The Caribbean Echo Congress brought clinicians from Aruba, Curaçao and the Netherlands together for five days of point-of-care ultrasound training at Horacio Oduber Hospital.
Five-day program combined theory and practice
According to 24ora, HOH Academy organized the October 5–9 program with Dutch Emergency Ultra Sound, a medical-education organization specializing in point-of-care ultrasound, also known as POCUS. Specialists, general practitioners and other healthcare professionals joined sessions offered in English and Dutch.
The curriculum included FAST assessment and ultrasound applications involving the kidneys, lungs, aorta, inferior vena cava, heart, gynaecology and gastroenterology. Participants could earn 18 accreditation points.
Volunteers supported hands-on ultrasound training
HOH physician Els van Leest said the format was designed to maximize practice, with roughly seven to nine volunteer models available each day. Clinicians used the sessions to examine the heart, lungs and kidneys while developing their ability to interpret modern ultrasound images.
Organizers aim to expand POCUS use in Aruba
Van Leest said point-of-care ultrasound is not yet fully incorporated in Aruba and that the congress was intended to accelerate its use. Internist Jaclyn de Kort described ultrasound as a tool that can complement physical examination and support better patient care.
Source: 24ora
