@article{10.22454/FamMed.2026.537627,
author = {Henehan, Michael and Hui, William},
title = {Evaluating the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum in a Family Medicine Residency: Challenges and Successes From a 10-Year Experience},
journal = {Family Medicine},
volume = {0},
number = {0},
year = {1},
month = {1},
doi = {10.22454/FamMed.2026.537627},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognized as a vital skill for family physicians, yet no standardized curriculum exists for its implementation in residency programs. This study used a survey of program graduates to evaluate a decade-long experience integrating POCUS into a family medicine residency.
Methods: We surveyed resident program graduates to assess the usefulness of POCUS training elements, frequency of use, and barriers to POCUS adoption in clinical practice.
Results: Survey results indicated that portable ultrasound access, workshops, and small-group sessions were the most valued training methods. Despite high participation in hands-on training, most graduates reported using POCUS infrequently in practice, citing barriers such as insufficient training, lack of access to devices, and time constraints. Notably, POCUS was most commonly used in musculoskeletal, obstetric, and soft tissue applications.
Conclusions: The implementation of a structured POCUS curriculum in family medicine residency is feasible and beneficial, particularly when supported by institutional resources and faculty engagement. However, persistent barriers to routine use in clinical practice highlight the need for ongoing support, access to equipment, and mentorship postgraduation to enhance POCUS adoption among family physicians.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//familymedicine/online-first/henehan-0417/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/cyke4kci/fammed-2025-0417.pdf},
}