Ultrasound is increasingly recognized as a vital diagnostic tool across medical specialties due to
its portability, non-invasive nature, rapid results, and lack of radiation. In acute care, the Focused
Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam is particularly important for detecting
intra-abdominal and thoracic injuries. While ultrasound training is expanding in medical
curricula, instruction remains inconsistent across different medical schools. This study evaluates
whether supplemental ultrasound exposure beyond the standard curriculum improves medical
students’ FAST exam performance.An observational mixed-methods study was conducted at
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Southern Utah with second-year
students. Participants completed a survey on prior ultrasound experience, categorized as minimal
(0–3 hours outside the required curriculum) or extensive (>6 hours). Students with 3–6 hours
were excluded for clearer comparisons. Each student then performed a FAST exam within five
minutes using a Chison or Mindray ultrasound machine. Performance on four views—
Morrison’s pouch, splenorenal recess, suprapubic region, and subxiphoid—was scored using a
three-tier rubric assessing accuracy, image optimization, and probe orientation.Preliminary
findings indicate that students with extensive extracurricular training demonstrated greater
accuracy, faster completion, and stronger technical proficiency compared to peers with only
minimal instruction. Study limitations include variability in prior training opportunities and
evaluator subjectivity, and results may not generalize beyond a single institution. By
demonstrating the impact of supplemental ultrasound training on student competency, this
research supports the integration of increased time dedicated to ultrasound education in medical
school curricula to better prepare students for their future careers.
