Classes

We introduced online education in 2020. We know how difficult it is for you to get away from a busy practice, so we will be putting the didactic portion of our Soft Tissue Level 1 and Level 2 classes online. It is possible to purchase an 8 hour day of in-clinic, hands-on ultrasound training, on your machine, for an additional fee. This training will cover the scanning skills covered in the didactic modules, and will be RACE approved. We still offer regular Soft Tissue Level 1 and Level 2 classes in Irving, Texas, if you wish to join us here.

We have automated our online classes so that when you click on the link below, you then click on your class of choice, and will fill out a registration page, and put in credit card information for payment. If you opt in for emails, upon successful completion of a class, it will generate a CE. You will have access to PDF Notes and online Modules. Each class has 1 or more quizzes associated with it, that you must pass to get the RACE CE. If you do not pass, you can retake the quiz until you do. You will have six months to complete each class.

The objective for this course is for the attendee to leave with the knowledge of how to recognize an ultrasound case, incorporate ultrasound into their practice, and how to create a study for someone to interpret, of the five main abdominal organs. This will be accomplished through learning the basic knobs necessary to create a diagnostic image, how to tweak that image with these knobs, do measurements, and follow a scanning protocol. Recognizing artifacts will be covered, as well as how to quickly assess a trauma case with ultrasound. Hands-on scanning will reinforce the didactic portion, and recognizing normal tissue.

Fee: $1300.

Class Dates & Times:

• November 17 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• January 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• July 11 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 26 th , 2024 8AM – 5 PM
• December 5 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored

The objectives for this class are for the student to learn knobs and buttons necessary to create an ultrasound study, how to tweak an image to be the best it can be, distance and area measurements, and following a scanning protocol for the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. Discussing the purpose of each type of probe, and recognizing artifacts will also be covered.

FEE: $1100..

Class Dates & Times:

• January 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• July 11 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 26 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 5 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM

The objective for this course is for the attendee to learn the normal and abnormal appearance of all abdominal organs, including pancreas, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes. In addition, scanning technique, machine controls necessary to create a high quality diagnostic image, measurements, and following a consistent scanning protocol will be emphasized. Hands-on scanning will focus on scan technique, recognition of anatomy, and creating a diagnostic scan. Ultrasound guided aspiration and biopsy technique will be covered, and case studies will be presented. Taught by a Board Certified Veterinary Radiologist.

Fee: $1600.

Class Dates & Times:

• November 18 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• January 28 th , 2024, 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 28 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• July 12 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 6 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored

The objectives for this class are for the student to learn equipment controls necessary to tweak ultrasound images to be their best, measurements, and following a scanning protocol to create a complete soft tissue ultrasound exam, which will be accomplished through hands-on scanning in a wet lab setting with a machine and animal.

Fee: $1200.

Class Dates & Times:

• November 18 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• January 28 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 28 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• July 12 th , 2024 8 M – 5 PM
• October 27 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 6 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM

The objective for this class is for the student to take their abdominal scanning skills to the next level. In depth discussion of hepatobiliary disease, vasculature evaluation with Doppler, and the search for shunts. The hands-on scanning will encompass:

• In depth evaluation of the liver, gall bladder, and bile duct, using standard subcostal and intercostal windows
  • Practice in finding and following the bile duct
• In depth evaluation of the canine and feline pancreas.  Regional anatomy, including duodenum, stomach, transverse colon, portal vein, and splenic vein will be used to consistently find the pancreas or region of the pancreas
• Evaluation of the aorta, portal vein, caudal vena cava, renal arteries, hepatic artery will be practiced, using Doppler (both color and pulsed wave) to assess waveforms, direction and velocity of flow
  • The portal vein will be evaluated closely for normal flow (direction and velocity) to better evaluate conditions such as portal hypertension
• Evaluation of portal vein and caudal vena cava for intra-hepatic and extra-hepatic portosystemic shunts
• Evaluation of the thyroid gland

Day 1: Lecture/Lab

Day 2: Live Cases

16 CE's

Fee: $1600.

Class Dates & Times:

• February 24th, 2024 8 AM to 5 PM
• February 25th, 2024, 8 AM to 5 PM
• July 27th, 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• July 28th, 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 7th, 2024 8 AM –5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• December 8 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored

The objective for this course is for the attendee to leave with the knowledge of tweaking image quality, and learning both normal anatomy and appearance, as well as abnormal, and disease processes for the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, GI System, thyroid and vascular. Hands-on scanning will reinforce the didactic portion, and recognizing normal tissue.

Requirements: Must be a Boarded Specialist or Resident

Fee: $3900.

Class Dates & Times:

• April 14 th , 2024 8 AM – 6 PM
• April 15 th , 2024 8 AM – 6 PM
• April 16 th , 2024 8 AM – 6 PM
• April 17 th , 2024 8 AM – 6 PM
• April 18 th , 2024 8 AM – 12 Noon

We will critique your imaging quality, protocol, and measurements, and help you to improve it.

