MSK Ultrasound Now Standard for Rheumatology Training Save

In the United States, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in rheumatology has grown significantly in the last few decades. Ten years ago, more than half of rheumatology fellows had training or exposure to MSUS. A current survey of training programs shows that 94% provide MSUS training.

A survey of 113 rheumatology fellowship program directors yielded a 96% response rate (108/113). MSUS is currently being taught in 94% of programs, with 41% having a formal MSUS curriculum.

Program size did not influence curriculum. Nearly all (95.3%) program directors favored a formal curriculum but two-thirds preferred it to be optional. Use of external courses, including a USSONAR course, was prevalent. There still exists a lack of time, funding and trained faculty, but MSUS is firmly rooted in the vast majority of rheumatology training program.