“Medical education does not exist to provide students with a way to make a living, but to ensure the health of a community.” This quote comes from Rudolph Virchow, the 19th-century medical leader who helped establish today’s modern pathology.[1] He highlights the real reason as to why we, as medical providers, have chosen our path. Medical practice means more to us than financial security. We take on the daily task of not just merely making a living but also providing top-notch healthcare to people in need.
By providing the highest degree of care founded in rigorous education, we improve the lives of our patients and, ultimately, the quality of our world. The people we serve put their trust in us to deliver the answers to their health questions efficiently and effectively. That is why it is necessary for us, as providers, to continue our learning and training in all aspects of medicine, just as an athlete must stay committed to regular exercise to maintain optimal muscle conditioning.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) elevates our ability to provide even better care, and it is our responsibility to seek out the necessary training specific to game-changing technology such as this modality. That begs the question, how are clinicians currently developing their POCUS skill set? What are the methods and styles of training available to our community?
Methods for POCUS Training
- Two to three-day workshops give a time-efficient, focused way to obtain the latest certifications needed.
- Conferences offer a wide range of industry perspectives and options in POCUS courses and applications.
- Associations, like us, the POCUS Certification Academy™, provide expertise-based opportunities and on-demand resources that seek to expand one’s knowledge on POCUS.
- Online courses are a popular way for clinicians to achieve their goals when time and convenience are of the essence. Check out our POCUS Fundamentals Certificate for convenient, online education and training.
Styles of POCUS Training
- Hands-on trainings are instructor-led, taking place in a classroom setting.
- Distance learning is where educators provide oversight and feedback via digital communication tools.
- Simulation training is one approach that created new space for medical providers seeking a more agile way to learn. This style allows clinicians to train on their own time while experiencing in-person, life-like medical scenarios through AI technology.
As you can see, the options for medical professionals are many and continue to grow in variety and excellence.
The POCUS Certification Academy™ has reinforced its efforts in assisting clinicians who seek to advance their POCUS skill set through our POCUS Education Provider Program (PEP). This program is our contribution to providing medical professionals with a bridge to quality, reputable training, and education providers in various regions of our world. In our partnerships, we offer our support to the POCUS community by providing our partners with a seal that identifies them as a registered provider.
We hear the call for POCUS training programs based on standards of excellence. We join the community in answering this call and supporting your ongoing commitment to patient care and safety. By helping healthcare professionals keep their POCUS muscles strong, together, we enhance the medical field as a whole.
References
- Schultz M. (2008). Rudolf Virchow. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 14(9), 1480–1481. Retrieved March 23, 2020, from https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1409.086672.
Ready to get started on your POCUS journey? Check out our many certificates and certifications here.
