GP trainees and GUSI instructors at the POCUS Taster Course hosted at University College Dublin.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining remarkable traction in Ireland, and a recent milestone at University College Dublin (UCD) is proof of that progress. In a proud moment for Ireland’s medical education community, Dr. Raymond Rowan, a general practitioner with a focus on sports medicine and ultrasound, led his first-ever POCUS Taster Course for GP trainees — marking a significant step forward for ultrasound integration in Irish primary care.
A Community-Driven Breakthrough in Training
For Dr. Rowan, delivering this inaugural course was both exciting and daunting. But with the steadfast mentorship of seasoned POCUS educators Dr. Andrew Cupples (Northern Ireland) and Dr. Alberto Romero (Spain), along with remote support from Dr. Pascual Daza-Ramirez, GUSI’s Education Director for UK & Europe, the course was a great success.
This collaborative effort was powered by the Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI), which exemplifies a “teach one, reach many” philosophy. By empowering new instructors like Dr. Rowan, backed by a global network of ultrasound experts, GUSI is building local capacity while spreading POCUS knowledge across borders.
Hands-On Learning Meets Digital Innovation
What made this workshop stand out was the seamless integration of cutting-edge digital tools into traditional ultrasound instruction. Through GUSI’s scanHub platform and scanOne mobile app, the one-day course became an extended, interactive learning journey.
Key features included:
scanHub Learning Portal: Trainees accessed pre-course modules, video guides, and downloadable resources through scanHub, GUSI’s all-in-one POCUS education hub. This ensured they arrived well-prepared and could continue learning after the event.
Real-Time Scan Uploads with scanOne: During practical sessions, trainees used the scanOne mobile app to upload ultrasound images and clips directly to scanHub. The app’s built-in de-identification feature ensured compliance with privacy standards like HIPAA.
Personal scanFolio Portfolios: Each scan was automatically stored in the trainee’s own digital scanFolio, creating a personal portfolio for long-term progress tracking. Instructors (including those not present) were able to provide expert feedback within 72 hours, reinforcing learning while the experience was still fresh.
Credentialing and Progress Tracking: Reviewed scans counted toward trainees’ ultrasound certification requirements, making each practice scan a documented step toward competency. The scanHub dashboard also allowed trainees and faculty to monitor skill development across various POCUS applications.
Global Support, Local Impact
This collaborative model of mentorship, technology, and local enthusiasm created an environment where Irish GP trainees could thrive. Dr. Rowan’s efforts demonstrate how one educator, empowered by a global team, can help shift the landscape of primary care.
Trainees left the course not only with new technical skills but with access to a robust online ecosystem where they can continue to grow, share scans, ask questions, and receive ongoing feedback. It’s a blueprint for sustainable, scalable, and impactful medical education.
The Road Ahead for POCUS in Ireland
The UCD POCUS Taster Course is more than a successful event — it’s a signal of what’s to come. With growing interest from Irish GPs and increasing support from global partners like GUSI, the future of point-of-care ultrasound in Ireland looks promising.
Congratulations to Dr. Raymond Rowan for his leadership and dedication. And hats off to the entire GUSI network for continuing to nurture the next generation of ultrasound educators and clinicians. This is only the beginning — and with continued collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, the POCUS community in Ireland is set to flourish.
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