Training in obstetric sonography for radiology residents and fellows in the United States

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess the current experience of radiology residents and fellows in obstetric sonography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Written surveys were sent to the directors of 206 acc redited radiology residency programs and 85 fellowship programs in the Unit ed States. The surveys encompassed obstetric sonographic experience during routine working hours and after hours, the level of supervision, the types of scanning performed, and the extent of formal lectures available during t raining, Additional questions concerned the relative knowledge of laborator y accreditation processes and training of faculty covering obstetric sonogr aphy. RESULTS. Sixty (29%) of 206 accredited radiology residency programs and 24 (28%) of 85 fellowship programs returned surveys. The experience among resi dency programs was similar, providing fewer than 4 weeks per year of obstet ric sonography, usually within their own department of radiology. Residents were more likely to be sent to outside departments for second or third tri mester sonography experience. A decrease in scanning assistance was reporte d for examinations performed after hours, more so for second or third trime ster studies. Lecture topics revealed similar deficiencies for residency an d fellowship programs. CONCLUSION. Greater emphasis on the performance of prenatal sonographic exa minations may be warranted during formal sonography rotations. Current leve ls of experience in obstetric sonography may not be providing sufficient ex perience to allow residents to appropriately manage call cases or for pract icing radiologists to provide such services after their training is complet ed.