New Study Confirms Long-Term Gains from Hands-On Ultrasound Training for Emergency Vets
Frontiers in Veterinary Science — A new study from the Veterinary Emergency Group’s New ER Doctor program shows that structured point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training leads to significant and lasting improvements in ultrasound proficiency among emergency clinicians.
The research, provisionally accepted by Frontiers in Veterinary Science, assessed the baseline and 3-month outcomes of veterinarians who completed a hybrid ultrasound course, which included an online component followed by an intensive two-day in-person training.
Course Design and Results
The training was designed for early-career veterinary emergency clinicians and included:
A 3-hour online learning module
A 2-day, in-person course with:
3.5 hours of case-based lectures per day
4 hours of hands-on training using anesthetized dogs
Participants were tested before and three months after the course using an objective, timed POCUS exam on anesthetized canine patients. They were asked to identify 22 anatomical structures in 6 minutes.
Key Findings:
Total structures identified increased from 7.8 to 13.8 (out of 22) from pre- to post-course assessments (p<0.0001)
Abdominal POCUS: Improved from 5.9 to 9.0 correct structures (out of 12)
Thoracic POCUS: Improved from 1.7 to 3.4 (out of 4)
Cardiac POCUS: Jumped from virtually zero to 1.5 (out of 6)
Course satisfaction: 100% of participants rated the course positively
Importantly, no pre-course variables (such as prior experience or background) influenced the outcomes, suggesting the training is effective regardless of baseline skill level.
FAQ: Veterinary POCUS Training
What is POCUS in veterinary medicine?
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapid bedside imaging technique used by veterinarians to assess conditions like fluid accumulation, organ injury, or heart abnormalities in real-time, especially in emergency settings.
Why is ultrasound training important for emergency vets?
POCUS offers immediate diagnostic insights, allowing emergency veterinarians to make faster, more informed decisions. Structured training ensures accurate and confident use of the tool.
What does the course include?
The New ER Doctor POCUS course blends online theory with hands-on practice using real patients under anesthesia. It emphasizes clinical relevance and replicates real-world scenarios.
Do the skills learned last?
Yes. The study shows that participants retained and significantly improved their ultrasound skills even three months after the training, indicating lasting impact.
Who should take this course?
Early-career veterinarians, interns, or clinicians entering emergency practice who want to build foundational imaging skills and clinical confidence.
Implications for Veterinary Education
As emergency medicine becomes increasingly reliant on rapid diagnostics, structured training programs like this one from the Veterinary Emergency Group set a new standard in clinical preparedness. By combining real-world experience with didactic learning, early-career veterinarians are empowered to deliver better care with confidence.