Over the last decade years, bedside ultrasound has evolved to become an integral aspect to care for the acutely ill patient. From ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation to focused echocardiography, bedside ultrasound includes an array of goal-directed ultrasound examinations that enables decision making at the point-of-care. Acute care ultrasound (u/s) is the summation of this skill set in the setting of critical and complex medical and surgical illnesses. Acute care u/s encompasses an array of targeted point-of-care assessments including cardio-respiratory assessments, multi-system sonography, and procedural guidance. As an adjunct to caring for unstable patients, acute care u/s allows the practitioner to refine the diagnostic differential, expedite the diagnosis and management of life-threatening diseases, and improve the safety of procedures. While the potential benefit of CCUS to both patients and practitioners is promising, the skill must be carefully honed and rigorously applied. This rotation will equip the attending physician with the cognitive and technical skill set to begin safely and effectively performing acute care u/s on patients with acute illnesses.

Who is this rotation for?

This rotation is designed specifically for practicing physicians. While there is a bewildering array of courses and workshops in ultrasound, few are able to provide the cognitive and technical skills that this experience will provide.

Why was this designed as a rotation?

While this 4-week rotation represents a substantial time commitment, it also addresses a major problem with acquiring skills in acute care ultrasound; that it takes time, practice, and mentorship. This rotation is designed and delivered by world experts in acute care ultrasound training and education. We understand the time and dedication and support it takes to provide physicians with skills and confidence to use ultrasound in a variety of environments and conditions.

Overarching Goal of this rotation

After completion of this 4-week rotation, the physician is expected to have acquired basic knowledge and skills required to independently perform and interpret acute-care ultrasound examinations including focused echocardiography and general acute care ultrasound (including thoracic, vascular, and abdominal ultrasound).

Key features of this rotation

A four-week block spent in the University of Alberta General-Systems Intensive Care Unit which will provide learners with dedicated time and feedback to develop skills with image acquisition, interpretation, and clinical integration of acute care ultrasound.