POCUS Training for IOM Consultants

RCPI, with funding from the National Simulation Office, HSE, will deliver POCUS – Point of Care Ultrasound – Training for Institute of Medicine Consultants from 2024. The programme will target two regional health areas each year over three years, running from September to May.

View POCUS brochure (PDF, 246 KB).

Internationally the use of POCUS as a decision-making tool in internal medicine is expanding rapidly. This programme is a unique opportunity for progressive physicians to receive world leading training to implement POCUS in their clinical practice and a provides a pathway for future training. On successful completion, consultants will be able to train Trainees in POCUS skills in future Internal Medicine training programmes, establishing a network for POCUS based decision-making in clinical settings across Ireland.

Dr Paul O’Hara, Saolta University Hospital Group is the clinical lead for the programme. Dr O’Hara is an accredited supervisor for Focused Acute Medicine Ultrasound (FAMUS) UK.  He will be joined by international POCUS expert, Prof Stefan Tchernodrinski, Director of Internal Medicine POCUS Fellowship and Procedure Service, University of Illinois. Prof Tchernodrinski will provide 1:1 onsite training and mentoring as part of the programme.   

Programme Outline:

•  e-learning modules

•   ½ Day Simulation Workshop onsite with simulators and live models

•  Direct supervision POCUS at site for 7 days to introduce to POCUS techniques and optimal images, with follow up second session for direct training

•   Remote supervised independent scanning with image acquisition, online review and feedback

•   Final face to face assessment and certification

Option for further capstone training for candidates who successful complete year 1

Applications will open on 1 August. For future planning, if you would like to express interest in the programme, please contact annoshaughnessy@rcpi.ie.