10 cases for $650.

We introduced online education in 2020. We know how difficult it is for you to get away from a busy practice, so we will be putting the didactic portion of some of our cardiac classes online. The optional hands on portion of these classes will be done in your clinic, on your machine. We will still offer cardiac classes in Irving, Texas, if you wish to join us here.

We have automated our online classes so that when you click on the link below, you then click on your class of choice, and will fill out a registration page, and put in credit card information for payment. If you opt in for emails, upon successful completion of a class, it will generate a CE. You will have access to PDF Notes and online Modules. Each class has 1 or more quizzes associated with it, that you must pass to get the RACE CE. If you do not pass, you can retake the quiz until you do. You will have six months to complete each class.

This class is for Veterinarians who want to learn how to perform and interpret a diagnostic echocardiographic study with emphasis on key images and measurements that can be used to accurately diagnose and stage canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and feline cardiomyopathy. It is interactive attendee oriented small group learning, with emphasis on practical content that can be immediately incorporated into their practice. No prior echo experience required.

Course Outline:

Canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)

• MMVD represents approximately 75% of canine heart disease
• The most recent ACVIM MMVD Consensus statement guidelines (2019) recommends initiation of treatment with pimobendan in Stage B2 MMVD
• The definition of Stage B2 is based primarily on heart size (sufficient cardiomegaly)
• Diagnosis of Stage B2 MMVD is the recommended threshold for initiation of treatment with pimobendan in dogs with preclinical (Stage B) MMVD
• Echocardiography is the most accurate method to measure heart size and is the diagnostic test with highest priority in dogs with preclinical MMVD
• This course will teach attendees how to acquire and accurately measure the left atrium and left ventricle using simple right parasternal 2D echocardiographic images allowing attendees to diagnosis Stage B2 MMVD and practice guideline directed therapy (recommend pimobendan treatment according to the 2019 ACVIM MMVD Consensus statement guidelines)

Feline Cardiomyopathy (CM)

• The prevalence of feline CM is on average about 15% and increases with age
• Together hypertrophic and obstructive cardiomyopathy represent the majority of feline CM
• Many apparently healthy/asymptomatic cats (20-50%) have heart murmurs, however many heart murmurs in cats are not pathologic
• Thirty percent of cats with preclinical hypertrophic CM go on to develop congestive heart failure (20%) and/or arterial thromboembolism (10%).
• The best method to discriminate pathologic from non-pathologic murmurs is echocardiographic assessment with emphasis on accurate assessment of left atrial size
• Left atrial enlargement represents a known risk factor for development of both congestive heart failure and arterial thromboembolism
• In cats with active respiratory distress focused assessment of left atrial size can help support (left atria enlargement) or exclude (normal left atrial size) congestive heart failure
• This course will teach attendees how to acquire and accurately measure the left atrium using simple right parasternal 2D echocardiographic images allowing attendees to stage the severity of CM.

Prerequisites: None

3 Days 19 CE's (8 lecture, 8 scanning, 3 measurements)

Fee: $2300

Class Dates & Times:

• April 30 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• May 1 st , 2024 8:30 AM – 5 PM
• May 2 nd , 2024 8:30 AM – 3 PM

Cardiac Level 1: Diagnostic Two Dimensional Cardiac Scanning & Evaluation Accompanied by Common Cardiac Diseases

This course is designed to cover all right sided imaging planes - the core of an echocardiographic examination - as well as the left sided right auricular view. Subjective and objective evaluation of these images are covered. Hands on scanning sessions will teach the scanning technique needed to develop skill in obtaining these echocardiographic imaging planes. At completion of this course the attendee will be able to recognize all right sided imaging planes, understand the principles of obtaining these images, obtain critical measurements and understand their usefulness in the assessment of cardiac disease. This course will also include integration of echocardiography into your practice by covering the diagnosis and management of the most common adult-onset cardiac diseases. Using case material, we will form strategies for diagnosis, staging, and management of these diseases with emphasis on the role of echocardiography.

3 days ~ 21 hours of CE

Fee: $2300

Class Dates & Times:

• March 8 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• March 9 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• March 10 th , 2024 8 AM – 3 PM Esaote Sponsored
• September 13 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• September 14 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• September 15 th , 2024 8 AM – 3 PM

Cardiac Level 2: Doppler Echocardiography

The Complete echocardiogram: incorporating 2D imaging, measurements, and color and spectral Doppler.

