Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Emergency Medicine Resident Training

Abstract

The evaluation of abdominal or pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding using pelvic ultrasound is a common practice of the emergency physician. In fact, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in 2008 published guidelines listing evaluation of pregnancy as a core application and evaluation of the adnexa as a secondary application for emergency bedside pelvic ultrasound. In 2012 the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) along with the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) introduced milestones into residency programs to provide a framework of cognitive and behavioral performance standards, including procedure-based skills. The milestones are the knowledge, skills, attitudes and other attributes for each of the ACGME competencies that monitor resident performance throughout the residency and range from less to more advanced levels. Goal-directed focused ultrasound is one of twenty-three specific milestones that will be measured during emergency medicine training. Discussion will focus on how to teach focused goaldirected pelvic ultrasound based on the five levels within this milestone.

Check the Head: Emergency Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fetal Anencephaly

“…With the increasing use of US by EPs, it is likely these uncommon but important diagnoses will be encountered. 4 We present a case of one of these uncommon anomalies, fetal anencephaly, in which POCUS led to earlier detection, less invasive management, and improved patient care.…”