Point-of-Care Ultrasound Bootcamp planned for May 10 at Simulation Center

USA Health’s Department of Pediatrics will present its inaugural hands-on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Bootcamp beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama.

This CME-accredited Point-of-Care Ultrasound course offers a valuable opportunity for USA Health physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to enhance their bedside diagnostic and procedural skills, said USA Health neonatologist Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. 

“As healthcare continues to shift toward safer, faster, and more efficient models, POCUS empowers providers to make real-time clinical decisions with greater accuracy,” Kasniya said.

The course – which offers six CME credits – will cover both foundational knowledge and high-yield procedural applications specifically tailored to pediatric practice. With expert instructors from radiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, pediatric anesthesia, neonatology, and Whiddon College of Medicine faculty, participants will gain the skills and confidence to integrate POCUS into their daily clinical workflows. 

This course is a meaningful first step, Kasniya noted, as USA Health works toward launching a comprehensive POCUS program for pediatric residents beginning in July 2025. Kasniya worked closely with fellow neonatologist Saminathan Anbalagan, M.D., to develop this new training for USA Health providers.  

“Establishing a sustainable POCUS program – both for our pediatric residents and for our neonatal intensive care unit – is a key part of the academic health mission,” Kasniya said. “This bootcamp will support faculty development, which is essential for building a strong foundation for resident education.” 

To attend the workshop, contact Kasniya through email at [email protected]

Here is the agenda for the bootcamp that includes breakfast and lunch: 

Lecture Schedule (9 – 11 a.m.) 

• Introduction – Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP 
• Ultrasound Basics and Foundations – Michael Francavilla, M.D.   
• Cardiology (Four-chamber view, pericardial effusion, IVC/fluid status, cardiac contractility) – Induja Gajendran, M.D. and Uzumo Obiaka, M.D.  
• EFAST – Timothy “Beau” Stokes, M.D.  
• Evaluation of Skin Lumps & Bumps, Joint Effusion/Bleed – Sarah McMullin, M.D.  

Ultrasound Guided Procedural Applications (Noon – 4 p.m.) 

• Vascular Access (PIV placement, peripheral arterial catheter) – Karthik Swami, M.D. (Pediatric Anesthesia) 
• Ascitic Fluid Drainage – Hector Lopez Cardona, M.D. 
• Pleural Effusion Drainage – Saminathan Anbalagan, M.D. 
• Lumbar Puncture – Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP