Point of care ultrasound (POCUS)

image of Online Vet Training instructor Franziska Meyer

Franziska Meyer, Dr. med. vet., Dip ACVECC

Start Course

Course includes:

8 Lessons

2 Topics

Quiz

Certificate

Duration: 1 hour 30 min

CE Credits: 0 (No course credits)

This practical webinar introduces veterinarians to the clinical value of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in dogs and cats, with a strong focus on its application in the emergency setting. We begin with a brief overview of the main indications for POCUS, essential equipment, and commonly encountered artifacts — including how to recognize and minimize them.

The session then moves into a structured, hands-on oriented approach to abdominal POCUS, followed by thoracic and lung ultrasound. Cardiac POCUS is also addressed, highlighting how focused echocardiographic assessment can support rapid clinical decision-making. The webinar concludes with a short discussion of additional emergency room indications where POCUS can provide immediate, actionable information.

By the end of this session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how POCUS can be integrated into daily clinical practice and how this fast, non-invasive technique can significantly enhance bedside assessment in critically ill patients. This webinar emphasizes why POCUS is an essential skill for every veterinarian — and particularly for those working in emergency and critical care settings.

Franziska Meyer, Dr. med. vet., Dip ACVECC

Dr. Meyer graduated from the University of Bern, Switzerland in 2010. After completing a doctorate thesis at the Institute of Genetics at the same university, she went on to work in a small animal clinic for 2 years, followed by an internship in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Zurich. After several years working in general practice and emergency medicine in Switzerland and the UK, she pursued residency training in emergency and critical care at the University of Bern and Washington State University. Dr. Meyer became a diplomate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care in 2022 and joined the University of Zurich as a senior lecturer the same year.

Franzi has a genuine passion for teaching and takes great joy in guiding residents through the challenges of emergency and critical care. She creates a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where no question is too small and encourages learners to speak up and think critically. Her approachable manner makes her a mentor who is always happy to explain complex concepts in a clear, straightforward way. Whether in the lecture hall or the clinic, Franzi’s enthusiasm for education shines through, inspiring the next generation of critical care specialists.

Dr. Meyer schloss ihr Studium der Tiermedizin 2010 an der Universität Bern (Schweiz) ab. Nach dem Abschluss ihrer Doktorarbeit am Institut für Genetik derselben Universität arbeitete sie zwei Jahre in einer Kleintierklinik, gefolgt von einem Internship in der Kleintier-Inneren Medizin an der Universität Zürich. Nach mehreren Jahren Tätigkeit in der Allgemeinpraxis und in der Notfallmedizin in der Schweiz und im Vereinigten Königreich absolvierte sie eine Residency in Notfall- und Intensivmedizin an der Universität Bern sowie an der Washington State University. Im Jahr 2022 erlangte Dr. Meyer den Titel Diplomate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care und trat im selben Jahr eine Stelle als Senior Lecturer an der Universität Zürich an.

Franzi hat eine große Freude am Unterrichten und begleitet Resident:innen gerne durch die Herausforderungen der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin. Sie schafft eine offene und unterstützende Lernatmosphäre, in der jede Frage willkommen ist, und ermutigt dazu, aktiv mitzudenken und kritisch zu hinterfragen. Durch ihre zugängliche Art gelingt es ihr, auch komplexe Inhalte klar und verständlich zu vermitteln. Sowohl im Hörsaal als auch in der Klinik ist ihr Engagement für die Ausbildung deutlich spürbar und motiviert angehende Spezialist:innen in der Intensivmedizin.