Ultrasound
The Mission of the LAC+USC Emergency Ultrasound Program:
To offer Emergency Medicine Residents, Attendings, Mid-Level Providers and Nurses in the LAC+USC Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM) the highest level of education and training in the use of emergency bedside ultrasonography. Ultrasound imaging enhances the emergency provider's ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat emergency department patients, in order to provide them with optimal care. Because ultrasound imaging is often time-dependent in the acutely ill or injured patient, the emergency physician is in an ideal position to use this technology to advance patient care and safety. Focused ultrasound examinations provide immediate information and can answer specific questions about the patient's physical condition. The American College of Physicians (ACEP) and the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) believe that ultrasound imaging is with the scope of practice of emergency physicians and endorses training in bedside emergency ultrasound within residency training.
The Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency therefore puts a strong emphasis on ultrasound training throughout the four-year program. Residents receive ultrasound instruction through lectures and extensive hands-on training in bedside ultrasound. By the time of graduation, residents will have completed an extensive curriculum covering all basic and many advance applications in emergency bedside ultrasound as outlined by current published ACEP training guidelines. Completion of the curriculum will lead to a letter of successful emergency ultrasound training that can be used by graduates for credentialing at the hospitals of their future employment.
