Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Family Medicine Resident Training Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, January-March 2014;8(1):31-34 31 DSJUOG DSJUOG Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Family Medicine Resident Training Jennifer Molokwu ABSTRACT Access to timely and appropriate prenatal and maternity care is widely known to be an important factor in improving birth outcomes. Family physicians make a significant contribution to the provision of prenatal care in the United States. The amount of exposure to maternity care and prenatal procedures in residency increase likelihood of incorporation of prenatal care in future practice. The use of prenatal ultrasounds has become standard in the management of pregnancy. Ultrasonography has wide application in obstetric care and is being used in screening and diagnosis during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods. Family physicians that provide obstetric care should be trained to carry out basic obstetric ultrasound scans. In our paper, we have outlined an approach to the incorporation of ultrasound training into Family Medicine residency education. We have also explored the use of simulation as an adjunct to scanning live patients in a training curriculum. Keywords: Family medicine, Obstetrics, Ultrasound, Residency education. How to cite this article: Molokwu J. Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Family Medicine Resident Training. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):31-34. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None INTRODUCTION Access to timely and appropriate prenatal and maternity care is widely known to be an important factor in improving birth outcomes. In the United States (US), women living in rural areas have less access to an obstetrician and are more likely to initiate prenatal care at a later stage of their pregnancy. This pattern occurs nationwide and in a majority of states. 1,2 Twenty-nine percent (29%) of females residing in rural areas live in counties without access to obstetrics and gynecology care. 2,3 Historically, the scope of Family Medicine has included the care of the female patient over her lifetime; therefore, the provision of quality maternal and child care remains REVIEW ARTICLE Assistant Professor Department of Family and Community Medicine, Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, Texas, USA Corresponding Author: Jennifer Molokwu, Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 9849 Kenworthy St, El Paso, TX 79924, USA Phone: 9157573178, e-mail: jennifer.molokwu@ttuhsc.edu 10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1331 integral to the practice of Family Medicine in the US. In recent estimates, approximately 30 to 35% of family physicians still include prenatal and obstetric care as part of their practice. 4,5 In many rural areas of the US, a significant portion of maternity care is provided by family physicians, with consultation and support of obstetricians and gynecologists. 6 Due to the continued important role of family physicians, especially in rural areas, in the provision of prenatal and maternity care, the Society of Teachers in Family Medicine (STFM) as well as the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) continues to encourage the development of the curricula that teaches proficiency and competency in obstetrics. 7,8 In recent times, however, there has been a declining interest in the provision of obstetrics by family physicians, mostly as a result of concerns from physicians of longer work hours, additional malpractice cost and ongoing necessity for additional training. 9 In a follow-up study by Ratcliffe et al evaluating obstetric care training in family practice residencies, it was observed that having family physicians who provided obstetric care as well as the ability to do other prenatal procedures, increased the likelihood of residents providing maternity care following the completion of their training. 10 In recent times, the use of prenatal ultrasounds has become the standard in management of pregnancy and the detection of complications arising from this state. Images obtained from routine obstetrical ultrasounds can be used to determine gestational age, assess for congenital anomalies and monitor fetal growth during the perinatal period. During delivery, ultrasound images can be used to rapidly confirm fetal positioning and assess for complications. In high-risk pregnancies, ultrasound technology can assist in the evaluation of fetal blood flow velocity and the detection of fetal cardiovascular abnormalities. In addition, ultrasound technology also assists with the measurement of blood flow through fetal, umbilical and uterine arteries to diagnose potential risks for intrauterine growth restriction. Prenatal ultrasounds can also be used to evaluate fetal well-being, when coupled with external fetal heart rate monitoring (biophysical profile). Ultrasound is also used in guidance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as amniocentesis or cordocentesis. Given the breath of the use of this technology in the care of the pregnant woman, it is