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Abhilash Koratala, MD
2022 William and Sandra Bennett Clinical Scholars Program Grant
Abhilash Koratala, MD
2022 William and Sandra Bennett Clinical Scholars Program Grant
Institution: Medical College of Wisconsin
Project Title: Implementation and Assessment of Longitudinal Stimulation-based Point-of-care Ultrasonagraphy Training for Nephrology Fellows and Medical Residents
Provide a brief overview of the research/project you will conduct with help from the grant.
This project has several components primarily focusing on point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) education. I intend to study the impact of simulation-based nephrology-oriented POCUS scenarios on learners' image acquisition skills, diagnostic and clinical integration abilities. I will also develop a set of short high-quality videos demonstrating the image acquisition technique for various nephrology-related sonographic applications. In addition, I will explore the feasibility of a nephrology-oriented tele-ultrasound POCUS training course to facilitate remote learning across sites with limited availability of ultrasound faculty.
What inspired you to focus your work in this area?
I started my academic career at the University of Florida where I developed a renal ultrasound curriculum for internal medicine residents and nephrology fellows. Eventually, I realized that POCUS-guided assessment of hemodynamic status benefits nephrologists more than just kidney ultrasound in day-to-day practice as we deal with complex fluid and electrolyte disorders. However, I did not find any POCUS course/program for nephrologists that taught hemodynamic assessment. So, I resorted to a variety of resources including online educational material, certification courses and in-person workshops intended for different specialties to learn multi-organ POCUS. This inspired me to create a twitter handle, @NephroP dedicated to nephrology-focused POCUS education as well as a blog called NephroPOCUS.com, which won the 2020 ASN innovations in kidney education award. I also developed a structured longitudinal POCUS curriculum for nephrology fellows, published in Kidney360. I will use this grant to enhance the curriculum by incorporating high fidelity simulation and study its impact on learners' knowledge and skills.
What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?
At the end of the grant period, I would complete a one-year online fellowship in multi-organ ultrasonography and KINETIC3 Program at our institution to enhance my teaching skills. My long-term goal is to become a leader in POCUS education and develop bedside imaging protocols to provide optimal care for patients suffering from kidney disease.
What has surprised you most about your career?
During my internal medicine residency, I had no idea that nephrology is such a diverse field with a wide array of academic facets. I am fortunate to have had supportive mentors both within and outside my institution, who aided in molding my career as an impactful clinician educator.
What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?
In academic medicine, obtaining grant funding is an important component of a successful research career, but it can be challenging, particularly in the field of medical education. The Bennett Clinical Scholars Grant is an excellent opportunity for early-career nephrologists aspiring to enhance their academic portfolio via innovative medical education projects.
Something you may not know about me is…
I collect diecast model vehicles and enjoy building LEGO cars
In my free time I like to…
Spend time with family, play Chess against the computer and explore local coffee/tea shops.