iUSCAN Training Applications are Open: Announcing the Second Cohort of Our IUS Training and Certification Curriculum

The Intestinal Ultrasound Group of the United States and Canada (iUSCAN), in partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and in collaboration with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF), is pleased to announce the second cohort of the iUSCAN Intestinal Ultrasound Training and Certification Curriculum.

A year long intestinal ultrasound (IUS) certification pathway is now available for all clinicians (practicing gastroenterologists, APPs, and fellows) beginning at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2027 and continuing through DDW 2028. This year-long, competency-based pathway, combines online learning, hands-on instruction, local clinical practice, and longitudinal coaching to prepare participants to perform and interpret intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in inflammatory bowel disease care.

Applications open October 11th, 2026, and close December 31st, 2026. Acceptance notifications will be announced January 29th, 2027. Stay tuned for the application opening announcement.

　Apply Now →　

Application link: https://forms.gle/KKFFgBELqorjxYG96

Building on our pilot and expanding access

We are piloting this curriculum with more than 30 adult and pediatric gastroenterology fellows in the 2026–2027 cohort. The training model is also expanding to Canadian fellows, 16 Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) sites, and a group of community gastroenterologists. These efforts support iUSCAN’s commitment to bringing IUS training into the settings where clinicians care for patients.

A pathway that reduces travel bottlenecks

Participants build experience by scanning at their own institutions and receiving virtual feedback from iUSCAN coaches. This approach removes the need for a routine extended training placement at an outside center, reducing dependence on limited host-center capacity and time away from clinical practice. Hands-on teaching and assessment are concentrated at three major meetings. Travel to all three meetings remains required, and additional supervised experience may be recommended for learners who need it before certification.

The three phases of the curriculum

Phase 1: Foundations and introductory training at DDW 2027

Before the introductory course, participants complete self-paced eLearning to establish foundational IUS knowledge. At DDW 2027, a six-hour hands-on course introduces scanning technique, image acquisition, bowel assessment, interpretation, and clinical integration. Participants also learn how to document examinations and engage with their coaches throughout the pathway.

Phase 2: Local practice and coaching with refinement at CCC 2028

Between DDW 2027 and DDW 2028, participants perform and log at least 100 IUS examinations locally. Assigned iUSCAN coaches provide virtual review of cine loops and selected cases, with feedback on technique, image quality, interpretation, and workflow. In-person mentorship may supplement this experience where available locally.

At Crohn’s & Colitis Congress (CCC) 2028, participants attend a required hands-on refinement session and progress review. Faculty assess scan volume, logbook progress, technical development, and any barriers to completion, helping learners prepare for final assessment.

Phase 3: Final assessment and certification at DDW 2028

At DDW 2028, participants complete final hands-on instruction, logbook review, a knowledge examination, and a hands-on competency assessment. iUSCAN certification is awarded after successful completion of the required curriculum and assessments.

Who should apply

The second cohort welcomes adult and pediatric gastroenterology fellows and advanced IBD fellows. For the first time slots will be reserved for practicing gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers (APPs), and other providers seeking to incorporate IUS into clinical care.

Applicants should have reliable access to ultrasound equipment and a practical plan, supported by their institution or practice, to complete at least 100 examinations locally. Detailed application requirements will accompany the opening announcement.

All accepted participants must commit to all three phases, including in-person attendance at DDW 2027, CCC 2028, and DDW 2028, as well as the eLearning, local scanning, coaching, and assessment requirements between meetings.

Course fees and membership

The course will be offered free of charge to fellows. A fee for gastroenterologists, APPs, and other non-fellow participants will be announced at a later date. All accepted individuals must register as iUSCAN members.

Application timeline

• Applications open October 11th, 2026.

• Applications close December 31st, 2026.

• Acceptance notifications will be announced January 29th, 2027.

2027–2028 cohort application — opens October 11th

Stay tuned for the application opening announcement. For applicants who are not accepted into this cohort, another cohort is likely to begin in fall 2027; details will be announced at a later date.

For questions, please contact the iUSCAN Education Team at team@iuscan.org.