• Layan Alrahmani, Elisabeth Codsi, and Kristi S Borowski.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
• J Ultrasound Med. 2018 Sep 1; 37 (9): 2201-2207.

ObjectivesWe evaluated the current state of ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) residency programs across the United States.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to OB-GYN residency program directors and OB-GYN residents. Responses were obtained in September 2016. Program directors and residents were asked to reflect on their current ultrasound curriculum.ResultsA total of 93 program directors and 437 residents responded. Respondents were mostly from university programs located in tertiary centers. Ultrasound curricula varied: 11% of program directors and 23% of residents did not have any ultrasound-related didactics; of those who did, 27% of program directors and 40% of residents had it yearly or less. Three-quarters had mandatory ultrasound rotations, and few offered ultrasound electives (program directors, 52%; residents, 28%). Most residents were required to perform ultrasound examinations daily or weekly (98%). Most stated that the main focus of the rotation was OB only. Skill was evaluated mainly subjectively by direct observation. Although most program directors stated that residents were satisfactory/excellent in ultrasound, 22% would not treat patients on the basis of ultrasound examinations performed by their senior residents. Similarly, of all postgraduate year 4 respondents (n = 86), 76% stated that they will require additional training to be able to perform or read ultrasound examinations independently, and 43% would not treat a patient on the basis of their own ultrasound examinations without further confirmation. Residents believed that the biggest obstacle in ultrasound training is lack of dedicated faculty time (41%).ConclusionsRecognizing the lack of clearly defined milestones in ultrasound training in OB-GYN residency, this study confirms the substantial heterogeneity in curricula between programs, highlighting a need for a standardized ultrasound curriculum.© 2018 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

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