The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) recently adopted Resolution 507: Diagnostic Ultrasound Utilization and Education, which was introduced by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and cosponsored by 15 national and state medical societies. Medical societies represented included surgery, sports medicine, emergency medicine, urology, endocrinology, pain medicine, chest physicians, rheumatology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, among others. The resolution states that the AMA affirms that "ultrasound imaging is a safe, effective, and efficient tool when utilized by, or under the direction of, appropriately trained physicians." It was also resolved that the "AMA support the educational efforts and widespread integration of ultrasound throughout the continuum of medical education."
"It was very impressive to see so many diverse and varied medical specialties cosponsor this resolution," said AIUM President Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD. "The AMA's recognition of the clinical utility of ultrasound and support of ultrasound education will certainly contribute to advances in patient care."
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is a multidisciplinary medical association of more than 9000 physicians, sonographers, scientists, students, and other health care providers. Established more than 50 years ago, the AIUM is dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines, and accreditation. For more information, visit www.aium.org.