add a lot of extra views to all of your study submissions.

This newly added accreditation option is live now. The AIUM is excited about letting you demonstrate your expertise so that you can get the credit and recognition that you deserve. Once again, the AIUM is involved in setting the standards for quality, and we know our members are up to the challenge!

Have questions about this new accreditation option? Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Dr. David C. Jones is Director, Univerisity of Vermont Medical Center Fetal Diagnostic Center and Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at the University of Vermont, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He serves as Vice Chair of the AIUM’s Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council.

The Nerve of Ultrasound

Posted on by
Reply

I’m a fan of ultrasound. In the past, ultrasound has been seen as the less attractive cousin of the other imaging modalities, CT and MRI. Maybe that’s why I champion it so much, because I can’t help but root for the underdog! Either way, I am always eager to find ways to incorporate ultrasound in my practice as a musculoskeletal radiologist. It is fast, convenient Ultrasound and MRI of Nerveand inexpensive, and patients tend to find the experience less daunting than being in a metal tube.

Now, I think it is high time that ultrasound take a place on the front lines of nerve imaging. We’ve made several advances in the imaging of nerves under ultrasound; nerves have a characteristic appearance on ultrasound and it is often used for image guidance in nerve blocks. In my practice, we use ultrasound to diagnose and treat nerve pathology. However, a lot of nerve imaging is still primarily done via MRI. This is probably because much of the research in nerve imaging has been done in MRI. Additionally, many clinicians are not aware of the diagnostic capabilities of high resolution ultrasound in nerve imaging. I’m hoping to change that!

Funded by a generous grant from the AIUM’s Endowment for Education and Research, my colleagues and I are hoping to compare the utility of ultrasound in nerve imaging to MRI. What we hope to confirm is that ultrasound has similar diagnostic capabilities to MRI in the imaging of neuropathy. In addition, we plan to use ultrasound’s capability for dynamic imaging to produce new methods for evaluation of the brachial plexus and peripheral nerves. This grant will fund one of the largest volume studies of ultrasound in nerve imaging, which will in turn help to further expand the role of one of the most valuable imaging modalities we have. So, hopefully soon, this “underdog” will have its day.

In what other areas is ultrasound emerging from its “underdog” label? Where can we use Ultrasound First? Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Ogonna Kenechi “Kenny” Nwawka, MD is the assistant attending radiologist in the Hospital for Special Surgery as well as assistant professor of radiology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Dr. Nwawka’s research project is being funded by a $50,000 grant from the Endowment for Education and Research. To help support these and other projects, consider donating.

The Issue with Keepsake Ultrasounds

Posted on by
7

Every cousmiling 3rd triple of weeks, the AIUM office receives a call from a reporter asking about keepsake (or entertainment) ultrasounds. Most of these calls result from a keepsake ultrasound facility opening in the community. A number of them came when the FDA reaffirmed its warning against the practice. Occasionally we get the oddball like the one about the ultrasound booth at a flea market.

Regardless of why the AIUM receives the call or inquiry, our response is the same. Since 1999, the AIUM has had the following official position:

“The AIUM advocates the responsible use of diagnostic ultrasound and strongly discourages the non-medical use of ultrasound for entertainment purposes. The use of ultrasound without a medical indication to view the fetus, obtain images of the fetus, or determine the fetal gender is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice. Ultrasound should be used by qualified health professionals to provide medical benefit to the patient.”

AIUM, and a number of other professional associations in the U.S. and other countries, discourage the entertainment use of ultrasound for several reasons, including:

  1. The lack of training of the individuals obtaining the images. When it comes to keepsake ultrasound facilities, there are no regulations governing training requirements for those obtaining the images, either through certification or accreditation.
  2. The concern about potential biological effects that could result from scanning for a prolonged period, inappropriate use of color or pulsed Doppler ultrasound without a medical indication, or excessive thermal or mechanical index settings. As stated in the FDA’s position, “ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some tissues.”
  3. The potential that pregnant women will visit a keepsake ultrasound facility in lieu of routine prenatal appointments with their medical doctor.

Despite government and medical association warnings against the use of keepsake ultrasounds, the number of facilities performing these scans appears to be increasing. Many theorize that this increase has been driven by the use of 3D ultrasound technology which provides detailed, in-depth images of the fetus and its appeal to expecting parents.

As the number of facilities increases, some states have taken action to ban the practice of keepsake ultrasounds based on the reasons outlined above. In 2009 Connecticut became the first state to ban keepsake ultrasounds. It took 5 years for the second state to take a similar action. Oregon’s law took effect in January of 2014.

