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<p>In fall of 2017, Graham Carlos, MD, brought pulmonary grand rounds to each of IU School of Medicine’s nine campuses. On April 19 he brought Night Vision – a special ultrasound training – to more than 150 students across the state. Dr. Carlos took the time to explain the importance of point-of-care ultrasound and why it [&hellip;]</p>

Night Vision: An important ultrasound training for students

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Graham Carlos, MD, pointing to ultrasound image

In fall of 2017, Graham Carlos, MD, brought pulmonary grand rounds to each of IU School of Medicine’s nine campuses. On April 19 he brought Night Vision – a special ultrasound training – to more than 150 students across the state. Dr. Carlos took the time to explain the importance of point-of-care ultrasound and why it was important for students to attend this special statewide event.

What is Night Vision?

Night Vision is a live, statewide, point-of-care ultrasound training for medical students. During the event, students learned about ultrasound techniques and watched a demonstration from experienced physicians. After the demonstration, students also had the opportunity to take part in hands-on ultrasound training. The main event took place in Indianapolis and was live-streamed to students at all nine campuses.

Why is point-of-care ultrasound valuable?

Point-of-care ultrasound enables health care providers to “see in the dark” –  under the skin and directly at the organs. In the past, physicians were often limited to feeling and listening for problems during exams. Now, with ultrasound, we can look. Ultrasound helps physicians visualize and identify potential problem areas they might not otherwise be able to see. For example, I use ultrasound in the intensive care unit to quickly identify or rule out issues such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Why was it important for students to attend Night Vision?

Ultrasound is becoming an everyday part of exams. More and more clinicians are using ultrasound to supplement physical examinations and make quick diagnostic decisions at the bedside. Night Vision will ensure that students are prepared to begin using this increasingly important technology.

  • All attendees came out of Night Vision with a valuable foundation in ultrasound that they can build upon during every stage of medical training.
  • First-year students developed a better understanding of anatomy.
  • Second-year students learned enhanced examination skills.
  • Third and fourth-year students became more prepared for clinical experiences.
  • MSMS students gained early insight into medical technologies they may work with as medical students.

What’s next for ultrasound training at IU School of Medicine?

Ultrasound is still a relatively new technology. As a result, it only recently has become more affordable and widely adopted in patient care. Night Vision is a step to increase medical student exposure to this technology. We hope that by showing interest and attending Night Vision, students will encourage more ultrasound training opportunities to happen in the future!

Night Vision resources

The views expressed in this content represent the perspective and opinions of the author and may or may not represent the position of Indiana University School of Medicine.
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IU School of Medicine

With more than 60 academic departments and specialty divisions across nine campuses and strong clinical partnerships with Indiana’s most advanced hospitals and physician networks, Indiana University School of Medicine is continuously advancing its mission to prepare healers and transform health in Indiana and throughout the world.