New ultrasound curriculum launches
The University’s School of Medicine has become the first UK institution to introduce ultrasound teaching throughout the full five years of the medical curriculum.
Testing the VCScan
In clinical medicine, ultrasound is increasingly being used as a diagnostic aid and to guide procedural interventions. Its applications range from anaesthetics and emergency medicine, to rheumatology, palliative care and general practice.
This new initiative aims to introduce ultrasound into anatomy teaching in Years 1 and 2, into clinical skills teaching in Year 3 and clinical speciality teaching in Years 4 and 5. The miniaturisation of technology as seen with the hand held VScan created by GE Healthcare will enable students to carry the machines to the bedside and different clinical areas.
Dr Richard Wakefield, Senior Lecturer in Rheumatology, the project lead said: “Ultrasound is so commonly used now in clinical areas, it is logical to equip our next generation of doctors with appropriate skills during medical school. This early introduction of ultrasound will enhance current anatomy teaching, improve clinical skills teaching and teach core skills that will be essential for practice as a Foundation Year doctor and beyond. It will also improve patient satisfaction and safety.
"In line with several medical schools in the USA who have already taken this step, Leeds hopes to be a lead innovator in the use of ultrasound in medical education in the UK.”
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