Ultrasound imaging enhances the practitioner's ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat critical care patients. Ultrasound-guided intervention is becoming an increasingly popular and valuable tool, and the fast-paced intensive care unit (ICU) is an ideal environment in which to use this technology. Additional benefits of focused bedside ultrasound include its portability, accuracy, real-time visualization, and efficacy in various procedures in the ICU setting. Advances in real-time ultrasound technology have greatly improved imaging capabilities, leading to ever-expanding applications: guidance during vascular and non-vascular procedures; diagnosis of emergent conditions such as cardiac abnormalities, pericardial tamponade, deep venous thrombosis, and shock; and evaluation of hemodynamics and traumatic injuries.

Because ultrasound is such a vital tool for critical care providers, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has developed a two-day comprehensive course dedicated to the latest information available. Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound will be held July 29 and 30, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

SCCM will also offer a one-day Advanced Ultrasound course for physicians who want to expand upon their fundamental echocardiographic skills and knowledge and focus on the specialty-specific use of echocardiography in the management of the critically ill patient. The focus of the course will be on hemodynamics; clinicians will be provided with important cardiovascular information for the noninvasive management of the hemodynamically unstable patient. The Advanced Ultrasound course will be held after the fundamentals course, on July 31, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Both courses will feature didactic presentations and hands-on skill stations for performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging. The target audience includes intensivists, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, emergency physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses.

To participate in the advanced course, you must have previously attended a fundamental ultrasound course or be experienced with basic skills.

Chair:
S. Patrick Bender, MD
Fletcher Allen Health Care - University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, USA

Co-Chair:
Todd William Sarge, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, USA