Emergency Ultrasound Section Chair’s message

Robinson M. Ferre, MD, FACEP

Last year, my healthcare organization archived more than 55,000 point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) exams performed by physicians from more than a dozen different specialties, including emergency medicine, neonatology, and even pediatric GI. Wandering the halls of my own hospital, not only will you see physicians performing POCUS exams, but also Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and even medical students, who are completing POCUS exams as part of their clerkship requirements.

Today it seems the growth of POCUS into the modern-day stethoscope was always inevitable.  However, the truth is that only 25 years ago the future of physician performed bedside ultrasound was far from certain. The political headwinds were fierce at both local and national levels. Tales of the “early days” from our senior colleagues are riveting, dramatic and at times unbelievable. These stories include infighting among our national organizations, political intrigue, attempts at sabotage, and actual wrestling matches between radiologists and emergency physicians over ultrasound equipment. After hearing these stories, I am often amazed that we are where we are today.

Of all the battles these early POCUS pioneers fought, by far the most significant strategic victory was the writing and passage of the first ACEP Emergency Ultrasound Guidelines in 2001. Not only did it establish the construct of limited and focused ultrasound; it also described the requirements for establishing an emergency ultrasound program, the recommended minimum training physicians should have before being granted POCUS privileges, and department support of emergency ultrasound directors was required to have such a program. In my own career, I have built or significantly expanded POCUS programs at three different institutions. By far the most important document in helping me build and expand POCUS programs has been ACEP’s Emergency Ultrasound Guidelines.

In silver jubilee year, let us remember the 25th anniversary of the publication of the 2001 ACEP Emergency Ultrasound Guidelines. During this year’s ACEP Emergency Ultrasound Section meeting, we will celebrate this accomplishment, share stories that led to its passage and remember those early pioneers who assisted in writing and ensuring its passage. For the past 25 years, the ACEP emergency ultrasound section has been the leader in advancing point of care of ultrasound throughout the house of medicine. As we celebrate this milestone, let us all take a moment to remember those who helped advance this work and commit to building on their legacy as we shape the future of POCUS and improve the lives of our patients.