Emergency Medicine Hosts Annual Ultrasound Bootcamp for Incoming Interns

Each summer, as new interns arrive for orientation, EPIC training, and the whirlwind of onboarding, the Department of Emergency Medicine adds another milestone to the experience: a three-day Ultrasound Bootcamp designed to build foundational point-of-care ultrasound skills before residents begin caring for patients.

Now a beloved annual tradition, the bootcamp is a truly interdisciplinary effort, bringing together GME residency leadership, VTC Emergency Medicine faculty volunteers, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Surgery attendings and chief residents, as well as our exceptional Ultrasound and Simulation faculty to provide hands-on training in core ultrasound applications—including EFAST, RUSH, gallbladder, DVT, and more—as well as ultrasound-guided procedures such as thoracentesis and paracentesis.

Incoming residents from Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and several other specialties participate each year, making this one of the largest cross-specialty educational initiatives of the year. The program reflects Carilion's academic mission and our shared commitment to educational excellence, interprofessional collaboration, and exceptional patient care.

The impact is immediately evident in participant feedback.

"Ultrasound Bootcamp was a phenomenal learning experience. It truly helped me feel more confident in ultrasound skills that I know I will utilize in the clinical setting. I am grateful for the opportunity to practice in such a safe and welcoming environment."

— Sally Greenberg, PGY-1 General Surgery Resident

Special thanks to our state-of-the-art Simulation Center, the outstanding faculty and staff who make this training possible, and the administrative team of the VTC Emergency Medicine Residency Program, whose behind-the-scenes efforts transform this event into an exceptional educational experience year after year.