(Kansas City, MO) – Kansas City University (KCU) is revolutionizing medical education by becoming a leader in point-of-dare ultrasound (POCUS) training. In collaboration with Butterfly Network, Inc., KCU has transformed its hands-on learning experience, by debuting a first-of-its-kind hand-on POCUS elective in its curriculum. This groundbreaking approach makes KCU the first U.S. medical school to leverage Butterfly ScanLab™ as the foundation of POCUS curriculum to ensure students are well-prepared to capture high-quality scans and apply these critical skills in clinical settings from day one. In turn, patients benefit from more accurate, timely diagnoses and improved bedside care.
KCU’s innovative ultrasound training uses the AI-powered ScanLab, to provide students with dedicated feedback and guidance that is key to strengthening skills in essential scans including cardiac, lung and eFAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma). The app offers real-time anatomical labeling, step-by-step instructions and feedback on probe placement, all while comparing students’ scans to reference images. The AI tool even grades the scans, enabling students to learn independently and refine their skills efficiently.
While POCUS is becoming increasingly vital in modern health care, most medical schools still fail to provide consistent training in this area. Physicians often acquire these essential skills during postgraduate training. KCU is addressing this gap by integrating comprehensive POCUS training into its curriculum, ensuring students are equipped for residency right from the start.
“When you get to residency, there’s a lot to learn,” said Robert Arnce, MD, director of clinical integration at KCU. “If our students enter with POCUS proficiency, that’s one less skill they need to master, and it distinguishes them from other residents.”
John Martin, MD, chief medical officer at Butterfly Network, added, “Empowering students with POCUS skills not only gives them a leg up entering residency but will ultimately lead to higher quality patient care. The AI-powered insights from Butterfly ScanLab are designed to give every student the personal mentorship they need to scan confidently. By integrating this technology into their program, KCU is setting a new standard for medical training in the 21st century.”
This academic year alone, nearly 300 students have enrolled in KCU’s POCUS elective series, using their own personal Butterly handheld ultrasound devices. As they progress, students simultaneously complete related courses in Butterfly Academy, building confidence and expanding their ultrasound skills at their own pace. With each completed course, students earn certifications, further solidifying their expertise.
“I performed an eFAST exam, a cardiac exam and a lung exam. It was incredibly valuable to visualize different structures and gain a deeper understanding of anatomy,” said first-year medical student Bryant Pace.
Beyond its educational impact, the mobility and versatility of the Butterfly probe make it indispensable in resource-limited settings, such as rural hospitals or disaster environments. Unlike traditional ultrasound machines, this tool’s portability ensures high-quality care even in challenging circumstances.
“This is a physician skill — one that directly translates into their ability to care for patients,” Arnce continued. “While many aspects of medical school are theoretical, POCUS training gives our students the hands-on experience they need to make a real impact in clinical settings. Research shows that point-of-care ultrasound significantly increases patient satisfaction because doctors spend more time at the bedside. It transforms patient care by integrating ultrasound into daily assessments, diagnoses and treatments.”
Through its pioneering use of AI-powered tools and a strong focus on practical ultrasound training, Kansas City University is equipping the next generation of physicians with the skills and confidence to stand out in the evolving world of health care.
About Kansas City University
Kansas City University, founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private not-for-profit health sciences university with Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences and a developing College of Dental Medicine. The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the eighth largest medical school in the U.S., the ninth most impactful medical school for primary care for the nation, the tenth most affordable of private medical colleges, and the leading producer of physicians for the State of Missouri. The College of Osteopathic Medicine has two sites strategically located on the University’s campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri, to address the growing needs of both urban and rural populations. The University offers multiple graduate degrees; a doctor of osteopathic medicine; a doctor of psychology in clinical psychology; a master of arts in bioethics; a master of science in the biomedical sciences; a master of business administration in partnership with Rockhurst University; a new master of public health in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center; and plans to seat the first doctor of dental medicine students in 2023.
Reference:
Haley Reardon, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Kansas City University
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