Ultrasound

Program Overview

The Ultrasound Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, established in 1960, has evolved into an open, integrated base for medical education, research, and clinical practice through the concerted efforts of several generations of ultrasound professionals. The department boasts outstanding achievements in cutting-edge and core clinical diagnostic and treatment technologies. With over 100 healthcare professionals, 77% of whom hold master's or doctoral degrees, the department offers comprehensive sub-specialties covering abdominal, interventional, cardiac, superficial, obstetric and gynecological, vascular, and urological ultrasound. Our diagnostic volume and complexity of cases are among the leading in Zhejiang Province and nationally renowned.

The program aims to disseminate the latest advancements and innovative practices in ultrasound interventional ablation, enhancing participants' understanding and proficiency in this specialized area. By exposing them to high-volume and complex cases, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class research, we strive to elevate their clinical capabilities to international standards.

Program Highlights

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of ultrasound interventional ablation techniques, including irreversible electroporation (NanoKnife), radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, laser ablation, and more.

2. Hands-On Experience: Participants will gain firsthand experience in advanced interventional procedures through simulations, direct observations, and supervised hands-on sessions in our 10 interventional operating rooms.

3. Leading Experts: Led by a team of renowned experts and researchers, the program offers insights into the latest research findings, clinical practices, and ongoing trials.

4. Innovative Cases: Exposure to high-volume and complex cases, such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions for gastric and duodenal lesions, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy (PTCS), and ultrasound-guided pancreatic cyst stent placement, which are among the most advanced globally.

5. Research Opportunities: Engagement in ongoing research projects, access to research funding opportunities, and guidance on publishing in high-impact SCI journals.

Training Objectives

1. Clinical Proficiency: Develop proficiency in performing and interpreting ultrasound-guided interventional ablation procedures.

2. Research Skills: Enhance research capabilities through participation in ongoing studies, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

3. International Networking: Foster international connections with peers and mentors, facilitating future collaborations and knowledge sharing.

4. Certification: Obtain a certificate of completion acknowledging participation and achievement of training objectives.


Program Duration

The total duration of the program is 6 months, ensuring adequate time for participants to immerse themselves in clinical practice, research, and professional development.

Target Audience & Qualifications

• Fellows:

1. Completed medical specialization in radiology or a related field.

2. Proven experience in ultrasound imaging and basic interventional procedures.

3. Fluent in English for effective communication.


• Residents:

1. Undergoing specialized training in radiology or ultrasound.

2. Basic knowledge of interventional ultrasound techniques.

3. Strong academic background and interest in research.


• Students:

1. Medical students with a keen interest in ultrasound and interventional radiology.

2. Strong academic performance and a commitment to pursuing further specialization in the field.

3. Basic understanding of medical imaging principles.

Focus Areas & Skills

1. Advanced ultrasound imaging techniques such as elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

2. Interventional ultrasound procedures, including biopsy, drainage, and ablation.

3. Specific interventional ablation techniques for various organs, including liver, lung, thyroid, and pancreas.

4. Management of complications and post-procedural care.

5. Research methodologies and evidence-based practice in ultrasound interventional ablation.

Program Agenda

Week 1-2: Orientation and Foundation Building

Week 1:

Monday:

1) Orientation Day: Welcome session, introduction to the department, and overview of the training program.

2) Clinical Rounds: Observation of routine ultrasound-guided interventional procedures.

 

Tuesday:

1) Lecture: Introduction to Ultrasound Imaging Principles.

2) Clinical Skills Training: Basic ultrasound machine operation and image interpretation.

 

Wednesday:

MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) Meeting: Participation in a multidisciplinary case discussion involving interventional ultrasound.

 

Thursday:

1) Seminar: Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Procedures: Overview and Indications.

2) One-on-One Training: Initial consultation with mentors to discuss individual learning goals and research interests.

 

Friday:

Clinical Skills Training: Hands-on practice with ultrasound-guided biopsy simulations.

 

Week 2:

Monday:

Clinical Rounds: Observation of ultrasound-guided ablation procedures.

 

Tuesday:

1) Lecture: Principles of Ablation Therapy.

2) Clinical Skills Training: Introduction to ablation devices and their operation.

 

Wednesday:

Case Review Session: Review of recent interventional ablation cases.

 

Thursday:

1) Seminar: Ethical Considerations in Interventional Ultrasound.

2) One-on-One Training: Mentor-guided literature review on specific ablation techniques.

 

Friday:

Simulation Training: Hands-on practice with ultrasound-guided ablation simulations.

 

Week 3-6: Clinical Exposure and Skills Development

Weeks 3-4:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Clinical rounds, observation, and participation in ultrasound-guided interventional procedures under supervision.

2) Afternoon: Clinical skills training sessions focusing on specific ablation techniques (e.g., liver, thyroid, etc.).

3) Weekly: One-on-one training sessions with mentors for personalized guidance and feedback.

 

Weeks 5-6:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Continued clinical rounds and supervised interventions.

2) Afternoon: Participation in MDT meetings and case discussions, focusing on complex interventional ablation cases.

3) Weekly: Seminars on topics such as ablation-related complications and management, and advanced imaging techniques in interventional ultrasound.

 

Week 7-12: Research Immersion and Clinical Supervision

Weeks 7-8:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Clinical rounds and supervised interventions.

2) Afternoon: Dedicated research time, including literature review, data collection, and experimental design under mentorship.

3) Weekly: One-on-one training sessions focusing on research methodology and statistical analysis.

 

Weeks 9-10:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Clinical rounds with emphasis on research-related cases.

2) Afternoon: Continued research activities, including lab work (if applicable) and data analysis.

3) Weekly: Seminars on translational research in interventional ultrasound and clinical trial design.

 

Weeks 11-12:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Clinical rounds and supervised interventions, with opportunities to lead smaller procedures under close supervision.

2) Afternoon: Preparation of research proposals or manuscripts for publication, with regular feedback from mentors.

3) Weekly: Mock grant proposal presentations and peer reviews.

 

Week 13-16: Advanced Clinical Training and Research Presentation

Weeks 13-14:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Advanced clinical training in complex interventional ablation techniques, including live case observations and participation.

2) Afternoon: Finalization of research projects, including data analysis and manuscript preparation.

3) Weekly: One-on-one training sessions for refining clinical and research skills.

 

Weeks 15-16:

Week 15:

Daily: Preparation for research presentations and clinical case discussions.

Week 16:

1) Monday: Research Presentation Day, where participants present their research findings to faculty and peers.

2) Tuesday-Friday: Clinical case discussions, final clinical skills assessment, and feedback sessions.

 

Week 17-24: Independent Practice and Mentorship

Weeks 17-20:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Independent practice of ultrasound-guided interventional ablation procedures under close supervision.

2) Afternoon: Continued research activities, including manuscript revisions and preparation for future research projects.

3) Weekly: Mentorship meetings for ongoing guidance and support.

 

Weeks 21-24:

Daily Schedule (Mon-Fri):

1) Morning: Supervised independent practice, with opportunities to lead procedures and manage patients.

2) Afternoon: Reflection and planning sessions for future career development, including discussion on potential collaborations and next steps in research.

Weekly: Final feedback sessions with mentors and department head, summarizing the training experience and planning for future engagement with the department.


Fees

The program is free of charge.