The Medical University of Graz Enhances Ultrasound Training with BodyWorks Eve and HeartWorks Simulators
The Medical University of Graz invested in Intelligent Ultrasound’s BodyWorks Eve and HeartWorks simulators, with plans to create the leading Clinical Skills Center in Austria for student and physician education. This initiative, led by Dr. Wegscheider, has been made possible through a collaboration with local supplier Skills Meducation Group, which provided the support and expertise to ensure the successful integration of the technology. These cutting-edge tools have transformed the way students learn, providing a hands-on, standardized training experience that bridges the gap between theory and clinical practice. By integrating simulation into their curriculum, the university has enhanced student confidence, improved skill acquisition, and provided a more structured approach to ultrasound training for both undergraduate and postgraduate learners.
A Commitment to Hands-On Medical Training
Each year, the Medical University of Graz educates approximately 450 students, preparing them for careers in medicine and dentistry. The university places a strong emphasis on practical training, ensuring that students not only understand medical theory but also develop hands-on clinical skills before entering the hospital environment. The Clinical Skills Center plays a key role in this approach, offering students the opportunity to practice and refine their techniques in a realistic and supportive setting.
“We want our students to feel confident and competent in their skills from the very beginning,” explained Elias, a senior student instructor at the Clinical Skills Center. “When they step into a hospital, they shouldn’t be overwhelmed by their first patient encounter. With our training, we aim to make these skills second nature.”
Christopher, another senior student instructor, added, “Our role is to guide more novice students through the learning process, breaking down complex skills into manageable steps. Having these simulators makes that process much more effective.”
Addressing Challenges in Ultrasound Education
Before integrating this technology, teaching ultrasound proved challenging, particularly in helping students understand sonographic anatomy and probe handling. Many students struggled to grasp how probe movements affected the images on screen, making it difficult to interpret ultrasound scans effectively.
“BodyWorks Eve and HeartWorks have transformed the way we teach ultrasound,” Christopher noted. “Previously, students found it hard to visualize anatomical structures. Now, with the simulators, they can practice scanning in a standardized way and immediately see the effects of probe positioning and angle adjustments.”
The ability to simulate a wide range of pathologies and patient conditions has been particularly beneficial. HeartWorks, for example, allows students to perform structured cardiac assessments and practice diagnosing various heart conditions in a way that would be difficult to achieve using live patients alone.
Seamless Integration into Training
The simulators are now a vital part of both structured classes and open training sessions at the Clinical Skills Center. Students can use them during guided lessons as well as during free practice sessions where they can refine their techniques at their own pace.
Beyond early health education, the simulators have also been integrated into postgraduate training programs. Emergency medicine and cardiothoracic surgery trainees have used HeartWorks to practice critical diagnostic and procedural skills in realistic clinical scenarios.
One particularly innovative use of the technology involved a full-scale simulation of aortic valve repair. “We set up an entire operating room scenario, using HeartWorks to assess a patient’s heart before moving on to a hands-on surgical procedure using a pig’s heart,” Elias shared. “The experience was invaluable, especially for junior doctors who wouldn’t typically have the opportunity to be so involved in a real case.”
Student and Faculty Reception
The response from students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. Many students find the simulators help bridge the gap between textbook learning and real-world application, making ultrasound skills easier to master. Even experienced doctors participating in refresher courses have praised the simulators for providing a structured way to practice and refine their skills.
Looking ahead, the Medical University of Graz anticipates that ultrasound simulation will play an even greater role in medical education. Standardized, practical exams using the simulators are already being explored, ensuring that every student meets a high level of proficiency before progressing in their training.
“We see hands-on training becoming increasingly important, and ultrasound simulation is a key part of that evolution,” Elias emphasized. “It allows for consistent, repeatable, and high-quality education that benefits both students and their future patients.”
Key Takeaways for Other Institutions
For other universities or training programs considering investing in simulation, Elias has a clear recommendation:
“Having a great simulator is important, but having passionate educators is essential. The technology is a fantastic tool, but the real impact comes from how you integrate it into your training, ideally as a part of a complete examination. When you have a team that is dedicated to hands-on learning, simulation can truly revolutionize medical education.”
Christopher added, “One of the reasons we chose BodyWorks Eve and HeartWorks is the ability to build a standardized curriculum across different patient types and scenarios. These simulators give us a way to increase the hands-on time for trainees, so we can effectively teach skills that we wouldn’t have been able to offer beforehand. The flexibility of the system makes teaching and learning much more effective.”
With their investment in BodyWorks Eve and HeartWorks, the Medical University of Graz is setting a new standard in ultrasound training – one that ensures students graduate with the confidence and skills they need to excel in their medical careers.
Interactive Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) Scenario Training.
Simulation in Cardiac Anatomy, Echocardiography and Lung Ultrasound.