Divine word University medical alumni have successfully completed a Basic Ultrasonographic Skills Workshop, conducted by the Department of Medicine at Divine Word University- Madang Campus, equipping participants with essential diagnostic imaging skills to enhance patient care and strengthen healthcare services across Papua New Guinea.
The intensive training program combined theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on practical sessions, covering the fundamental principles of ultrasound, sonographic anatomy, and the diagnosis of common medical conditions affecting the abdomen, urinary system, breast, thyroid, as well as obstetric and gynecological patients.
Participants gained valuable practical experience through supervised scanning of real patients and training on the state-of-the-art SonoSim virtual ultrasound simulation platform, which was acquired by the DWU
Department of Medicine through the generous support of the Government of Poland. The simulator enabled participants to identify and diagnose common diseases through realistic virtual clinical scenarios, further strengthening their diagnostic capabilities.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Professor Dr. Jerzy Kuzma, Head of the Department of Medicine at Divine Word University, said ultrasonography has become an essential clinical skill for modern medical practice and emphasized the Department’s commitment to preparing students for the evolving healthcare environment through investments in innovative training technologies and the integration of basic ultrasonographic skills into the MBBS curriculum.
“Ultrasonography has become an essential clinical skill for every modern doctor. Point-of-care ultrasound is transforming patient care by enabling faster, more accurate bedside diagnosis, making it a core competency for 21st-century medical practice.” Said Dr. Jerzy Kuzma.
“At the DWU Department of Medicine, we are committed to preparing our students for this evolving healthcare environment. We have invested in a state-of-the-art virtual ultrasound training system and have recently integrated basic ultrasonographic skills into the MBBS curriculum, ensuring that our current students graduate with this important competency.”
The workshop also included supervised sonographic assessments of pregnant mothers, providing participants with practical experience in maternal and antenatal care. Early ultrasound assessment plays a critical role in detecting pregnancy-related complications, supporting safer pregnancies and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The training was made possible through the support of ODF, which also provides 200 scholarships annually to DWU students enrolled in health science programs. Through its continued investment in education and professional development, ODF is contributing significantly to the development of Papua New Guinea’s future healthcare workforce.
Participants expressed high satisfaction with the workshop, noting that the training had significantly increased their confidence in using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. The newly acquired skills will enable them to identify common medical conditions more effectively, make timely clinical decisions, and provide improved patient care within their respective healthcare settings.
The Department of Medicine congratulates all participating ODF-supported DWU medical alumni on successfully completing the workshop and acknowledges the valuable support of ODF and the Government of Poland in advancing medical education and healthcare capacity in Papua New Guinea.
By investing in practical medical training and strengthening diagnostic skills among healthcare professionals, Divine Word University continues to play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes throughout the country.
