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Ultrasound

Ultrasound Program (SONICS)

Certificate of Special Proficiency in Medical Ultrasound program

Master Point-of-Care Ultrasound before you graduate!
The SONICS program at Zucker School of Medicine equips MD candidates with advanced ultrasound skills — combining theory, real-time scanning, and clinical application into a comprehensive fourth-year certificate.

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What You’ll Gain

Scan. Learn. Lead.

Students develop expertise across multiple ultrasound applications through real-time scanning, image portfolio development, and a culminating research or educational project. They build the proficiency and clinical reasoning skills needed in today’s medical practice.

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Who It’s For

Training Tailored to Your Path.

SONICS is open to MD candidates at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The certificate is designed to be completed during the fourth year of medical school, fitting into your existing training schedule.

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Why It Matters

Graduate Proficient, Not Just Familiar.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound is one of the most valuable tools in clinical practice today. SONICS prepares students to use it with confidence and skill, ensuring they graduate ready to apply it in real patient care settings.

Program Requirements

Complete a 4-week elective in Medical Ultrasound from either:

  1. Department of Radiology
  2. Department of Emergency Medicine or Pediatric Emergency Medicine
    Note: If this option is chosen, an additional 2 weeks in the Department of Radiology is required.
  3. Complete an Ultrasound Passport of protocol studies reviewed in real-time by faculty
  4. Complete a personal Image Portfolio representing appropriate images for all areas of clinical application
  1. 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
  2. Participation as a co-instructor for either departmental or SOM ultrasound educational activities
  3. Completion of a Capstone Educational Project under mentorship of Ultrasound Faculty

Additional Details

Mentoring and Guidance

A dedicated faculty mentor guides students through every certificate requirement, providing regular Portfolio reviews and ongoing feedback to keep progress on track. Additional mentorship is available for the Educational Project or any Ultrasound-based research involvement.

Application

Students apply during their MS3 year by submitting an application to the Assistant Director of Dual Degree Programs and Curricular Initiatives by December 1. Enrollment is limited to ten students per year.

Contact

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