14 October 2017, Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, Kluang, Johor
Ultrasonography is the least invasive and probably the second most commonly used imaging technique after X-ray, underscoring its importance in today’s practice of medicine. With this in mind, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) Department of IMU School of Medicine jointly organised an ultrasound workshop with their Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom (HEBHK) counterparts and the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) to equip medical and house officers with the necessary knowledge and psychomotor skills. 42 practicing doctors and 62 IMU medicine students congregated in the HEBHK auditorium on the morning of 14 October 2017, eager to be enlightened on the subject of abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography. The day kickstarted with a doa’ recitation by Mohammed Nasuha, a final year IMU medical student. Dr Aza, head of HEBHK O&G Department, then gave an opening speech on behalf of Dr Hjh Azura, Deputy Director of HEBHK. 
Without further delay, Dr Hussein Akl, Senior O&G Lecturer from IMU Clinical Campus in Kluang, took the stage to give a lecture on the basic principles of ultrasonography and its use in evaluating pregnancies in the first trimester, with emphasis on the interpretation of normal sonographic findings and the necessary measurements in an early evaluation of a normal pregnancy. He also spoke about the methods of detecting abnormal pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and blighted ova. 
The next module was by Dr Noor Azlin, the resident radiologist of HEBHK, on the basics of abdominal sonography. She presented on the techniques of examining the hepatobiliary system, spleen, aorta, kidneys, peritoneum, and pleural spaces, and subsequently gave a live demonstration. Dr Mohamad Faisol, O&G specialist from HEBHK, next focused on gynaecologic ultrasonography. He shared his knowledge regarding normal anatomy of the pelvis and its variants, imaging techniques for transabdominal and transvaginal scans, as well as sonography of uterine, adnexal, and cervical disorders. He likewise demonstrated these techniques live on a real patient. 
This gynaecologic segment was followed by two obstetric modules in quick succession. Prof Nazimah Idris, IMU Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and O&G consultant, walked participants through the important parameters for assessment of pregnancies in the second and third trimesters, stressing on the importance of establishing an existing foetal heartbeat prior to the assessment; Dr Sureshkumar Subramaniam, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru (HSAJB) foetomaternal specialist and OGSM representative, demonstrated foetal anatomical scanning to screen for congenital foetal anomalies. Our sponsors, Infinity Medical Sdn. Bhd. concluded the morning session with a 20-minute slideshow on the setting up and operation of the Mindray ultrasound machines.
After lunch came the session that everyone was waiting for – the hands-on practical segment during which registered participants had the opportunity to attempt the sonographic scans they had just learnt about. They were divided into small groups of eight, rotating amongst the six stations that had been set up earlier. The workshop ended at 5 pm, with the doctors leaving the venue satisfied and armed with their newfound knowledge on the operation of the ultrasound machine. Additionally, all attendees were awarded 4 CPD points, credited through the Malaysian Medical Association.
The success of this workshop was made possible by various parties. We would like to thank Infinity Medical Sdn. Bhd. for sponsoring the use of their five new state-of-the-art Mindray ultrasound machines with 3D imaging capabilities throughout the course, as well as the patients who have graciously allowed our participants to perform ultrasound scans on them. Last but not least, we would like to thank and congratulate our co-organisers HEBHK and OGSM for a job well done.
Prepared: Goh Zhong Ning Leonard Photos courtesy: Nur Izzati binti Rozali and Goh Zhong Ning Leonard Reviewed: Dr Hussein Akl, Senior O&G Lecturer, Kluang Clinical Campus
