Written by Chris Thom
Spoon Feed
This cross-sectional survey study found that POCUS education has continued to grow at allopathic medical schools across the United States.
POCUS in medical school continues to thrive
In this cross-sectional survey study, the authors sent a survey instrument to either the “Clinical Ultrasound Director” of UME or curricular deans of each allopathic medical school. They sought to assess the preponderance of POCUS curricula, including the extent and location of POCUS teaching within UME.
The response rate was 84%, with 130 out of 155 schools responding. Eighty-six (66%) schools had an approved POCUS curriculum, which was an increase from 69 schools in 2020. Required POCUS curricula elements were much more common in the first two years of UME, with more elective POCUS teaching in years three and four. 74% of schools used handheld POCUS for UME teaching. Only 49 schools (61%) were assessing students’ skill or understanding in POCUS. The most common diagnostic POCUS exam taught was cardiac (75.5%), while the most common procedural POCUS taught was vascular access (58.1%).
How will this change my practice?
The growth of POCUS in clinical practice and medical specialties is well understood. Now, in the current survey study, we see that POCUS in UME also continues to thrive and increase its footprint nationally. This makes sense, as these medical students will be incorporating POCUS in their clinical practices in the future. POCUS has also been shown to assist with student understanding of anatomy and improve physical examination skillsets. In addition, it naturally thrives in students’ hands, as the immediate clinical applicability carries significant appeal. As the article suggests, it would be profoundly helpful if formal guidelines were developed on how schools should be teaching POCUS and assessing student competency during the course of UME.
Source
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education: A National Survey. J Ultrasound Med. 2025 Dec;44(12):2335-2340. doi: 10.1002/jum.70021. Epub 2025 Aug 4. PMID: 40757940; PMCID: PMC12605648.
View JournalFeed Critical Appraisal
Critical Appraisal
Study Identification
Background
Study Question
Study Design & Conduct
Prospective / Retrospective: Not applicable
Multicenter: Yes
Unit of Allocation: Not applicable
Unit of Analysis: Medical schools
Randomization Method: Not applicable
Allocation Concealment: Not applicable
Blinding: Not applicable
Follow-up Duration: Not applicable
Population
- Allopathic medical schools in the United States
- Schools with Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation
- Non-allopathic medical schools
- Schools without Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation
Number Enrolled: 130
Number Analyzed: 130
Key Baseline Characteristics
Sex: Not applicable
Disease Severity: Not applicable
Care Setting Distribution: Not applicable
Exposures / Interventions
Description: Survey on POCUS curriculum integration
Definition / Dose: Not applicable
Timing: Not applicable
Classification Method: Not applicable
Protocolized / Discretionary: Not applicable
Description: Not applicable
Definition: Not applicable
Outcomes & Results
Primary Outcomes
Definition: Percentage of responding schools with an approved POCUS curriculum
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 66%
Secondary Outcomes
Definition: Percentage of schools offering a 4-year longitudinal POCUS curriculum
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 13%
Definition: Percentage of schools assessing students' POCUS knowledge
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 49 schools
Risk of Bias
Risk of Bias - Custom
- Survey Design and Implementation (Some concerns): The survey relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. However, the high response rate mitigates some concerns.
Transparency
COI Statement Present: TRUE
