Echoes Issue No. 39
[ March 2025 ]
Welcome to the first edition of ECHOES for 2025.
Please be inspired by this edition & SPREAD THE WORD by forwarding it to colleagues.
WFUMB 2025, Kyoto
May 29th (Thurs) - June 1st (Sun) 2025
ULTRASOUND TOWARD SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
The 20th WFUMB Congress will be held in Kyoto, Japan from May 29 to June 1, 2025. Early registration will close on April 30. Please check the official website at wfumb2025.org or Facebook for registration fees and other information.
The number of abstracts submitted is 2016, and 1855 abstracts were accepted by peer review. In addition, 288 oral presentations were accepted from among them. The countries and regions submitted are "China", "Japan", "Chinese Taipei", "Korea", "United States of America", “Romania”, “Australia”, “Russia”, “Poland”, “Singapore”, “Hong Kong, China”, and others. The opening ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 30. The areas covered are mainly ultrasound diagnosis sessions such as physics and engineering, abdominal, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, musculoskeletal system, urology, breast, thyroids, pediatrics, emergency medicine and so on, however the number of sessions on ultrasound therapy is also increasing. In addition, some of the sessions on contrast echo are co-hosted with ICUS and ACUCI. Elastography sessions are also planned.
ASUM/WFUMB Student Webinar Series 2025
We are delighted to be collaborating with our friends at ASUM on a new complimentary student webinar series.
Take a look at the presentation from our first webinar recording - we hope you can join us for the upcoming ones! Add them to your diary and spread the word as we are covering some interesting topics.
MASU Appoints a new President - Welcome to Teresa Abbattista
WFUMB invited Teresa Abbattista to tell us what she sees as goals for her term as President of MASU
"As the newly elected President of the Mediterranean and African Society (MASU), I am deeply honored to strengthen our partnership with the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) and to lead MASU into a new era of growth and impact. MASU, founded with the vision of advancing the development of medical and biological ultrasound in Africa and the Mediterranean, has a rich history of fostering collaborative research and education. Our multinational association, representing a diverse community including Kenya, Zambia, Togo, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Uganda, Libya and with growing connections in Ghana and Egypt, is committed to expanding the applications of ultrasound in our regions and beyond.
Building on our legacy of international scientific congresses and postgraduate courses in COE centers, we are committed to modernizing the MASU charter to ensure greater accessibility and inclusivity. With the support of WFUMB, we will enhance our online presence through a dedicated website and robust online learning platform, enabling seamless virtual collaboration and knowledge sharing. We will strategically expand our reach by actively engaging with more countries, establishing new Centers of Education (COEs), and providing cutting-edge ultrasound updates and robust support for their practices. Additionally, we will empower young sonographers through mentorship, training, and research opportunities, sharing with them the latest advances in diagnostic, therapeutic, and research ultrasound."
Our mission is to work closely with WFUMB!
Read more about Teresa Abbattista here >
Federation News from EFSUMB
EFSUMB Summer School
One of the most important strategic goals of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) is to improve medical students’ ultrasound education. The medical students who are enthusiastic about ultrasound are the future of ultrasound in Europe and the future of EFSUMB. In EFSUMB we have established Young EFSUMB with a Students’ committee and Students’ Ultrasound Congresses (STUC) among other things. The enthusiasm of the participating medical students is impressive and vital and crucial for our future development.
Organisation for our Summer School is going well, with our programme finalised and registrations flooding in. The course is planned for 2 ½ days in Berlin. It is recognized as a EUROSON School, with full endorsement of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB).
We are looking forward to seeing many active students and young residents for three active days focusing on ultrasound and establishing new European friendships.
View the event website and programme at https://efsumb-studentschool.org/
Looking forward to seeing you.
Euroson School: How to Incorporate CEUS into Your Imaging Practice
The organising team would like to invite you to participate in a 2-day concentration of experience and education in the exciting field of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for adults. 18-19 June 2025
The course will take place at the Windsor Walk Lecture Theatre, Fetal Medicine Research Institute, within easy connection to central London. The registration fee includes the two day course and dinner on Wednesday 18th June at Palm Court for regular delegate and trainees/sonographers registrations. We are also offering individual day tickets and a favorable rate for medical students (dinner tickets can be bought for a supplementary price of £60 for 3 courses including wine for single day and medical student registrations).
With an outstanding faculty and a finalised programme now available this Euroson School looks to be a great success.
