Obstetrics and Gynaecological Ultrasound

• Across all three years

  Ultrasound physics, gynaecological ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound, genetics and other imaging modalities

• Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound Module 1

  Ultrasound physics, the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine's course and examination, passed in Year 1

  • Modules 2 and 3 are encouraged

• Human genetics lectures

  At least 3 hours a week for a semester, on counselling, screening, cytogenetics, gene mapping and ethics, approved before you start

• Biostatistics

  A university course with an examination, at least 20 hours

• Nuchal Translucency Online Learning Program

  Passed, meeting every requirement for its certification

• Scanning skills

  3 uncomplicated cases, routine scans with normal anatomy, by the end of the year: a mid-trimester morphology scan, a third-trimester growth scan, and an endometriosis or emergency gynaecological scan

  • Progressing to Year 2 depends on it

• How cases are assessed

  Two formative assessments before each summative one

  • Any sonologist or sonographer can do a formative, and one performed to standard by a COGU subspecialist converts straight to a summative

• Scholarly elective proposal

  Your proposal and timeline, with the first six-monthly assessment, naming a research supervisor for the research stream

You choose in Year 1, with a proposal and timeline in your first six-monthly assessment. A higher research degree in the field, or a suitable vocational course, can exempt you. Apply for the exemption with your first semester's training plan. You still take part in research in your unit.

• COGU Theory Examination

  Ten short-answer questions for 150 marks in 3 hours 15 minutes, sat by remote proctoring each September

  • Open once 46 weeks of training are credited by its application closing date
  • You have 3 attempts

• COGU Clinical Imaging Examination

  A digital examination interpreting ultrasound images and video, in eight multi-part themes over 3 hours 45 minutes, each September

  • Open once 46 weeks are credited by its application closing date
  • You have 3 attempts

• Scanning skills

  2 uncomplicated cases by the end of the year: a 12-week nuchal translucency scan, and an endometriosis or emergency gynaecological scan

  • Progressing to Year 3 depends on it

• Early pregnancy emergency scan

  An assessment of an emergency ultrasound under 11 weeks, during the year

• Training outside an accredited COGU unit

  Up to 12 months, counted only in this year and only with prospective approval

• When to ask

  The elective goes to the June committee meeting of the year before for a semester 1 start, and to the October meeting for semester 2

• Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology Skills module

  The FRANZCOG Advanced Training module, complete by the end of training

• Special Interest Modules

  Other elective modules, if you choose

• Scanning skills

  5 complex cases by the end of the year: nuchal translucency, mid-trimester morphology and third-trimester growth scans, plus 2 endometriosis or emergency gynaecological scans

  • A complex case is a harder scan, such as a high body mass index, pathology, a multiple pregnancy or a fetal anomaly, and none can start before the end of Year 1

• Examination deadlines

  Sit the first within 2 years of finishing your 3 clinical years

  • Pass both within 4 years of finishing them

• Progress reports

  One every 6 months, with a nominated mentor or supervisor

• Certification

  Applied for once at least 138 weeks are credited and every assessment is complete, approved by the subspecialty committee and ratified by the Board

  • The COGU subspecialist title is not used before then

• Scholarly elective deadline

  Finish it within the time your stream allows, or removal from the program is recommended

  • Revisions can delay certification