Although the issue of keepsake ultrasounds has been around for decades, the recent proliferation of facilities offering this service has prompted action by medical organizations, the federal government, and state governments. Only time will determine the ultimate fate of keepsake ultrasound practices. Until then, the AIUM will continue to advocate for the responsible use of medical ultrasound.

What’s your take on keepsake/entertainment ultrasounds? Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

The Highs and Lows From AIUM’s Annual Convention

Posted on by
Reply

It’s been a couple of weeks since we officially closed the 2015 AIUM Annual Convention hosting WFUMB. More than 1,300 people from 51 countries arrived in Orlando to hear from the experts, network with peers, and learn the latest technology.

And by the feedback we received, it looks like this year’s event delivered. That is not to say that there weren’t some issues—but overall the 2015 AIUM Annual Convention was a huge success. Just a few numbers from the post-Convention survey:convention

  • 94% of attendees said the overall Convention was good or excellent, which was the same as last year.
  • 70% of attendees said they would make at least some modification to what they are currently doing based on what they learned at the Convention.
  • 91% of attendees said they would recommend the AIUM Convention to a colleague.
  • 90% of attendees said the AIUM Convention was either on par or better than other ultrasound courses/events they have attended.
  • 91% of attendees said they spent time on the exhibit hall floor, with 95% rating the exhibit hall as either good or excellent.

Here’s what you liked
There were three main areas that consistently ranked high: the overall content of the Convention, the multidisciplinary nature of the event, and the food. Here are just a few quotes we received in response to the question, “What did you like most about this year’s Convention?”

  • “This was my first time with you. I loved everything.”
  • “Great variability in speakers’ backgrounds. Most conventions I go to are only one specific area of medicine, whereas AIUM had people from many different specialties.”
  • “Ability to collaborate at lunch–sitting at tables to discuss the conference presentations.”
  • “Wide variety of course selections. Excellent lectures and slides. Faculty put in much time and as a participant, I could tell.”
  • “Top-notch faculty and very practical clinically oriented lectures.”
  • “Welcoming atmosphere for a first-time presenter.”
  • “The mix of MDs, PhDs, and reps from manufacturers and government. Lunch format was also excellent to maximize opportunities for networking and interactions with colleagues.”

Not all wine and roses

  1. Room temperature. No, those weren’t hot flashes or cold spells. The hotel had a very difficult time adjusting and maintaining the temperature of the meeting rooms. To some extent this happens in every large venue, but the AIUM has already had discussions with the facility about this issue.
  2. Hotel issues. In fact, the AIUM collected all the comments we received about the hotel and sent them to our hotel representative. Don’t worry, we didn’t share your names, just your comments. These ranged from noise levels to the quality of the sleeping rooms to the Green Choice program. Just to clarify, the Green Choice program was not mandated by the AIUM but rather a guest choice on whether or not to participate. We were as unhappy as you were about how this program was delivered and have shared our displeasure with the hotel.
  3. Overflow hotel. As many attendees know, the AIUM sold out of its rooms at the Dolphin resort and we added rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We heard mixed reviews about this property and related transportation issues. We are actively addressing this now and hope to avoid a similar situation in 2017.
  4. Coffee. We heard it loud and clear that AIUM members need coffee! While there was coffee service in each room, we understand that most days require more than one cup! To that end we are taking a look at the schedule for next year to see what we can do.
  5. Handouts. We heard several comments about the lack of handouts or syllabi. The AIUM is looking into how we can do this for next year while ensuring that attendees have access to the most up-to-date presentations.
  6. Scheduling conflicts. The good thing about the high quality of the content at the AIUM Convention is that attendees want to go to more sessions than is humanly possible. The AIUM and the Annual Convention Committee make every effort to avoid overlap and duplication, but sometimes you do have to make a choice. Our goal is make sure that the choice you make results in learning!

The great thing about the Annual Convention is that we all learn. Attendees learn tips, techniques and resources that help them succeed and the AIUM learns how it can make this event even better. While the 2015 Annual Convention is over, we are already hard at work on the 2016 Annual Convention that will be held April 2-6 in Las Vegas.

Did you attend this year’s event? If so, share your thoughts and feedback. Going next year? Let us know what you want to learn! Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Peter Magnuson is AIUM’s Director of Communications and Member Services.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Posted on by
Reply

By all accounts, French writer Victor Hugo wasn’t talking about ultrasound in medical education when he wrote these words. But fast forward a little more than two centuries and they seem more than fitting.