View the event website and programme at https://efsumb.org/adultceus-london2025/
EFSUMB Liver Day - 25-03-2025
EFSUMB was excited to host a Liver Day on 25 March, during which registrants were invited to attend two webinars with international speakers. We had a phenomenal response to this event, with over 900 people registering to take part. The webinar topics covered:
- Impact of CEUS in liver lesion diagnostic and in hepatic interventional procedures
- Advanced Liver Ultrasound
Presentations for this Liver Day will be available on the EFSUMB web site shortly.
EFSUMB CEUS Webinar Series
Alongside our successful Liver Day we also have a series of Webinars through 2025, covering Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound.
A new E-Book: “Integrating Ultrasound into Clinical Practice”
A Collective Work of European WFUMB Centers of Education
Editors: Ioan Sporea, Alina Popescu, Sergiu Puiu, Durim Cela, Blerina Saraci, Ivica Grgurevic, Boris Brkljacic, Dieter Nürnberg
One of the main aims of WFUMB is education. To support this mission, Centers of Education (COEs) were established years ago as dedicated places for ongoing ultrasound education for professionals interested in this field.
At the European level, the first COE was founded in 2007 in Timișoara, Romania. The second European COE was opened in Chișinău, Moldova, in 2017, followed by another in Tirana, Albania, in 2019. The most recent European Center of Education was established in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2023.
As of now, there are four European Centers of Education: Timișoara, Chișinău, Tirana, and Zagreb. Given the strong friendships between the directors of these COEs and the dedicated teams behind them, numerous joint activities have been planned and successfully carried out. Some of these, such as collaborative webinars held in 2021 and 2024, have been highly appreciated.
Later, we decided that writing a book together would be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, focusing on Point-of-Care Ultrasound across various fields. The best specialists from these COEs were invited to contribute chapters, resulting in a book that integrates the collective expertise of each center for training and educational purposes.
Throughout the development of many European COEs, one name has always stood out: Prof. Dieter Nürnberg, MD, PhD. A fellow of the European Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) and a passionate teacher and mentor in the field of ultrasound, he has played a pivotal role in this journey. With over 20 years of experience in teaching ultrasound at the European level, his expertise has been invaluable to all European COEs.
This collective ultrasound book will be highly beneficial for ultrasound practitioners, COE participants, and beyond. Covering multiple fields of ultrasound, it provides valuable insights for various medical specialties. With contributions from highly experienced educators, this book is both educational and practical. We hope that it will be a useful resource in clinical practice and that readers will find value and enjoyment in its content.
Free download at: https://www.umft.ro/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Integrating-Ultrasound-into-Clinical-Practice_editura_e-book_2025.pdf
Editors
New Associate Editors appointed for UMB
WFUMB's Journal Team are to appoint three new Associate Editors to join the UMB Team. Under the leadership and guidance of UMB Editor-in-Chief, Paul Sidhu we are sure the new Associate Editors skills and knowledge will be a great asset to the team.
John Eisenbrey, PhD ( Thomas Jefferson UniversityUnited States)
Translational Research
John Eisenbrey, PhD is a Professor of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, USA. He received his undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Management at the University of Delaware before completing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University. His research interests include nonlinear imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, therapeutic ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, and interventional radiology. His work is supported by a variety of industry and federal grants, with a focus on clinical translation.
Dr Ahmed El Kaffas, (Principal Investigator, University of California, San Diego)
Dr. Ahmed El Kaffas trained in engineering and biophysics with significant translational and direct clinical research experience at the Sunnybrook Research Institute (University of Toronto), and at Stanford University. The multidisciplinary research group he has founded includes physicists, biologists, engineers and clinical residents/fellows, and ultimately seeks to expand the use of medical ultrasound within and outside of Radiology. To do so, the group focuses on studying the interaction of sound with biological systems in order to develop AI-driven acoustic diagnostics, contrast and molecular ultrasound probes, and mechano-acoustic therapies. Dr. El Kaffas’ lab is supported by several NIH and foundation grants, and receives industry support.
We also welcome:
- Meng-Xing Tang, PhD (Imperial College London, United Kingdom)
Covering: Advanced Imaging Technologies -
Tommaso Bartolotta, (University of Palermo School of Medicine and Surgery, Italy)
Covering: Clinical Applications of Ultrasound
Take a look at the full editorial board at https://www.umbjournal.org/content/edboard
Successful PoCUS Workshop Enhances Primary Care Capabilities in Oman
In a significant step forward for point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) education in Oman, The Royal Hospital in Muscat recently hosted an intensive two-day training programme for family physicians, marking a crucial advancement in primary healthcare delivery in the region.
The comprehensive programme, supported by the Oman Ministry of Health, Oman Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (OSUM) and O-PoCUS covered essential areas such as Physics, FAST, lung, renal, gallbladder, aorta ultrasound, as well as lower leg DVT assessment. The workshop placed particular emphasis on practical implementation with small group hands on learning, receiving real-time feedback and guidance on technical optimisation and troubleshooting techniques.
