We have combined hands-on scanning sessions with online lectures and hands-on scanning videos to provide a comprehensive approach to learning OB GYN ultrasound.
Students will receive immediate access to online lectures to watch at their convenience before the hands-on session. These lectures include foundational information in ultrasound physics, anatomy, scanning technique, pathology, and terminology. Access to these lectures will be for one year.
The hands-on scanning session will occur at our Monterey, California training center. All scanning sessions include a non-gravid or IUD patient and first through third-trimester patients. Transvaginal scanning on actual patients is included. We do have a phantom for practice, but scanning on live patients provides the most benefit in learning the technique for endovaginal ultrasound. We begin with a transvaginal IUD patient to review the scanning technique, anatomy, and IUD location. We cover the first-trimester exam, including CRL measurements, M-mode, uterine position, ovaries, and adnexa. The second-trimester exam review depends on class demand. Third-trimester growth, biophysical, AFI, cervical length, and placenta location are included.
Course Objectives
- Recognize basic ultrasound artifacts
- Discover common pathology and limitations of ultrasound
- Perform a basic non-gravid ultrasound exam
- Identify the uterus, ovaries, endometrium and cervix
- Identify an IUD
- Identify an intrauterine pregnancy and measure the crown rump length
- Identify the gestational sac and yolk sac
- Acquire an M-mode tracing of the fetal heart
- Perform a biophysical profile
- Measure the biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length for growth assessment
- Measure the amniotic fluid
- Identify the cervix and placental location
- Communicate in a culturally-sensitive manner to patients who refuse transvaginal ultrasounds and discuss available alternatives
CME Credits
This course consists of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ This course fulfills the ARDMS continuing medical education requirement to apply for the ARDMS Midwife Sonography Certificate.
The presentational method for this activity will be video presentation of Lecture, Case Study Review, Hands-on Demonstration, Simulated or Live Patient, and Lab Exercises. This activity is geared to meet the educational requirements of OB/GYN and Primary Care Physicians as well as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse-Midwives, and Physician Assistants. This activity will encompass the following desirable physician attributes: Patient Care & Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, and Practice-Based Learning & Improvement.
Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of PeerPoint Medical Education Institute, LLC and Sonosession, LLC. The PeerPoint Medical Education Institute, LLC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.