Echocardiography is a core strength of St Vincent’s ICU, supported by a team of Intensivists with advanced qualifications including the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (Critical Care), Masters in Clinical Ultrasound, and NBE ASCeXAM certification. The unit has a well-established program for developing fellows with a strong interest in cardiac ultrasound, with several completing their transition‑year training focused on echocardiography and progressing to DDU and EDEC accreditation.

 

Echo teaching is embedded in the regular registrar education program, combining structured didactic sessions, case‑based learning, and supervised bedside scanning. An echo quality review meeting is also run regularly, to not only ensure appropriate governance takes place but to promote learning for all those using cardiac ultrasound as part of their assessment and management of critically unwell patients. St Vincent’s also runs a Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FCU) course twice per year, accredited by the College of Intensive Care Medicine, incorporating a pre‑learning curriculum and hands‑on training using an echocardiography simulator. In addition, several members of the ICU team contribute to an Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography Course, run in collaboration with Royal Melbourne Hospital ICU, reflecting the unit’s broader involvement in national echo education.

 

St Vincent’s ICU provides a robust, supportive environment for trainees at all levels to develop competency in both focused and advanced critical care echocardiography.