2013: Year of Ultrasound Declaration

LAUREL, MARYLAND - 2013: Year of Ultrasound (2013YOU) is a campaign designed to promote the widespread integration of ultrasound throughout the entire spectrum of medical school, allied health, and postgraduate medical education. This campaign is organized by the Society of Ultrasound in Medical Education (SUSME) and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

Individuals are encouraged to educate colleagues, inspire students, and share their knowledge of ultrasound throughout the year. Ways to support this mission include activities such as mentor a colleague; encourage the addition of ultrasound into a medical school’s curriculum; publish an article focusing on the use of ultrasound to solve a particular problem; encourage sessions dedicated to ultrasound at specialty society meetings; and post stories about the benefits of using ultrasound in the patient exam or screening. View all suggested activities. The first and easiest way is to “like” the 2013 Year of Ultrasound Facebook page to stay informed about all of the activities and updates.

The 2013YOU campaign has gathered support nationally and internationally for its efforts to promote the widespread use of ultrasound. The American Medical Association affirmed its support through acceptance of a resolution in June 2012 that acknowledged the many benefits of ultrasound imaging and support of the educational efforts and widespread integration of ultrasound throughout the continuum of medical education.

The AIUM and SUSME lead the Year of Ultrasound with dedicated programing to support this important endeavor. The AIUM Annual Convention, to be held April 6-10, 2013, in New York, will feature several courses dedicated to ultrasound in medical education including a hands-on course for medical students and a full-day preconvention program on the integration of ultrasound into medical school curricula. The SUSME will sponsor the First Conference on Ultrasound in Anatomy and Physiology Education on March 22-23, 2013, followed by its World Congress on September 27-29, 2013, both to be held in Columbia, South Carolina.

This very timely campaign supports the mission of Ultrasound First, an endeavor developed by the AIUM, devoted to education and increasing awareness of the effectiveness of ultrasound in enhancing patient care. A growing collection of clinical evidence is available through the Sound Judgment Series published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, as well as expert videos highlighting the importance of using ultrasound in clinical scenarios and integrating ultrasound into medical education.

For more information on 2013: Year of Ultrasound, please visit http://www.ultrasound2013.org. Available resources include links to medical school curricula that includes ultrasound, clinical evidence, news and events, 2013YOU logos, slide presentations, and other ways to support the mission and get involved throughout the year.