Benefits and risks in the broader incorporation of ultrasound in medical education.

Ultrasound is a terrific modality for teaching. Seeing in real time is powerful, and translates the theoretical to the real. It allows immediate visualization of anatomic structures to consolidate theoretical learning about structures as varied as the thyroid, gallbladder, placenta, and aorta. Ultrasound can also illuminate key physiologic principles, and can help students understand concepts such as preload or intrathoracic pressure variation. In addition to using ultrasound for learning, there has been an increasing incorporation of ultrasonography technique into the skillset of non-radiologists. Many types of specialists can use ultrasound in their daily practice, clarifying a clinical finding (such as a thyroid nodule), making diagnoses such as left ventricular hypertrophy, or tracking therapeutic progress (such as amount of ascites). Ultrasonography has also been shown to improve the safety of several procedures (such as thoracentesis and central line insertion). The improved accuracy that can result from the effective use of ultrasound can increase patient safety and comfort and result in fewer errors.