College of Health Sciences organized “The Art of Sonoanesthesia, A Hands-On Workshop on Ultrasound-Guided Upper and Lower Limb Blocks,” on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Thumbay Institute of Clinical Simulation (TICS), Gulf Medical University. The event was led by the Department of Anesthesia Technology as part of the clinical training program for BSc Anesthesia Technology students.
The workshop aimed to enhance students’ understanding and practical skills in real-time ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Faculty from the Department of Anesthesia Technology and the MIS Department guided the sessions, offering a well-balanced mix of theoretical concepts and hands-on practice.
The workshop was facilitated by expert faculty members from the Department of Anesthesia Technology (AT) and the Department of Medical Imaging Sciences (MIS)
- Dr. Osama Zayed, Senior Consultant of Anesthesia and ICU
- Murtada M Fathelrahman, Clinical Instructor, Department of AT
- Shima Ibrahim Ali Hassan, Assistant Professor, Department of MIS
- Marwa Hussien Mohammed, Associate Professor, Department of MIS
- Ellen Ghazi Saliba Safadi, BSc. AT Program Director
- Ashli Shaji, Preceptor, Department of AT
The day opened with an introduction to the role of ultrasound in modern anesthesia practice. Students were then taken through a series of structured sessions, beginning with:
Session 1: Led by Mr. Murtada Idris, covered the essential steps for preparing Regional Nerve Blocks. Students learned essential pre-block steps including patient assessment, informed consent, application of monitoring equipment, preparation of the anesthesia tray, safe selection of local anesthetics and key safety protocols.
Session 2: Conducted by Dr. Marwa and Dr. Shima, focused on The Principles of Ultrasound in Regional Anesthesia focusing on hands-on practice related to ultrasound physics and machine knobology. Students practiced probe selection, image optimization and identifying sono-anatomy for upper and lower limb structures. The session highlighted the importance of mastering ultrasound basics for accurate and safe block placement.
Session 3: Facilitated by Prof. Dr. Osama Zayed, offered extensive hands-on training across multiple ultrasound stations. Students practiced major upper limb blocks such as supraclavicular, infraclavicular, interscalene and axillary brachial plexus blocks, as well as lower limb blocks including femoral and popliteal sciatic nerve blocks. Key focus areas included indications, contraindications, sono-anatomy and needle in-plane techniques to minimize complications.
Through the rotating stations, students practiced probe handling, visualizing anatomical structures and applying needle guidance using simulation models. The interactive format encouraged questions answer session, discussion and collaborative peer learning, boosting students’ confidence in performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean, CoHS commended the department and noted that, “Initiatives like this play a vital role in preparing students for real clinical practice and emphasized that hands-on learning remains essential in developing competent future anesthesia professionals.”
Students shared highly positive feedback, appreciating the clarity of instruction, the alignment with their clinical objectives and the extensive hands-on exposure provided throughout the sessions.
Faculty and students of the Department of Anesthesia Technology expressed their appreciation to facilitators, the faculty members and the simulation center team for their support in ensuring the smooth delivery of the workshop.