Needs Assessment

Ultrasound education within OB/GYN residency and MFM fellowship programs lack consistent structure and uniform competency benchmarks. Fewer than 20% of OB/GYN residency programs report incorporating structured simulation. This gap is echoed in MFM fellowships, where procedural and fetal echocardiography competencies are inconsistently taught. In a 2020 consensus workshop, MFM educators highlighted gaps in structured feedback, technical skill assessment, and uniform expectations in image optimization and interpretation.

Additional education is needed for faculty development programs that equip educators and fellowship directors with the tools to teach, assess, and mentor learners effectively across a range of skill levels. Expert discussions from AIUM and SMFM forums have underscored the importance of integrated, team-based ultrasound training to improve both education and patient outcomes.

Reference(s): Ladhani N, Switzer M, Homa K, et al. “Ultrasound Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs: A Scoping Review.” J Ultrasound Med. 2021;40(2):257–268.2.
Bahner DP, Royall NA, Advanced Simulation Group. “The state of ultrasound education in U.S. medical schools: results of a national survey.” Acad Med. 2014;89(12):1681–1686.
Donofrio MT, et al. “Fetal Cardiology Symposium: Consensus Recommendations on Fetal Echocardiography Training and Interpretation.” SMFM Roundtable Report, 2020.

After watching this activity, participants should be able to:

• Apply systematic scanning techniques to improve image acquisition and diagnostic accuracy in obstetric and fetal ultrasound.
• Differentiate between foundational and advanced ultrasound competencies expected of sonographers, OB/GYN residents, and MFM fellows.
• Integrate evidence-based teaching strategies and feedback tools to enhance ultrasound training and interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical practice.

Faculty: Forum Director, Mishella Perez BS, RDMS, RDCS, FAIUM, Scripps Clinic
Panelists: Alfred Abuhamad, MD, Tracy Anton, RDMS, Reem S. Abu-Rustum, MD, Bryann Bromley, MD, Jane K. Burns, RDMS, Landau Daphne, MD, Christina Han, MD, Kayla Lobaugh, RDMS, RDCS, Danielle Patterson, RDMS, Lawrence Platt, MD, FAIUM, Joanne Stone, MD, Serina Swiderski, RDMS, RDCS, Kam Szlachetka, RDMS, RVT, RDCS.

Target Audience:
This activity is designed for diagnostic medical sonographers, OB/GYN residents, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellows who seek to enhance their ultrasound imaging skills, clinical interpretation, and collaborative practice. It is also relevant for ultrasound educators, MFM faculty, fellowship directors, and program coordinators involved in training and assessing learners in obstetric and fetal imaging.

Available Credit: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™/1.5 ARRT Category A credit(s). Upon completion of the learning activity, you will have 2 attempts to successfully pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% and claim your certificate.

AIUM Member: $0
Nonmember: $49

Join the AIUM today to access and earn for free.

Your fee includes access to the content and the opportunity to submit the CME test. 

As of January 1, 2025, you will have 2 attempts to successfully pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% and claim your certificate.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The AIUM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The AIUM designates this internet enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

This activity can be used to meet part of relevant AIUM Training Guidelines and/or maintenance credits for accreditation purposes. Learn more about AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation here.

ARRT Category A Credit 

The AIUM is a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The AIUM is the owner and sponsor of this activity. This activity is approved by the AIUM for 1.50 ARRT Category A credit. This CE activity may be available in multiple formats or from different CE sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities (e.g., Internet courses, home study programs, directed readings, live lectures) to be repeated for CE credit in the same CE biennium.

Additional Credit Information

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS accepts AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit(s)™.

Documenting CME Credits

All participants who pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% will have access to claim a CME certificate. The AIUM will submit credits to the ARDMS for active AIUM membership accounts with a valid ARDMS ID number. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure credit accuracy and adherence to any audit requests.

Disclosure Policy:

In accordance with the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, all individuals in control of content must disclose any financial relationship(s) or other relationship(s) held within the past 24 months. The AIUM implements a mechanism to identify and mitigate all conflicts of interest prior to delivering the educational activity to learners.

Disclosures for this activity:

Alfred Abuhamad, MD, faculty - Advisor: Diagnoly, Pulsenmore, Sonosim, Tricefy.
Lawrence Platt, MD, FAIUM, faculty - Advisor: Jubel Health, Consultant: Pulsemore, Research Support: GE HealthCare.
Joanne Stone, MD, faculty - Ownership/Co-founder: Dr. JOJO Vitamins.

The following faculty have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose:
Mishella Perez BS, RDMS, RDCS, FAIUM, Tracy Anton, RDMS, Reem S. Abu-Rustum, MD, Bryann Bromley, MD, Jane K. Burns, RDMS, Landau Daphne, MD, Christina Han, MD, Kayla Lobaugh, RDMS, RDCS, Danielle Patterson, RDMS, Serina Swiderski, RDMS, RDCS, Kam Szlachetka, RDMS, RVT, RDCS.

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT(R), clinical reviewer, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

AIUM education planners and staff: Nicole Fortune and Ashley McDermott have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

There is no commercial support funding for this activity.