In this episode of The Thrive Home Podcast, hosted by faculty and residents at Alberta Children’s Hospital, we explore the growing role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in pediatric care.
Emergency physicians and POCUS leads Dr. Mark Bromley and Dr. Mel Willeman join the conversation to share how bedside ultrasound is transforming clinical decision-making, education, and patient experience across the hospital.
Our guests trace their unique career paths into POCUS and explain what point‑of‑care ultrasound really is: a powerful extension of the physical exam that allows clinicians to see real‑time physiology, guide procedures, and answer focused clinical questions at the bedside. They discuss how POCUS improves accuracy and timeliness in acute care, reduces invasive procedures, and minimizes pain and distress for pediatric patients.
The conversation also highlights how POCUS is expanding beyond the emergency department into hospital medicine, intensive care, nephrology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and nursing workflows. Dr. Bromley and Dr. Willeman emphasize that POCUS is not a replacement for formal imaging, but a complementary tool that works best through strong collaboration with radiology and specialty services.
Looking ahead, the episode explores the future of POCUS at Alberta Children’s Hospital—from seamless EMR integration to interdisciplinary leadership and education. Whether you’re new to ultrasound or already using it in your practice, this episode offers insight into how POCUS is shaping a more efficient, accurate, and patient‑centered model of pediatric care.