Med_Ed_Forum_Logo-blueRecent years have seen a reformation of medical school education, something many have argued is long overdue given the changes in medicine and medical practice in the last two decades. Multiple medical schools are actively changing their curricula and many are incorporating novel educational strategies to teach medical students more efficiently and to focus on less esoteric topics. In perhaps a perfect storm during this same period the accuracy of the physical examination is being questioned more than ever while over reliance on imaging and increased radiation exposure are being linked to increased costs and future mortality. Ultrasound has long been proposed by advocates as a critical tool to help address these concerns but in medical education especially, it may be an ideal tool for future physicians.

Ultrasound as taught in a point-of-care setting, or performed at the bedside, can be incorporated into almost every clinical specialty. Its uses range from procedure guidance to focused diagnostic applications allowing accurate bedside diagnosis of multiple disease states. In addition, it is proving to be an excellent adjunct in teaching basic science topics such as anatomy and physiology. Recent literature, representing just the proverbial tip of the iceberg, suggests that ultrasound is superior to the physical examination even if that exam is done by an expert. Additionally, ultrasound helps novices, known as medical students, better learn the basics needed for all medical professions. Given all of this information it is imperative to have a national conversation regarding ultrasound integration into medical school education.

It is with this backdrop that last year, the AIUM and the Society of Ultrasound in Medical Education (SUSME) convened a conference to discuss the state of ultrasound in medical education and to ultimately craft a roadmap for its integration. Forty-two medical schools, 64 attendees, and 13 faculty gathered in New York City to begin this work.

At the outset, it was clear that the level of integration varied among medical schools, with some being fully integrated, some just starting, and others still exploring. But this fact led credence to the need for this event which started with a series of discussions and presentations covering a variety of topics. Ultrasound education leaders discussed how to get started, how to overcome pitfalls and barriers, and where to find support and funding. Many corresponding resources can be found on the AIUM’s MedEd Portal.

Participants then had a hands-on scanning experience with simulation and live models that was designed to show how and where they could integrate medical ultrasound education. This was followed by roundtable discussions during which participants could share their experiences, ask questions, and focus on next steps.

One of the highlights of the event was the students’ perspective. A number of students shared how medical ultrasound education helped them develop confidence and a skill that could be used for them to teach attendings, other students and practitioners across the world.  Their enthusiasm and energy definitely created a positive and exciting atmosphere.

The participants came away with a shared understanding that it makes sense to prepare the next generation of clinicians and physicians with the skills and understanding of how and when to use medical ultrasound. However, challenges remain.

Multiple barriers exist and many Deans, associate Deans and other tasked with curricula development are not familiar with current point of care ultrasound use.  Additional barriers such as when, where and how to integrate ultrasound into a 4-year curriculum may appear to be unsurmountable, yet have been solved in multiple medical schools already. The collection and efficient distribution of this knowledge is seen as critical to the further spread of ultrasound in medical education and the unprecedented bringing together of multiple basic science and clinical educators.

This event was the first step in opening up the discussion and sharing common resources, challenges and solutions. The second Ultrasound in Medical Education Forum is scheduled to take place May 31-June 1 at the University of California, Irvine. The event is by invitation, but if you know someone who might be interested, please forward their contact information to Glynis Harvey at gharvey@aium.org.

If you are associated with a medical school, how have you integrated ultrasound? If you are a student, what do you think about teaching ultrasound in your classes? Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Steven R. Goldstein, MD, is AIUM’s Immediate Past President.

* The 2014 event was underwritten by industry partners and a grant from the Endowment for Education and Research.

Life Hacks for the 2015 AIUM Annual Convention

Posted on by
Reply

The 2015 AIUM Annual Convention, hosting WFUMB, is less than a week away. Although it was about six months ago that we opened registration, that time just cruised by much too quickly. We here at the AIUM office just said goodbye to the truck full of convention goodies. Next time we see all that stuff, we will be in Orlando. For those of you meeting us there, here are a few things you should know.

  1. Plan now

 15_Final_Program.indd

If you haven’t started planning, what are you waiting for? The Program book and official proceedings are online now so get busy.

  1. Never go hungry   

image

We know that AIUM Convention attendees don’t go hungry so we aren’t really worried about that. However, you will need to find a place for dinner. There are numerous places within walking distance of the hotel. Check them all out here.

  1. What about the internet?

wifi

There will be complimentary internet access on the exhibit hall floor in the Dolphin Resort. In addition, if you are staying at the Dolphin, your resort fee includes in-room internet access as well as bottled water. So stay hydrated while you post all those cool photos and useful tips!

  1. Getting to and from

Transportation-options

Transportation can sometimes be a hassle, so it’s better to plan ahead. There are many options to get to and from the Orlando Airport and the Dolphin Resort and the choices depend on your budget and timing. Check out all the options here. If you are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge you do have access to Magical Express, but you will need to make a reservation. During the Convention there will be daily transportation between the Animal Kingdom and the Dolphin Resort.

