Ultrasound—A Clinical Procedure to Motivate Preclinical Medical Students to Learn Embryology

Abstract

Abstract A fundamental understanding of human embryology is an essential skill for the majority of practicing physicians. However, its perceived difficulty, in context of the constant competition for time needed to learn other basic science disciplines, makes teaching embryology in undergraduate medical education a universal challenge. Sonography is now commonly used in standard prenatal care because it allows safe, noninvasive imaging of early embryos and fetuses. Two-, three- and four-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound provide an astonishing arsenal of techniques to evaluate a pregnancy and screen for abnormalities. We are developing an international collaboration with ultrasound experts to introduce sonography into the teaching of embryology to preclinical medical students. The objective is to motivate students and facilitate learning by providing clinical relevance and online images that will help them visualize embryonic development. We invite members of the Ian Donald School of Ultrasound and editors and readers of the Journal to participate in this project.