Gottlieb & Panebianco Textbook
30-Week Advanced POCUS Curriculum
A structured weekly curriculum based on Advanced Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Review (Springer, 2025). One chapter per week covering foundations through leadership — reordered to teach physics first, followed by cardiac ultrasound before trauma evaluation.
FoundationsCardiacTrauma & ResuscitationOrgan SystemsOB/GYN & GUHead & SpecialtyMSK & Soft TissueVascular & ProceduresLeadership & EducationEmerging & Global
Foundations
Week1An Introduction to Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 1Michael Gottlieb and Nova Panebianco
An Introduction to Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 1Michael Gottlieb and Nova Panebianco
Key Discussion Points
- •History and evolution of POCUS in emergency medicine
- •Indications, benefits, and limitations of bedside ultrasound
- •ACEP and CORD guidelines for POCUS training
- •Clinical integration and documentation standards
- •Evidence base supporting POCUS in acute care settings
Week2Ultrasound Physics, Knobology, and Safety
Ch. 2Hamid Shokoohi and Nour Al Jalbout
Ultrasound Physics, Knobology, and Safety
Ch. 2Hamid Shokoohi and Nour Al Jalbout
Key Discussion Points
- •Piezoelectric effect and ultrasound wave generation
- •Frequency, wavelength, resolution, and penetration trade-offs
- •Probe types: linear, curvilinear, phased array, endocavitary
- •Knobology: gain, depth, focus, TGC, and optimization
- •Artifacts: shadowing, enhancement, reverberation, mirror image
- •ALARA principle and bioeffects / thermal and mechanical indices
Cardiac
Week3Core Cardiac Ultrasound
Ch. 4Petra Duran-Gehring, Jason Arthur, and Stuart Prenner
Core Cardiac Ultrasound
Ch. 4Petra Duran-Gehring, Jason Arthur, and Stuart Prenner
Key Discussion Points
- •Standard views: parasternal long/short axis, apical 4-chamber, subxiphoid
- •Qualitative assessment of LV systolic function (eyeball EF)
- •Pericardial effusion identification and tamponade physiology
- •Right heart dilation and acute cor pulmonale
- •IVC assessment for volume status and fluid responsiveness
- •Wall motion abnormalities and regional dysfunction
Week4Advanced Cardiac Ultrasound
Ch. 5Alan Chiem, Mark Favot, and Lindsay Taylor
Advanced Cardiac Ultrasound
Ch. 5Alan Chiem, Mark Favot, and Lindsay Taylor
Key Discussion Points
- •Advanced LV/RV quantification: fractional shortening, TAPSE, S'
- •Doppler hemodynamics: E/A ratio, E/e', LVOT VTI, cardiac output
- •Valvular assessment: regurgitation and stenosis grading
- •Strain imaging and speckle tracking basics
- •Diastolic function evaluation at the bedside
- •Integration into shock resuscitation algorithms
Week5Transesophageal Echocardiography
Ch. 6Katharine Burns, Paul Mayo, and Felipe Teran
Transesophageal Echocardiography
Ch. 6Katharine Burns, Paul Mayo, and Felipe Teran
Key Discussion Points
- •Indications for resuscitative TEE in the ED
- •Probe insertion technique, safety, and contraindications
- •Standard TEE views: mid-esophageal, transgastric, bicaval
- •TEE-guided cardiac arrest resuscitation
- •TEE during procedural sedation and airway management
- •Comparison of TEE vs TTE in critically ill patients
Trauma & Resuscitation
Week6Ultrasound for Trauma Evaluation
Ch. 3Jailyn Avila, Ben C. Smith, and Megan Guy
Ultrasound for Trauma Evaluation
Ch. 3Jailyn Avila, Ben C. Smith, and Megan Guy
Key Discussion Points
- •FAST exam: 4 standard views and technique
- •Extended FAST (eFAST): pneumothorax and hemothorax detection
- •Sensitivity and specificity of FAST in blunt vs penetrating trauma
- •Pitfalls: clot vs free fluid, physiologic pelvic fluid, body habitus
- •Serial FAST examinations and clinical decision-making
- •FAST in pediatric trauma and special populations
Week7Resuscitative Ultrasound
Ch. 23Robert James Adrian, Adi Osman, and Josie Acuña
Resuscitative Ultrasound
Ch. 23Robert James Adrian, Adi Osman, and Josie Acuña
Key Discussion Points
- •POCUS-integrated resuscitation protocols (RUSH, ACES, SHoC)
- •Cardiac arrest sonography: PEA, asystole, ROSC prediction
- •Ultrasound-guided CPR and pulse checks
- •Shock differentiation: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, distributive
- •Dynamic assessment during resuscitation
