Standardizing Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Credentialing in Internal Medicine Training

TL;DR

This paper proposes a standardized POCUS training program for internal medicine residents to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a proposed longitudinal POCUS curriculum called the 'POCUS Championship Pathway' for internal medicine training.

Findings

Current POCUS training in internal medicine residency programs is inconsistent and lacks national requirements.

The proposed curriculum includes a bootcamp, ongoing learning, and a 'POCUS Deep Dive' elective with competency-based credentialing.

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in internal medicine for enhancing physical examination and improving diagnostic accuracy. Growing evidence shows that integrating POCUS into routine care improves diagnostic accuracy, shortens time to diagnosis, increases resident confidence, and enhances patient safety by reducing procedure-related complications. However, POCUS training remains inconsistent across internal medicine residency programs, with no national requirement for education or competency - unlike emergency medicine, which has established minimum scan requirements. To address this gap, we propose “POCUS Championship Pathway,” a longitudinal curriculum integrated across all three years of residency. Interns begin with a structured bootcamp covering ultrasound fundamentals, followed by continued learning through conferences, hands-on sessions, and supervised scanning during routine inpatient and ICU rounds. A two-week “POCUS Deep Dive” elective is also offered for senior residents requiring submission of reviewed ultrasound clips across five key domains - cardiac, lungs/pleura, abdomen, lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and soft tissue - with successful completion recognized by a certificate and enabling them to apply for credentialing. We propose that all internal medicine residency programs should consider adopting a structured POCUS curriculum, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) committee may consider establishing formal requirements to ensure consistent training and competency nationwide.

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