Development and Pilot Evaluation of an Ultrasound Curriculum for Military General Surgery Residents.

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound is a critical diagnostic and procedural adjunct in modern surgical practice. Military general surgeons are frequently deployed to austere environments where ultrasound may be the only available imaging modality. Despite this operational importance, formal ultrasound education is inconsistent or absent. This study describes the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of a comprehensive, surgical ultrasound curriculum tailored to military general surgery residents.

METHODS

We designed an ultrasound course using Kern's six-step curriculum development framework. A targeted needs assessment identified five critical domains: (1) ultrasound fundamentals, (2) trauma, (3) biliary disease, (4) central venous access, and (5) critical care. Educational strategies incorporated prereading, case-based discussions, and skills-based simulations. A pilot evaluation was conducted with residents across postgraduate year levels. Precurriculum and postcurriculum knowledge assessments and learner confidence surveys were administered. Observational field notes were taken for each session and analyzed inductively.

RESULTS

Nine residents (postgraduate years 1-5) participated. Most (78%) reported prior exposure to ultrasound training during medical school. Overall knowledge scores improved from preassessment to postassessment (64%-70%). Learner confidence increased across all modules, with 75% strongly agreeing and 25% slightly agreeing that the curriculum improved their confidence. Observations revealed effective expert modeling and progressive learner autonomy, while near peer teaching required additional structure to optimize feedback and reinforcement.

CONCLUSIONS

Development and piloting a simulation-based ultrasound curriculum for military general surgery residents is feasible and well received. This curriculum addresses a critical gap in surgical education and has the potential to improve patient care and operational readiness in military settings.