POCUS Training Testimonials: Margaret Kiricha

Welcome to MedicScan, a resource platform for all healthcare providers, where we offer POCUS Training Course to eligible primary healthcare providers.
We take time to interview one of our recently graduated POCUS Trainee.

Esther: Thank you so much Margaret for your time. On to my first question, why did you in this training?

Margaret: I chose the training because it was very affordable as compared to other institutions, the trainers were qualified and the training design was flexible especially to those of us who are working. Also as an emergency and critical care clinical officer, I needed to polish my skills in POCUS.

Esther: Thank you, I would like to know, how do local physicians examine patients without ultrasound?

Margaret: As physicians and doctors, we begin by taking a detailed medical history from the patients by asking questions about symptoms, previous illnesses, medications, and family history to gather information that may help in diagnosis. Later on, we will examine various body systems for abnormalities that can help with diagnostic accuracy, as it provides immediate feedback and after, can order a range of laboratory tests to help in diagnosis.

Esther: Interesting, could there be any benefits, such as income or position, after taking the POCUS training?

Margaret: Yes, to some extent. Recently, one of the major hospital here in Nairobi was looking for a clinician to work in theatre and he/she must’ve POCUS skills.
POCUS training equips clinicians with the skills to perform ultrasound examinations that helps identify
conditions that may not be evident through physical examination alone.

Esther: I bet this training will also be beneficial to you apart from just adding the skills. Do you think POCUS is important?

Margaret: POCUS is important as it aids in rapid diagnosis, this enables faster decision-making and initiation of appropriate treatment, especially in critical or time-sensitive situations.

Esther: That’s good to know. What do you think were the good and bad points of our POCUS training

Margaret: About the GOOD POINTS of MedicScan POCUS training: I got to interact with different cadres and share insights, acquire the POCUS skills, a certificate and CPD points.
On to the BAD POINTS of MedicScan POCUS training:
I know this is more on the hospital set up but let me mention it, POCUS training relies on the availability of ultrasound equipment. In certain healthcare settings or resource-limited areas, access to adequate equipment may be limited, learning and mastering these skills can be challenging hence I had to create time to come and practice at the training center.

Esther: Understood. What makes our POCUS training better than other services?

Margaret: The training involved intense class and theory teachings which were followed by hands on training that provided ample opportunities for participants to practice image acquisition, interpretation, and procedural guidance under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Esther: Please give specific details of what you liked about our POCUS training.

Margaret: The training was quite affordable and interactive, we were also provided with live models to practice on who were very cooperative and patient with the trainees.

Esther: Please tell us in detail what was specifically wrong with our POCUS training.

Margaret: Did I have a bad experience with MedicScan POCUS Training? No. In my own experience, the training was actually really good. From the training center to the trainers, I made friends and got to interact with other trainees.

Esther: Amazing. What other areas of POCUS would you like to train in? 

Margaret: Other areas I would want to train is in Obs/Gyn and Point of Care Ultrasound guided procedures.

Esther: Please tell us specifically which areas you would like to be trained in. Why?

Margaret: Ultrasound guided procedures like central line placement, thoracentesis and paracentesis would help improve accuracy and safety of these procedures by providing real time visualization of anatomical structures.

Esther: The medical world is another area where we need to work with the private sector. For example, what kind of startups do you think would make a difference in Kenyan healthcare?

Margaret: With the advancement of technology, I think it’s important that doctors should incorporate POCUS as part of their modalities in patient management especially in emergency and critical care, hence this machines should be made available, not only the private but also in the government hospitals.

Esther: Interesting: On to my last question, what kind of doctor do you want to be in 10 years?

Margaret: I want to be at a place where I can be a mentor, able to inspire and have people look up to me, for the quality of services that I render to my patients and the community as a whole.

Esther: Thank you so much for your time Margaret and I wish you all the best in your medical career.