- •Prognostication and futility discussions informed by POCUS
Organ Systems
Week8Thoracic and Lung Ultrasound
Ch. 7Olusegun Olusanya, Luna Gargani, and Michael J. Lanspa
Thoracic and Lung Ultrasound
Ch. 7Olusegun Olusanya, Luna Gargani, and Michael J. Lanspa
Key Discussion Points
- •Normal lung: A-lines, lung sliding, and seashore sign
- •B-lines: cardiogenic vs non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema
- •Pneumothorax: absent lung sliding, barcode sign, lung point
- •Pleural effusion: quantification and characterization
- •Consolidation and dynamic air bronchograms
- •BLUE protocol for acute respiratory failure
Week9Ultrasound of the Aorta
Ch. 8Tomislav Jelic and Penelope C. Lema
Ultrasound of the Aorta
Ch. 8Tomislav Jelic and Penelope C. Lema
Key Discussion Points
- •Abdominal aorta scanning technique: proximal, mid, distal segments
- •AAA measurement: outer wall to outer wall, AP diameter
- •Aortic dissection: intimal flap, true vs false lumen
- •Thoracic aorta assessment from parasternal and suprasternal views
- •Iliac artery evaluation and endoleak surveillance
- •Clinical integration in the undifferentiated hypotensive patient
Week10Renal and Urinary Bladder Ultrasound
Ch. 9Eduardo R. Argaiz, William Beaubien-Souligny, and Abhilash Koratala
Renal and Urinary Bladder Ultrasound
Ch. 9Eduardo R. Argaiz, William Beaubien-Souligny, and Abhilash Koratala
Key Discussion Points
- •Kidney anatomy, size, and cortical thickness measurement
- •Hydronephrosis grading: mild, moderate, severe
- •Renal calculi detection and ureteral jet assessment
- •Bladder volume estimation and post-void residual
- •Renal Doppler: resistive index and venous congestion
- •AKI assessment using POCUS (VExUS protocol)
Week11Hepatobiliary, Pancreas, and Spleen Ultrasound
Ch. 10Michael D. Zwank, Megan M. Leo, and Christine M. Schutzer
Hepatobiliary, Pancreas, and Spleen Ultrasound
Ch. 10Michael D. Zwank, Megan M. Leo, and Christine M. Schutzer
Key Discussion Points
- •Gallbladder wall thickness, pericholecystic fluid, and sonographic Murphy sign
- •Common bile duct measurement and biliary dilation
- •Hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension signs
- •Pancreatic visualization and pathology identification
- •Splenomegaly measurement and splenic pathology
- •Hepatic artery Doppler and resistive index
Week12Gastrointestinal Ultrasound
Ch. 11Margaret Lin-Martore and Keith Boniface
Gastrointestinal Ultrasound
Ch. 11Margaret Lin-Martore and Keith Boniface
Key Discussion Points
- •Bowel wall thickness and layered wall anatomy
- •Small bowel obstruction: dilated loops, to-and-fro peristalsis
- •Appendicitis: non-compressible tubular structure > 6mm
- •Intussusception and pyloric stenosis (pediatric)
- •Peritoneal free fluid and abscess localization
- •GI POCUS in the undifferentiated abdominal pain patient
OB/GYN & GU
Week13Obstetric Ultrasound
Ch. 12Alexis Salerno, Samantha A. King, and Eileen Y. Wang
Obstetric Ultrasound
Ch. 12Alexis Salerno, Samantha A. King, and Eileen Y. Wang
Key Discussion Points
- •Intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) confirmation and dating
- •Ectopic pregnancy: risk factors, findings, and pseudogestational sac
- •Fetal heart rate assessment and viability
- •Gestational age estimation and crown-rump length
- •Placenta previa and placental abruption evaluation
- •Emergent OB ultrasound in the first trimester
Week14Gynecological Ultrasound
Ch. 13Maya Y. Lin, Meghan Herbst, and Monica R. Saxena
Gynecological Ultrasound
Ch. 13Maya Y. Lin, Meghan Herbst, and Monica R. Saxena
Key Discussion Points
- •Transabdominal vs transvaginal approach and indications
- •Ovarian cyst characterization and ovarian torsion findings
- •Endometrial stripe measurement and pathology
- •Tubo-ovarian abscess identification
- •Free fluid in the cul-de-sac: significance and DDx
- •Doppler assessment of ovarian blood flow
Week15Male Genitourinary Ultrasound
Ch. 14Vietvuong Vo and E. Liang Liu
Male Genitourinary Ultrasound
Ch. 14Vietvuong Vo and E. Liang Liu
Key Discussion Points
- •Testicular anatomy and scanning technique
- •Testicular torsion: absent blood flow, whirlpool sign
- •Epididymitis and orchitis: increased flow, enlargement
- •Testicular appendage torsion