The objective of this course is for the attendee to obtain an accurate and diagnostic echocardiographic study that incorporates color flow and spectral Doppler. All topics will focus on accuracy of the Doppler information and optimizing image quality. Topics covered will include: understanding the physical principles of Doppler echocardiography as it applies to the accuracy and quality of an echocardiographic exam, correct placement of Doppler cursors and gates, recognition of normal and abnormal color flow Doppler, understanding how Doppler aids in the evaluation of common acquired heart disease. Hands on sessions will focus on equipment controls that affect image quality, image optimization and measurement of the Doppler echocardiogram. Taught by a Boarded Cardiologist.

Prerequisites:/

Level 1 or experience obtaining right sided 2D and M-Mode images

2.5 days ~ 21 hours of CE

Fee: $2300

Class Dates & Times:

• November 9 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 10 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 11 th , 2023 8 AM – 2 PM
• May 14 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• May 15 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• May 16 th , 2024 8 AM – 2 PM
• November 6 th , 2024 8 AM - 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• November 7 th , 2024 8 AM - 5 PM Esaote Sponsored
• November 8 th , 2024 8 AM - 2 PM Esaote Sponsored

Cardiac Level 3: Advanced Doppler and 2D Echocardiography – Beyond the Basics

This course will address advanced Doppler techniques and diagnostics. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee should be able to:

• Evaluate diastolic function as it applies to cardiomyopathies in cats e.g. know how to assess functional diastolic class using pulmonary venous flow, mitral inflow profiles and isovolumic relaxation time
• Assess the risk of thrombus development in cats with cardiomyopathy by evaluation of left atrial function assessment using auricular flow and atrial fractional shortening
• Evaluate of left ventricular filling pressure and the risk for development of congestive heart failure in dogs using mitral inflow profiles, and isovolumic relaxation time
• Diagnose preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: evaluation of systolic function beyond fractional shortening and systolic chamber size.
• Use echocardiographic methods to evaluate for the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension when there is no tricuspid or pulmonary insufficiency.

Attendees should be able to obtain a basic 2D echocardiographic study including right and left sided imaging planes and have working knowledge and experience in color flow and spectral Doppler.

Prerequisites:

Cardiac Level 2 or clinical experience with Color and Spectral Doppler

2 days ~ 14 hours of CE

Fee: $1800

Class Dates & Times:

• December 1 st , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 2 nd , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM

• June 21st, 2024 8 AM - 5 PM
• June 22nd, 2024 8 AM - 5 PM

Echocardiographic Features of Acquired Heart Disease – 2D, M-Mode, Doppler – With Scanning Sessions

This class is designed for the attendee to have ample opportunity to work on their scanning skills with one-on-one instruction. The didactic portion will review the 2D, M-Mode, Spectral and color Doppler features of common acquired canine and feline disease with emphasis, clinical diagnosis and staging and report generation. This encyclopedic format will help solidify the diagnostic features of common diseases using extensive image review. 9.5 hours of hands-on scanning with the remainder being interactive didactic.

Fee: $2300

2.5 Days 16 CE's

Class Dates & Times:

• February 6 th , 2024 9 AM – 5 PM
• February 7 th , 2024 9 AM – 5 PM
• February 8 th , 2024 9 AM – 12:30 PM

Echocardiographic Case Studies in Acquired Heart Disease

This course will provide ample hands-on to work on your scanning skill set. The didactic portion will be interactive and utilize a case rounds format. Cases will be presented, and attendees will be given time to review the echo study and generate a list of abnormalities and final interpretation and then the case will be taken up as a group with the instructor. Images will be reviewed and discussed with emphasis on report generation and next steps for the case. Treatment options will be discussed when appropriate, but emphasis will be on diagnosis. It is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in echo to finesse their imaging skill set and challenge their diagnostic prowess.

Prerequisite

Must have completed Echocardiographic Features of Acquired Heart Disease – 2D, M-Mode, Doppler – with Scanning Sessions

Fee: $2100

2 Days 13.5 CE's

Class Dates & Times:

• March 20 th , 2024 9 AM – 6 PM
• March 21 st , 2024 9 AM – 5 PM

We will critique your imaging quality, protocol, and measurements, and help you to improve it.

10 cases for $750.

The objective of this program is for the attendee to become a proficient, confident soft tissue sonographer, by immersing them in soft tissue ultrasound over a 3 month period. The student will be with us for 4 days in session 1, and 3 days in sessions 2 and 3. Each session is approximately 1 month apart. Each session will build upon the prior session. Knobs, measurements, labeling, scan technique of the abdomen, scanning protocol, artifacts, normal and abnormals, disease processes, and aspirate and biopsy technique will be taught. Each session will require accountability in the way of quizzes, and written and practical exams. Case submissions will be required weekly between sessions for critique. Referral to a telemedicine service or specialist may still be necessary, as this is a skill set that requires continuing practice allowing proficiency to become excellence.

