Advanced Training for Ultrasound Certification
The University of Wisconsin Rheumatology Fellowship offers an optional, two-year musculoskeletal ultrasound training program so you can pursue ultrasound certification after completing fellowship.
The program is integrated into your existing schedule through weekly ultrasound clinics.
Didactic Experiences
- Introductory lecture reviewing fundamentals of ultrasound and standard joint views
- “Knobology” lecture focusing on technical aspects
- Pre-recorded monthly mini-lectures with assignments to enhance asynchronous learning
- Monthly assignments that focus on selected joints, salivary gland ultrasound, and identifying pathology such as enthesitis, tendinitis and synovitis
- Evaluations that include direct, real-time feedback, monthly graded assignments, quarterly milestone and skill progression assessment, and biannual evaluation as part of overall competency evaluation
- New mini-lectures and assignments are in development
Clinical Experiences
- Individualized teaching on diagnostic ultrasound and therapeutic ultrasound-guided procedures
- Perform procedures in clinic from day one to enhance learning and applicability
- Access to ultrasound machines at multiple clinical sites
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Further Training and Certification
- Support and encouragement to apply to USSONAR or a similar MSK ultrasound training course during the second year
- Minimum of 150 ultrasound examinations or procedures during the course of fellowship, meeting criteria to sit for MSUS in Rheumatology (RhMSUS) certification examination through the American College of Rheumatology.
Outcomes
Of the 9 fellows who have completed ultrasound training since 2013:
- 5 of 9 obtained USSONAR scholarship
- 7 are RhMSUS certified
- 8 are currently using MSK ultrasound in their clinical practice