Faculty members, including Dr. Saud AL Balushi, Dr. Mohamed Al Shamsi, Dr. Ahmed Al Jabri, Dr. Moza Al Kalbani, Dr. Osama Al Khalasi, and ASUM President Jo McCann shared their expertise throughout the programme. Jo's invitation to assist with the workshop came directly from the recent WFUMB conference in Oman, highlighting the international collaboration in advancing ultrasound education.
The workshop has established a foundation for sustainable PoCUS integration into family medicine practice. Its success paves the way for similar training programmes across the region, contributing to the broader goal of integrating PoCUS into routine primary care practice and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for patients.
Advancing Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in the Pacific Islands using a WFUMB Butterfly
During a recent educational visit to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital's Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department, Dr Julian White, a Head & Neck Surgeon from New Zealand, introduced the Butterfly handheld ultrasound device to three Pacific doctors pursuing their Post-Graduate Diploma in ORL. The visiting registrars, from Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa, observed demonstrations of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules using a WFUMB Butterfly, a procedure previously performed freehand.
The Butterfly ultrasound transducer proved invaluable, allowing for real-time visualisation and improved procedural accuracy during two thyroid FNA procedures conducted in the ORL clinic. The demonstration supports WFUMB’s mission to expand ultrasound accessibility and education in resource-limited settings, empowering local specialists to enhance diagnostic capabilities within their respective countries. The Butterfly has also been useful during lectures to demonstrate the usefulness of Point of Care Ultrasound for ORL surgeons. The use of the WFUMB Butterfly demonstrated the potential of portable ultrasound technology in regions where comprehensive imaging services remain challenging to access.
WFUMB COE Workshop 2025 in Dhaka
Due to increasing demands for education and training in diagnostic ultrasonography, the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) established its first "WFUMB Center of Excellence" in Dhaka in 2004. The Bangladesh Society of Ultrasonography is the first WFUMB affiliate to receive this honor.
The aims of WFUMB COE are to provide education and training in medical ultrasonography. Since 2015, it was renamed as ‘WFUMB Center of Education’ with twenty such centers working throughout the six continents of the World.
The 31st Workshop of the WFUMB Center of Education Bangladesh was held on 14 & 15 February 2025, Friday & Saturday at BIAM Multipurpose Hall, 63 New Eskaton, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. The workshop was also organized virtually as a webinar. Prof. Musarrat Hasan-Pakistan; Chairman of the AFSUMB Archive Committee, Prof. Mukhtar Alam Ansari-Nepal, President of the Ultrasound Society of Nepal and Prof. Kanu Bala-Bangladesh, were present as WFUMB Faculty. There were BSU Faculty, with BSU’s President Prof. Mizanul Hasan formally inaugurating the program. BSU Secretary General, Prof. Jasmine Ara Haque conducted the programs.
The programme was entitled “Perinatal Ultrasound: Mother’s Perspective” and included many new useful topics with lectures and hands-on training. The participants enjoyed the “Meet the Professor Session” along with a sumptuous dinner. The program was well organized with 195 participants joining.
The organizers would like to thank WFUMB, resource personnel, panelists, and participants for the successful completion of the workshop.
Prof. Kanu Bala MBBS, PhD, FRCP
Director, WFUMB COE Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
New Editors for WFUMB's Case of the Month
Over recent years we have invested huge resources into improving our website for our users and increasing our social media presence so we can actively promote our aim in providing sustainable ultrasound to all.
The WFUMB Interactive Case of the Month section produces consistently high visitor numbers, month on month which proves to us there is a thirst for cases, and a deep interest in continual learning amongst our audience.
Much of the success of the Case of the Month section can be attributed to the Editors of the content. Caroline Ewertsen took over the interactive case of the month in 2019, and then in 2022 Jonathan Cohen joined, both have diligently sought and checked through hundreds of cases to furnish this well-visited section.
WFUMB would like to give thanks to both Caroline and Jonathan who have dedicated so much time to keeping this section running and making it successful.
In May 2025, our two new Case Editors officially take on the job of seeking and editing new cases for WFUMB. We welcome Edda Chaves and Antonio Carlos Matteoni de Athayde, to the case team and hope they can continue the success of such a well-visited area of the WFUMB site.
For us to continue offering high quality cases we need to ask for your help. We would like to invite our member federations to submit cases for publication on the WFUMB web site and across our social media channels.
Submission is easy!