Requirements:

You may attend any one of these sessions as a "stand alone class", as long as you have the necessary clinical experience for each level. For example: no previous experience is necessary for Session 1, which is Beginner to Intermediate Level. Either Soft Tissue Level 1, Soft Tissue Immersion Program Session 1, or previous clinical experience would be necessary to attend Session 2, which is Intermediate to Advanced Level. Soft Tissue Level 2, Soft Tissue Immersion Program Session 2, or similar clinical experience would be necessary to attend Session 3, which is Advanced Level.

Attendees MUST have access to a digital ultrasound machine with color and spectral Doppler (PW required) capability, that allows saving and exporting still images and cine loops in Dicom format, for all three sessions. Attendees will receive 24 hours of CE for each session, MUST attend all 3 sessions, and maintain a passing grade of 70 or above, per session, in order to receive the Certificate of Soft Tissue Proficiency. This is NOT an accreditation.Class size is limited so we encourage you to sign up early to guarantee admittance. Taught by a Boarded Radiologist.

Fee per Session 1: $3800

Fee per Session 2: $3400

Fee per Session 3: $3400

Testimonials

Having tried other ultrasound courses, it wasn't until WAVE, that my knowledge, skills & ability really exploded. Homework, in the Soft Tissue Immersion Program, provides an opportunity to learn through repetition, promoting muscle memory, while also receiving constructive criticism of performance ability. WAVE is amongst the best veterinary CE in the world.
Cameron Dow, DVM

The Soft Tissue Immersion course provided the framework for a complete abdominal ultrasound scan - far superior to any other ultrasound course I've taken. I feel confident doing my own scans now.
Christie Macintyre, DVM

Class Dates & Times:

Session 3

• November 2 nd , 2023 8 Am – 5 PM
• November 3 rd , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 4 th , 2023 8 AM – 4 PM

Session 1

• April 4 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 5 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 6 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• April 7 th , 2024 8 AM – 3 PM
• October 9 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 10 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 11 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• October 12 th , 2024 8 AM – 3 PM

Session 2

• May 9 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• May 10 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• May 11 th , 2024 8 AM – 4 PM
• November 13 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 14 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 15 th , 2024 8 AM – 4 PM

Session 3

• June 12 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• June 13 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• June 14 th , 2024 8 AM – 4 PM
• December 11 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 12 th , 2024 8 Am – 5 PM
• December 13 th , 2024 8 AM – 4 PM

This program is designed to meet the growing demand for veterinarians to become competent in the acquisition, measurement, interpretation, and reporting of diagnostic cardiac ultrasound exams in patients with acquired heart disease. Veterinarians will learn how to systematically interpret studies and prepare a comprehensive report. This program is also appropriate for Veterinary Technicians to develop the skills necessary to obtain and measure a complete echocardiographic examination appropriate for review by a supervising veterinarian or reading service.

Requirements:

• Must have access to a digital ultrasound machine with color and spectral Doppler capability
• Be able to save and export still images and cine loops in DICOM format
• Ideally a phased array transducer (cardiac probe) with CW capability is desirable but a microconvex is minimally required

This is a 4 session program, with approximately 8 to 14 weeks between each session (see dates below). Each week builds on the previous one. This course holds the attendee accountable for learning the didactic material and scanning technique in the form of daily quizzes, final written and practical exams as well as scanning homework between each of the onsite sessions. To successfully pass this course, participants must complete homework consisting of imaging studies on dogs and cats, and they must submit the images electronically in DICOM format for instructor review and feedback. The attendee can expect to spend about 2 hours per week on their homework studies. The homework is a mandatory requirement. If assigned echocardiographic exams are not completed each week, the attendee will not successfully finish this course.

Who should attend?

• Veterinarians and veterinary technicians who wish to become excellent small animal imagers by being held accountable through written tests, practicums, and homework.

Prerequisites

• No previous scanning experience is required.

Fee per sessions : $3700 each

Class Dates & Times:

Session 2

• December 5 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 6 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 7 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM
• December 8 th , 2023 8 AM – 5 PM

Session 3

• February 6th, 2024 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 7th, 2024 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 8th, 2024 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 9th, 2024 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Session 4

• March 20 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• March 21 st , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• March 22 nd , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• March 23 rd , 2024 8 AM – 2 PM

Session 1

• September 23 rd , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• September 24 th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• September 25 th , 2024 8 Am – 5 PM

Session 2

• November 18th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 19th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 20th , 2024 8 AM – 5 PM
• November 21st , 2024 8 AM – 2 PM

Session 3

• January 28 th , 2025 8 AM – 5 PM
• January 29 th , 2025 8 AM – 5 PM
• January 30 th , 2025 8 Am – 5 PM
• January 31 st , 2025 8 AM – 2 PM

Session 4

• March 5 th , 2025 8 AM – 5 PM
• March 6 th , 2025 8 AM – 5 PM
• March 7 th , 2025 8 AM – 5 PM

Click Here for a homework sample