Ultrasound Program (SONICS)

Certificate of Special Proficiency in Medical Ultrasound program

The Certificate of Special Proficiency in Medical Ultrasound program (SONICS) provides an opportunity for MD candidates at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell to receive additional focused training in the theory and clinical application of Point-of-Care Ultrasound.  Students will acquire a robust background in multiple Ultrasound applications and develop and practice the clinical skills required for its use as an important clinical reasoning tool. Program goals are achieved through background reading material, real-time scanning and assessment, image portfolio production, participation in ultrasound educational activities, and the completion of an educational project or research study.  Requirements of this certificate can be completed during the fourth year of medical school training. 

  1. Successfully complete a 4-week elective in Medical Ultrasound from either:
    1. Department of Radiology
    2. Department of Emergency Medicine or Pediatric Emergency Medicine (an additional 2 weeks in the Department of Radiology is required if this option is chosen)
  2. Complete an Ultrasound Passport of protocol studies reviewed in real-time by faculty
  3. Complete a personal Image Portfolio representing appropriate images for all areas of clinical application
  4. Complete a final clinical skills exam/short essay exam including:
    1. selection of appropriate ultrasound scans based on specific clinical problems
    2. demonstration of scanning techniques and image acquisition
    3. demonstration of appropriate communication and professionalism skills
    4. completion of associated short essay questions regarding specific applications, normal and abnormal images, and clinical reasoning
  5. Participation as a co-instructor for either departmental or SOM ultrasound educational activities
  6. Completion of a Capstone Educational Project under mentorship of Ultrasound Faculty.

A designated faculty mentor will help guide the student and ensure completion of all certificate requirements. The faculty mentor will also review the student's Portfolio periodically to provide feedback and to ensure continued progress. Additional mentorship will be provided for the creation and completion of the Educational Project or involvement with Ultrasound-based educational research

Students apply to the Certificate of Special Proficiency in Medical Ultrasound program in their MS3 year by submitting an application to the Assistant Director of Dual Degree Programs and Curricular Initiatives by December 1. Participation is currently limited to ten students annually

For questions and more information, contact:

William Rennie, MD, 
Associate Professor, Science Education 
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Email | Bio

John S. Pellerito, MD, 
Professor of Radiology and Science Education
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Email | Bio

Tiffany Jordan, MHEA
Director, Curricular Initiatives
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Email | Bio

For questions about scholarly concentrations in general, please contact Tiffany Jordan, Assistant Director of Dual Degree Programs and Grant Management. Tiffany.M.Jordan@hofstra.edu