Please invite your members to use the following submission template which guides them through the information required and in what format. If language is a barrier, assure your candidates that we have a team here at WFUMB who can translate so as not to be put off! Once a case is completed and ready for submission, it simply needs to be emailed to our Case of the Month Editorial Team, Edda Chaves and Antonio Matteoni, who will assess the case ready for publication.
We would be grateful if you could circulate this call for cases amongst your members. We look forward to receiving exciting and interesting cases which everyone can enjoy!
The Third Albanian Ultrasound Conference - 11 & 12 April
![Echoes Issue No. 39 [ March 2025 ]](https://wfumb.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4cdc2a01-0bac-409b-ab8a-bcd00c0e25dc-scaled.jpg)
The Albanian Ultrasound Association and the Albanian WFUMB COE are proud to present the 3rd Albanian Ultrasound Conference which will take place on 11-12 April 2025 at Maritime Plaza Hotel in Tirana.
With a highly acclaimed international faculty, this conference is one not to miss!
Registration is still available https://ample.al/events/
![Echoes Issue No. 39 [ March 2025 ]](https://wfumb.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/230d2cf7-ee0d-4d91-8c99-c085a66ee849-scaled.jpg)
Reminders to Federations
Luminary Inteview - Kanu Bala
PROFESSOR KANU BALA
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Q1: How and when did you become involved in ultrasound?
In the year 1982, Institute of Nuclear Medicine, a project of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, had introduced diagnostic ultrasound as supplementary imaging modality. They used the only static ultrasound machine in Bangladesh (Picture-1). Soon, ultrasound gained popularity and considered as a primary imaging modality. I started my ultrasound practice in the year 1986 using ‘Akashi’ ultrasound system of Japan (Picture-2) at Dhaka. Soon it became popular and I got the opportunity to scan patients coming from all over Bangladesh. I gained ultrasound training at some centers of abroad few years prior to 1986.
Q2: Were there any particular people that influenced your work?
There are three great people who influenced my work a lot:
- Hiroki Watanabe-Japan, WFUMB Past-President and inventor of “Transrectal Ultrasound”. He influenced to establish and run “First WFUMB Center of Excellence” in Dhaka in the year 2004
- Barry B. Goldberg-USA, WFUMB Past-President and Director of “Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute [JUREI]. He influenced to establish and run JUREI Examination System in Bangladesh
- National Prof. N. Islam-Bangladesh, Founder Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Chittagong [USTC]. He influenced to establish and run “Bangladesh Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Research [BIUMR]” of the USTC with faculty status. We are running “Diploma in Medical Ultrasound Diagnosis [DMUD]” course under USTC.
Q3: What are your impressions of the ultrasound technology available today?
Nowadays, ultrasound is used for all structures, organs and tissues. Highly helpful for diagnosis and management of a patient. Without ultrasound modern medicine is unthinkable. But for optimum benefit we need a modern machine with needed facilities. In addition, man behind the machine should be educated and skilled with sincerity, dedication and patient friendly.
Q4: Do you have any interesting stories about your time in ultrasound?
This is a real story of my early time practice. I examined a patient with 8 weeks pregnancy. I gave a full report writing fetal heart is beating normally. Seeing the report, the clinician became furious. He told me how it was possible to see beating heart until 13-14 weeks of pregnancy. I told, this was not physical examination, I was examining with a modern instrument. I gave photocopies of reference writings. But the clinician denied to be convinced. So, ultimately I had to show beating heart with patient and instrument. I believe, many of us like me did a lot to make this modality popular.
Q5: Are you still involved with the ultrasound world?
I am still involved with the ultrasound world as below:
- I am running BIUMR and DMUD Course under the USTC as Director and Professor. I am doing Administrative Works, Lectures and Practical (Picture-6).
- As the Director of the “WFUMB Center of Education Bangladesh” I am going on organizing workshops at least once in a year (Picture-7).
- I am involved with the academic activities of the Bangladesh Society of Ultrasonography (Picture-8).
- As the Member of AFSUMB Education Committee, participating organizing ultrasound workshops in Asian countries (Picture-9).
- I going on contributing to the work of WFUMB and AFSUMB (Picture-10).
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- Prof. Bala with the World Ultrasound Leaders in Sydney, Australia
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- As the Member of AFSUMB Education Committee Prof. Bala has attended AFSUMB Workshop in Mongolia.
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- Prof. Bala is delivering Key-note Speech at the 36 National Conference of the Bangladesh Society of Ultrasonography.
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- As the Director of the “WFUMB Center of Education Bangladesh” Prof. Bala is going on organizing workshops. Till this date 31 International Workshops are organized.
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- Prof. Kanu Bala is running BIUMR and DMUD Course under the USTC as Director and Professor