- •Hydrocele, varicocele, and scrotal wall pathology
- •Foley catheter and urethral pathology assessment
Head & Specialty
Week16Ocular Ultrasound
Ch. 15Daniel J. Kim, Gillian Sheppard, and Rajiv Thavanathan
Ocular Ultrasound
Ch. 15Daniel J. Kim, Gillian Sheppard, and Rajiv Thavanathan
Key Discussion Points
- •Technique: closed-eye scanning, probe orientation, safety
- •Retinal detachment vs vitreous detachment
- •Vitreous hemorrhage and posterior segment pathology
- •Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) for elevated ICP
- •Lens dislocation and globe rupture precautions
- •Pupillary reflex assessment with ultrasound
Week17Central Nervous System Ultrasound
Ch. 16Tim Montrief, Ee Tein Tay, and Aarti Sarwal
Central Nervous System Ultrasound
Ch. 16Tim Montrief, Ee Tein Tay, and Aarti Sarwal
Key Discussion Points
- •Transcranial Doppler: MCA velocity, Lindegaard ratio
- •Midline shift detection for intracranial hemorrhage
- •Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement technique and thresholds
- •Neonatal cranial ultrasound through the fontanelle
- •Spinal canal ultrasound for epidural and LP guidance
- •POCUS for suspected raised intracranial pressure
Week18Head and Neck Ultrasound
Ch. 17Brian Bales, Creagh Boulger, and Jeremy S. Boyd
Head and Neck Ultrasound
Ch. 17Brian Bales, Creagh Boulger, and Jeremy S. Boyd
Key Discussion Points
- •Peritonsillar abscess identification and drainage guidance
- •Thyroid assessment: nodules, goiter, and Hashimoto findings
- •Salivary gland pathology and sialolithiasis
- •Cervical lymph node assessment and characterization
- •Airway ultrasound: cricothyroid membrane and ETT confirmation
- •Neck abscess and deep space infection evaluation
MSK & Soft Tissue
Week19Skin and Soft Tissue Ultrasound
Ch. 18David Killeen, Resa E. Lewiss, and Amy Marks
Skin and Soft Tissue Ultrasound
Ch. 18David Killeen, Resa E. Lewiss, and Amy Marks
Key Discussion Points
- •Abscess vs cellulitis differentiation with ultrasound
- •Foreign body detection: wood, glass, metal characteristics
- •Necrotizing fasciitis: subcutaneous thickening, fascial fluid, gas
- •Lymph node evaluation and needle aspiration guidance
- •Wound assessment and healing monitoring
- •Ultrasound-guided I&D technique
Week20Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Ch. 19Dana DiRenzo and Robert Farrow
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Ch. 19Dana DiRenzo and Robert Farrow
Key Discussion Points
- •Tendon pathology: tendinopathy, tears, and dynamic assessment
- •Joint effusion detection: shoulder, knee, hip, ankle
- •Fracture identification: cortical disruption, periosteal elevation
- •Muscle tears and hematoma evaluation
- •Ultrasound-guided joint aspiration and injection
- •Dynamic scanning for impingement and subluxation
Vascular & Procedures
Week21Vascular Ultrasound
Ch. 20Viveta Lobo and Christy Moore
Vascular Ultrasound
Ch. 20Viveta Lobo and Christy Moore
Key Discussion Points
- •DVT evaluation: 2-point and 3-point compression protocols
- •Upper extremity DVT assessment
- •IVC measurement and collapsibility index for volume status
- •Arterial access assessment and pseudoaneurysm detection
- •Jugular venous waveform analysis
- •Peripheral arterial disease screening with ABI and Doppler
Week22Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Ch. 21Tiffany Fong, Lawrence Haines, and Manpreet Singh
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Ch. 21Tiffany Fong, Lawrence Haines, and Manpreet Singh
Key Discussion Points
- •Central venous catheter placement: IJ, subclavian, femoral
- •Peripheral IV access under ultrasound guidance
- •Paracentesis and thoracentesis: site selection and technique
- •Lumbar puncture guidance and needle visualization
- •Pericardiocentesis: subxiphoid approach with real-time imaging
- •Arthrocentesis of major joints: knee, shoulder, hip
Week23Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks
Ch. 22Mikaela Chilstrom, Andrew Goldsmith, Joseph Stegeman, Carlos Mikell, and Arun Nagdev
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks
Ch. 22Mikaela Chilstrom, Andrew Goldsmith, Joseph Stegeman, Carlos Mikell, and Arun Nagdev
Key Discussion Points
- •Fascia iliaca and femoral nerve block technique
