As the SonoSlam competition heats up with each passing round, Caleb Haeussler, EnMed Class of 2024, and his team of Aggies are filled with uncertainty and must rely on each other’s expertise to tackle new challenges; this round is the most thrilling. Despite a shaky start, his team quickly adapts and pushes forward in a race against time, with people scrambling and problem-solving on the fly. At one point, the urgency leads to a comical yet bold act as Haeussler – dressed in a buttoned shirt – hops on the table and rips it off mid-action so his abdomen can get checked quickly for pyloric stenosis. “Imagine people diving over the tables and people leaning halfway off the tables because we only had a few seconds left and had to get a quick ultrasound! Despite the pressure, there’s a thrill in the teamwork, rapid-fire decision-making, and the natural energy of the competition floor,” he shares. Each moment leaves a lasting impression, but how did Haeussler reach this point?
He first discovered the SonoSlam competition when Dr. Christine Whitelaw, assistant clinical professor at Texas A&M University School of Medicine, emailed the Texas A&M listserv inquiring about interest in the SonoSlam event. Intrigued, Haeussler first brushed it off but reconsidered after realizing it coincided with his ultrasound elective in Austin. With new enthusiasm, he joined the Aggie team, recognizing the unique opportunity before him. Haeussler, interested in family medicine, shares his eagerness for ultrasound technology by saying, “Ultrasound proves to be more valuable in obscure and remote medical scenarios, where access to other imaging modalities may be limited”.
On the day of the event, the large and bustling conference hall of the Hilton Austin set the scene for the SonoSlam event, and the competition was structured into several rounds. Starting in the orientation area, Haeussler and his team absorbed critical information about the tasks ahead. The competition included two hands-on rounds, ending with a climatic final round conducted center stage before a live audience. The first rounds featured diverse stations strategically positioned throughout the room, allowing teams to navigate between them at their own pace within the allotted hour, ensuring the completion of all tasks.
“Going into the competition, we thought this would be a small local Texas thing with only schools from the region. We were shocked when we saw schools nationwide, like Stanford, Cornell, and OSU. I felt a little stressed and worried about going into the first round because of the caliber of the schools.”
But the Aggie team was prepared and couldn’t have been more well-rounded; Haeussler, a master of cardiac and vascular intricacies, estimated the right ventricular and left ventricular function and the vascular procedures for ultrasound-guided line placements. Nic Tan specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, offering important insights into soft tissue injuries such as a torn rotator cuff or a radius fracture and determining the neurovascular complications of those injuries. Ella Nonni, focusing on obstetrics and gynecology, swiftly handled maternal health challenges with a model baby in the phantom; she quickly and accurately measured its femur length to get the gestation rate. Ayomide Isola-Gbenla’s expertise lies in emergency medicine, particularly abdominal ultrasounds. He was the go-to person for gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidney, and internal organ damage that may cause bleeding. Together, the four of them form the dream team, with each member contributing unique skills to tackle any ultrasound challenge with precision.
Round 1: The Introduction
The setup was simple yet comprehensive, with various stations organized to focus on different aspects of ultrasound, from OB/GYN to soft tissue injuries and pediatrics. Physicians guided each session, ensuring a rich learning experience. Participants faced a mix of questions and practical demonstrations. For instance, they might be asked about the earliest fetal heartbeat detection or tasked with identifying structures on models or each other. Yes, you read that right – scanning each other adds a fun twist to the learning process.
Round 2: The Challenge Intensifies
Round two mirrored the first but with a time crunch. Instead of leisurely exploring each station, participants had precisely three minutes per station. This rapid rotation tested their ability to scan structures, answer clinical questions, and swiftly move on. Questions became more clinically oriented, requiring participants to connect findings with real-world scenarios. From diagnosing parasites to prescribing medications, each station presented a unique challenge. Only the top six teams advanced to the next stage and the Aggies were victorious.
Semi-Finals: A Surprise Twist
Just when participants thought they had it all figured out, the semi-finals took an unexpected turn. Dubbed the “charades round,” participants had to act out medical terms and findings related to ultrasound. It was an entertaining mix of creativity and skill demonstration. Unfortunately, the Aggies didn’t advance as quickly as some other teams in this round. Although they were eliminated here, they showed incredible determination and sportsmanship throughout. Their journey in the competition has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for future Aggie teams and provided valuable learning experiences for the students involved.
The Final Showdown: Virtual Reality
The climax of the competition was unlike anything seen before. Final teams wore virtual reality (VR) Oculus headsets, and instead of ultrasound probes, they used VR joysticks to simulate ultrasound scanning. While one team member scanned, the other guided them through the virtual landscape. It was a unique blend of technology and medical expertise.
Overall, the Aggie team’s achievement of fourth place brought a sense of satisfaction, especially amidst the tough competition comprising 20 teams, including those with extensive preparations and actual ultrasonography students. Haeussler shares, “While our elimination in the charades round left us a bit disappointed, the overall experience remained enjoyable and filled with mystery as we navigated through each challenge without knowing what lay ahead,” he continues, “Despite the odds, we persevered, ultimately basking in our accomplishments. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the participation of more EnMed students in the future, aspiring to clinch the coveted first place for Texas A&M.”
The SonoSlam competition was a unique opportunity that left a lasting impression on Haeussler. As he transitions into residency next year, he passionately encourages EnMed students to seize this valuable experience. “There was the physical section geared toward the engineering aspect, and it was cool to see them tie into the engineering on the screen. The SonoSlam event is a great opportunity for first-year students to compete and keep going again each year,” Haeussler shares.
From its focus on engineering medicine in ultrasound to the firsthand mentorship provided by esteemed medical practitioners, SonoSlam offers a gateway to an enriched understanding of medical technology and its potential applications. By participating, students not only refine their ultrasound skills but also gain invaluable insights that can shape their future careers in medicine.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Whitelaw at cgwhitelaw@tamu.edu to learn more about how you can participate in SonoSlam next year!
