Revealing Anatomy Through Medical Imaging

Medical students have a great deal of difficulty in being able to comprehend the anatomy demonstrated in static or dynamic ultrasound imaging because the imaging found in most textbooks or intranet resources does not usually indicate the location of the ultrasound transducer on the body or the plane of image section. We purchased a portable ultrasound unit for use during the anatomy laboratory sessions. Students signed a waiver form agreeing that the imaging was not intended for diagnostic purposes. They were encouraged to use the unit on each other during the lab sessions to observe the anatomy they were studying on the cadaver. They could also save the images and download them to their laptop computers to share with other students in their groups. For the past three years, an ultrasonographer from a local radiology group practice volunteered time to attend laboratory sessions at the beginning of each week. She was able to demonstrate the clinical methods of using ultrasound, and answer questions about the technology. She also used female student volunteers to demonstrate suprapubic viewing of the uterus and ovaries. Attendees of the workshop will have hands on experience using the ultrasound equipment to demonstrate anatomical structures, discuss various ways to incorporate hands‐on ultrasonography in their respective courses, and learn about purchasing options for ultrasound equipment.