Integration of point of care ultrasound into undergraduate medical education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center school of medicine: a 6 year review

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education has become an essential component of medical school curricula. Ultrasound represents a highly effective teaching modality to reinforce anatomical knowledge gained during cadaveric dissections. At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-School of Medicine (TTUHSC-SOM), POCUS was incorporated into the pre-clerkship curriculum especially during the first year of medical school anatomy course. METHODS: Pre- and post-ultrasound quizzes and summative exam performance were used to evaluate ultrasound session effectiveness. Post-block survey results were utilized to assess students' perception of these sessions. RESULTS: A significant increase in post-quiz scores compared to pre-quiz scores (p < 0.0001) was observed in all three ultrasound sessions. Students ranked the overall experience with ultrasound sessions highly with 86% indicating ultrasound training was valuable in understanding human anatomy. Additionally, 92% indicated being more at ease in acquiring ultrasound images as the block progressed. CONCLUSIONS: First-year medical students perceived ultrasound training as valuable in enhancing their understanding of human anatomy and became more proficient acquiring ultrasound images as the block progressed. Early introduction of POCUS in the pre-clerkship curriculum helps build foundational knowledge and skills that support students in developing competency in image acquisition and interpretation.