- •Interscalene and supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks
- •Serratus anterior plane block for rib fractures
- •Forearm nerve blocks: median, ulnar, radial
- •Erector spinae plane block for thoracic/abdominal pain
- •Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) recognition and management
Leadership & Education
Week24Ultrasound Education
Ch. 24Paul Olszynski and Youyou Duanmu
Ultrasound Education
Ch. 24Paul Olszynski and Youyou Duanmu
Key Discussion Points
- •Competency-based ultrasound education frameworks
- •Simulation-based training and task trainers
- •Assessment tools: image review, OSCEs, portfolios
- •Curriculum design for residency and fellowship programs
- •Faculty development and train-the-trainer models
- •Technology in education: AI, VR, and remote learning
Week25Ultrasound Research
Ch. 25Hamid Shokoohi, Srikar Adhikari, and Anthony J. Weekes
Ultrasound Research
Ch. 25Hamid Shokoohi, Srikar Adhikari, and Anthony J. Weekes
Key Discussion Points
- •Designing POCUS research studies: prospective and retrospective
- •Image quality assessment and inter-rater reliability
- •Diagnostic accuracy studies: sensitivity, specificity, LR
- •Outcomes-based POCUS research in acute care
- •IRB considerations for ultrasound studies
- •Publishing and disseminating POCUS research
Week26Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 26Almaz Dessie and Jodi Jones
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 26Almaz Dessie and Jodi Jones
Key Discussion Points
- •Disparities in POCUS training access and opportunities
- •Addressing bias in ultrasound education and mentorship
- •Inclusive recruitment strategies for fellowships
- •Cultural competency in bedside ultrasound encounters
- •Building equitable POCUS programs across institutions
- •Advocacy and representation in ultrasound leadership
Week27Administration of Ultrasound Programs
Ch. 27Robert Strony and Amie Hall Woods
Administration of Ultrasound Programs
Ch. 27Robert Strony and Amie Hall Woods
Key Discussion Points
- •Building and sustaining an institutional POCUS program
- •Credentialing and privileging frameworks
- •Quality assurance and image review systems
- •Billing and reimbursement for POCUS studies
- •Equipment procurement and fleet management
- •Regulatory compliance and accreditation standards
Week28System Management and Information Technology
Ch. 28Robinson M. Ferre and Jason T. Nomura
System Management and Information Technology
Ch. 28Robinson M. Ferre and Jason T. Nomura
Key Discussion Points
- •PACS integration and image archiving workflows
- •Ultrasound machine networking and DICOM standards
- •EMR documentation and structured reporting templates
- •Data analytics for program performance tracking
- •Cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance in ultrasound IT
- •Cloud-based platforms and AI-assisted image interpretation
Emerging & Global
Week29Emerging Applications in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 29Laura Oh, Andrew W. Kirkpatrick, and Rachel B. Liu
Emerging Applications in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Ch. 29Laura Oh, Andrew W. Kirkpatrick, and Rachel B. Liu
Key Discussion Points
- •AI and machine learning in POCUS image interpretation
- •Handheld and smartphone-connected ultrasound devices
- •Tele-ultrasound and remote guidance applications
- •Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) at the bedside
- •3D/4D ultrasound in acute care
- •Novel applications: diaphragm, gastric volume, optic nerve
Week30Ultrasound Applications in Global Health
Ch. 30Andrea Dreyfuss, Jessica Schmidt, and Melissa Villa
Ultrasound Applications in Global Health
Ch. 30Andrea Dreyfuss, Jessica Schmidt, and Melissa Villa
Key Discussion Points
- •POCUS in resource-limited settings: impact and evidence
- •Training models for low- and middle-income countries
- •Sustainable program development and equipment considerations
- •Task-shifting and non-physician POCUS providers
- •Maternal and pediatric ultrasound in global health
- •Partnerships and ethical considerations in global POCUS
Reference textbook
Advanced Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Review
Michael Gottlieb & Nova Panebianco · Springer, 2025 · ISBN 978-3-031-85307-4