  1. Let us hear your voice

karaoke_live

Of course we want you to complete the evaluation forms, but that’s not what we are talking about here. We are talking about the Dinner and Karaoke networking event. If you still need a ticket you can purchase them on site in the registration area.

  1. Get your ribbons

ribbon

You might notice that getting your Convention ribbons will be a bit different this year. While some might be in your materials, the AIUM has created a ribbon station where you can select those that pertain to you.

  1. Get extraterrestrial

Scott

There are a ton of sessions and heaps of learning that go on at an AIUM Convention. But this year don’t miss the Opening Plenary Session where Scott Dulchavsky, MD, PhD, will discuss the unique challenges and solutions associated with performing medical procedures in space!

  1. Cases Go Digital

ctd15

One of the most popular aspects of the AIUM Convention is the case of the day challenge. They are definitely back, but instead of jotting your diagnosis on paper (which frankly can be difficult to read), this year it will all be handled via text. All the instructions will be on site, but watch your autocorrect!

We can’t wait to see you in Orlando! Don’t forget to tag and share #AIUM15 on all your social media platforms.

Record-setting OB Course

Posted on by
Reply

Last week, a record number of 444 physicians and sonographers gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the 38th Annual Advanced Ultrasound Seminar: OB/GYN. The program, which was co-directed by Lennard Greenbaum, MD, and Frederick Kremkau, MD, featured an impressive array of speakers, all of whom have been presidents (plus the incoming president-elect) of the AIUM.

Over thOB course 2015e course of 3 days, attendees heard from these experts on a wide variety of topics, including ovarian cancer screening, fetal malformations, endometriosis, fetal cardiac imaging, and adnexal masses. You can find the full schedule, plus a list of the faculty here.

By all accounts, this year’s event was a success. Here are just a few comments from attendees:

  • “I love this course. This is my 8th year attending and every year I take home a couple of real ‘pearls’ to assist me in improving the studies that I do in our office.”
  • “Overall excellent course – well organized, great venue/location, excellent lectures which are clinically relevant.”
  • “I have attended this conference several times in the past and always learn either a new technique or something very beneficial I can bring back and share to help improve patient care.”
  • “I’m really impressed with how clear and applicable this information was.”

And these comments played out in the survey results, as 64% said that this course was better than others they have attended and 97% said they would recommend this course to their colleagues.

The co-directors and AIUM are already hard at work planning next year’s course, which will be held February 18–20 at Walt Disney World’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Keep an eye on The Scan and the AIUM website for details as they become available. And if you are interested, register as soon as it opens because 91% of this year’s attendees said they were very likely to attend another AIUM post-graduate course.

Did you attend this year’s event? If so, share your thoughts. Going next year? Let us know what you want to learn! Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Peter Magnuson is AIUM’s Director of Communications and Member Services.

Why Not Start?

Posted on by
1

“Why not
Take a star from the sky
Why not
Spread your wings and fly
It might take a little
And it might take a lot
But… why not
Why not”

It isn’t often that I quohilary-duff-fab-hairstyles-3te Hilary Duff. Basically, never. But today it seemed appropriate as the AIUM officially launches its first new communication vehicle in years.

We knew this venture might be risky. What if people don’t read it? What if we can’t find writers? What if there isn’t enough compelling content to support it? Trust us—we worried about all of these. In the end, we decided to take Hilary’s advice. So here you have it—The Scan!

Why a new outlet? Aside from the obvious answer, the AIUM felt that something was missing from its communication family. We have the popular Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine with its scientific insight and cool charts and graphs. We have our electronic newsletter, Sound Waves, that contains short snippets and links. We have our social media outlets that keep us connected to members around the clock. What we were missing was a way to share opinions, lead discussions, and even spark debate.

Hence, The Scan. Our goal is to make this an outlet for members, partners, supporters and even AIUM staff to share what they are working on, what matters to them, and what’s happening in medical ultrasound. We want this to be serious when it needs to be but always entertaining and helpful.

And that’s where you come in. We have a good line up of posts scheduled for the next few months, but if you have topics, insights or opinions you would like to share, email us your thoughts. We are always looking for writers and ideas.

In the end, we want The Scan to be valuable and useful to the medical ultrasound community. We hope you enjoy! And when your colleagues ask why you are reading a blog from your professional society, we hope your response begins with “Why not?”

 Let us know what you think about the blog! Comment or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Peter Magnuson is AIUM’s Director of Communications and Member Services.