CURRENT TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN THE TRAINING OF ULTRASONOGRAPHERS IN BRAZIL

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The training of ultrasound physicians is a specialized field of medicine that involves the use of ultrasound for diagnosing and monitoring diseases in various parts of the body. Preparation in this area requires specialized training after graduation from medical school, typically in fields such as radiology, gynecology, obstetrics, or related areas. This allows physicians to acquire the necessary knowledge to perform and interpret ultrasound examinations in their specific fields. Ultrasonography in Brazil began in the 1970s and has evolved significantly, extending beyond anatomical identification to include the study of cardiovascular physiology through Doppler velocimetry. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the role of ultrasound physicians in Brazil and propose a training model for general and specialized ultrasound physicians in medical fields. METHODS: In 2017, EURP/FATESA conducted a survey to estimate the number of ultrasound physicians in the Brazilian market, which was approximately 79,000 at the time. Responses from 864 ultrasound physicians were validated through a questionnaire covering topics such as the work region, reasons for choosing ultrasound, years of experience, possession of specialization titles, and perceptions regarding the need for additional ultrasound training. RESULTS: The survey results showed that the Southeast region had the majority of ultrasound physicians, followed by the South, Northeast, Midwest, and North regions. The choice of the profession was related to both aptitude and preference, as well as job opportunities and lifestyle. However, most physicians did not possess specialization titles in ultrasound. The majority of respondents had less than six years of experience in ultrasound, highlighting the relatively new nature of this field in medicine. Moreover, more than half of the physicians believed that additional specialization was necessary to work in ultrasound subareas, with most considering that training should take at least two years. DISCUSSION: The results revealed that regions with higher medical density and economic and technological resources had more ultrasound physicians. The lack of specialization titles and proper training was a concerning finding, given the importance of ultrasound in medical practice. The survey emphasized the need for standardization in the training of physicians in ultrasound. CONCLUSION: The authors propose that the training of a general ultrasound physician should involve two years of training with an established program, allowing the physician to work in outpatient and hospital settings and take an evaluation exam. Additionally, ultrasound physicians with more than four years of experience could be allowed to take the general ultrasound certification exam if they were recommended by qualified members. For specialization in specific areas, the professional should obtain a recognized title in the specialty, pursue postgraduate studies in the field, and be recommended by a qualified ultrasound physician. This study highlights the importance of proper training for ultrasound physicians to ensure the quality of healthcare.