Mastering Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care In San Francisco

Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care Course Structure and Learning Objectives

The San Francisco course followed GUSI’s proven two-day format, blending didactic content with live scanning sessions. The curriculum covered high-yield POCUS applications in primary care:

• Cardiac ultrasound for assessing function and volume status
• Lung ultrasound for diagnosing pneumonia, effusion, and pneumothorax
• Abdominal scanning, including FAST, aorta, renal, and bladder
• Gallbladder and biliary evaluation
• Soft tissue and musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Basic obstetric scanning for early pregnancy
• Ultrasound-guided procedures: IV access, joint injections

Each topic was grounded in real-world clinical scenarios, preparing learners to translate theory into practice immediately.

“Great training overall—efficient and informative. My second GUSI course and I plan on more.”
— Soliman Yaqub, MD, Family medicine, Health Point

Emphasis on Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care

At GUSI, we believe real learning happens through doing. During this course, participants rotated through hands-on skill stations, working in small groups to scan live models and phantoms. GUSI faculty were present at each station, offering step-by-step guidance and helping learners fine-tune their image acquisition, interpretation, and clinical decision-making.

Personalized Faculty Feedback and Support

The instructors weren’t just experts in ultrasound—they were approachable, invested, and deeply experienced. Their approachable, collaborative teaching style helps learners feel supported while mastering new techniques. Attendees received individualized coaching on probe handling, anatomy recognition, and clinical integration. 

OSCE-Style Assessments: Putting Skills Into Practice

A highlight of the Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care course was the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)-style session, a hands-on clinical skills assessment simulating real patient encounters. This format allowed learners to demonstrate their new competencies and gain confidence using POCUS in time-sensitive environments. It was challenging in the best way—fun and encouraging.

“Loved the time given for hands-on scanning. The OSCE at the end was super fun!”
— Gayatri Khanna, MD, Geriatric Medicine, Kaiser Permanente 

Why Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care Matters

POCUS gives clinicians the ability to act fast and see more—without needing to leave the exam room. Whether it’s confirming a pleural effusion or identifying heart dysfunction, ultrasound at the bedside improves workflow and builds patient trust. With no radiation and immediate results, POCUS aligns with the goals of patient-centered care and evidence-based medicine.

We’ve seen this in action around the world. In Kenya, a large-scale Butterfly Network implementation enabled over 500,000 scans across 224 rural facilities. With average scan times dropping from over two minutes in 2023 to under two minutes in 2024, it’s a clear example of how quickly clinicians can build proficiency—and impact care.

 

Educational Pathways with GUSI

GUSI offers multiple training tracks beyond in-person courses:

• POCUS Fellowship Program: A longitudinal training pathway for clinicians who want to become ultrasound champions or educators in their health systems.

• Online POCUS Learning: Learn on your own schedule with our flexible, on-demand library.

• In-Person POCUS Courses Across the U.S.: For those who thrive in hands-on settings, we continue to offer regional trainings with our expert faculty.

 

Key Benefits of Hands-On POCUS Training for Primary Care

• Improved clinical decision-making

• Faster diagnosis and treatment

• Radiation-free imaging at the bedside

• Reduced healthcare costs and delays

• Enhanced patient-provider communication

“We’re not just teaching ultrasound—we’re teaching a way of seeing.”
— GUSI Faculty

Quick Takeaways

• GUSI’s San Francisco hands-on POCUS training for primary care course empowered clinicians through real-time, practical ultrasound education
• The curriculum focused on the most relevant POCUS applications for primary care
• Learners gained confidence through live scanning and personalized POCUS coaching
• The OSCE session tested clinical application in a low-pressure setting
• GUSI offers fellowships, online content, and international in-person courses

Training that Translates to Better Care

More than just a skills workshop, this course was about shifting how clinicians see, think, and care for patients. Through hands-on POCUS training for primary care, expert mentorship, and a supportive community, learners left prepared to integrate POCUS into their daily routines. Whether you’re evaluating heart failure, confirming bladder retention, or guiding a joint injection, the confidence that comes from GUSI training makes a measurable difference.

Thank you to all who joined us in San Francisco! We look forward to supporting your continued POCUS journey.

FAQs

What is the duration of this hands-on POCUS course?
GUSI’s POCUS course spans two full days with hands-on and didactic sessions

Who should attend this training?
Primary care clinicians including MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs who want to improve bedside diagnostic capabilities.

Do I need prior ultrasound experience?
No. The course is designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners

Are there online options available?
Yes. GUSI offers several on-demand POCUS courses through our website

How do I become a POCUS educator?
Apply to GUSI’s Fellowship Program for advanced training and mentorship in POCUS.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you taken a POCUS course with GUSI? We’d love to hear your experience. Contact us or share this article with your network.

References

• Butterfly Network, 2024

• GUSI – In-Person Courses

• GUSI – Fellowship Program

 

Explore future courses and join our POCUS community at:
https://globalultrasoundinstitute.com