19/10/2025
2nd Pediatric Basic Ultrasound Course
The Second Pediatric Basic Ultrasound Training was successfully conducted from 24th-27th September, 2025 at the National Referral Hospital to strengthen point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) competency among pediatric healthcare providers and sonographers in Bhutan. The course was organized jointly by the Department of Pediatrics, JDWNRH, the Department of Clinical Services (DCS), and the National Medical Services (NMS) in close collaboration with international experts from International Pediatric Ultrasound Network (IPUN), German Tropical Pediatrics (GTP), Germany and Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal.
The opening ceremony was graced by Dr Pem Namgyel, the President of JDWNRH and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB), along with the Director and Medical Superintendent of JDWNRH. The president highlighted the importance of POCUS in pediatric practice and commended the joint effort to bring global expertise to Bhutan.
More than 20 health workers, including Pediatricians, Residents, Emergency Physicians, Medical Officers, and Radio sonographers from across the country attended the 4 day course.
The course content was designed to introduce basic pediatric ultrasound techniques relevant to neonatal and pediatric care, with a focus on thoracic, abdominal, brain, vascular, and basic cardiac ultrasound. The teaching methodology combined interactive lectures, live demonstrations, and extensive hands-on practice on pediatric and neonatal patients under expert supervision. Participants were evaluated through pre- and post-tests, alongside structured OSCEs, to measure knowledge gain and skill acquisition.
The closing ceremony was graced by the Medical Superintendent of JDWNRH and joined by the President of NMS, Dr Mimi Lhamu as a special guest. The President highlighted the critical role of POCUS in improving pediatric healthcare in Bhutan and proposed extending this collaboration to offer advanced pediatric ultrasound and echocardiography courses in the future. Certificates of participation were awarded to all trainees, and certificates of appreciation were presented to the international and national instructors in recognition of their contributions.