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Paediatrics | At the point of care: Clinical perspectives on ultrasound in paediatric healthcare

Tracks
Rm 5 | Virtual
Paediatrics
Saturday, May 30, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rm 5 | First Floor

Speaker

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Assoc Prof Peter Snelling
Gold Coast University Hospital

Ultrasound to diagnose paediatric distal forearm fractures: where are we now?

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Presentation Synopsis / Abstract

Paediatric distal forearm fractures are a common presentation to the paediatric emergency department. The Bedside Ultrasound Conducted in Kids with distal upper Limb fractures in the Emergency Department (BUCKLED) trial compared ultrasound versus radiography as the initial imaging for the diagnosis suspected distal forearm fractures in children aged 4-15 years. This presentation will discuss the findings of the this trial plus other related studies, including the utility of ultrasound secondary signs for distal radius fractures.

Biography

Assoc Prof Peter Snelling | Gold Coast University Hospital Dr Peter Snelling is a dual qualified Emergency Physician and Paediatrician with a special interest in Paediatric Emergency Medicine Point-of-care Ultrasound (PEM POCUS). He has undertaken an international traineeship in PEM POCUS at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children and is a member of the international P2 Network. He holds a Certificate in Clinician Performed Ultrasound through ASUM. He is currently a PhD candidate through Griffith University with the theme of the use of ultrasound for paediatric forearm injuries. His portfolios within the Emergency Department include paediatrics and ultrasound.
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Ms Hayley Coulson
Physiotherapist
Queensland Children’s Hospital

Ultrasound management of children with bleeding disorders and an acquired MSK injury

11:20 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Synopsis / Abstract

Musculoskeletal bleeds in children and young people with bleeding disorders may be clinically occult based on traditional assessment methods. For this reason, there is a growing trend to utilise point-of-care ultrasound as a supplementary tool to enhance physiotherapy clinical decision-making. Case examples will highlight how collaborative practice between physiotherapists and sonographers, and the integration of ultrasound into clinical care, can optimise decision-making and support a safe, individualised return to activity.

Biography

Ms Hayley Coulson | Queensland Children's Hospital Hayley is an advanced physiotherapist working at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. She has worked in paediatrics for 14 years with ten of these in oncology, bleeding disorders and palliative care. In 2021, she completed a graduate certificate in cancer sciences and in 2025 a specialist certificate in palliative care. Hayley’s clinical work with bleeding disorders aims to safely reduce recovery time, protect long-term joint health, and empower young people to return to movement confidently.
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Mr Michael Woolgar
Modality Lead
Qscan

Ultrasound management of children with bleeding disorders and an acquired MSK injuiry

11:20 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Synopsis / Abstract

Paediatric patients with haemophilia present ongoing challenges in musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation, where early identification and monitoring of joint and soft‑tissue changes are essential to long‑term outcomes. Point‑of‑care ultrasound is increasingly recognised as a valuable adjunct in this setting; however, confidence and capability in its use varies across professional groups.
This presentation describes a collaborative project exploring how ultrasound can support physiotherapy‑led management of paediatric haemophilic patients. The physiotherapy co‑presenter will provide a brief clinical overview using selected case studies to demonstrate how ultrasound can assist assessment, guide management decisions, and monitor progression in routine practice.
The sonographer co presenter will outline the design and delivery of a targeted ultrasound education program for specialist physiotherapists. The program was structured to build on existing strengths in anatomy and patient management while addressing less familiar areas such as ultrasound physics, image optimisation, and basic B‑mode scanning. Education was delivered using in‑clinic equipment, supported by ongoing sonographer mentorship to build confidence and improve patient outcomes.

Biography

Mr Michael Woolgar | Qscan Michael Woolgar is a sonographer with nearly 15 years of experience across private practice, tertiary hospitals, and regional health services. He has developed strong skills in a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound areas and has spent part of his career specialising in paediatric imaging within dedicated children’s centres. He has a strong commitment to high‑quality patient care.
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Mrs Georgina Pizimolas
Senior Physiotherapist - Critical Care
Queensland Children's Hospital

Physiotherapist's application of diaphragm and lung ultrasound in the ICU

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Presentation Synopsis / Abstract

From tiny lungs to big impact - this session explores the growing role of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in enhancing clinical decision-making by physiotherapists at the bedside, highlighting how real-time imaging can improve and guide treatment. Through practical case examples incorporating both lung and diaphragmatic ultrasound, participants will gain insight into real-world applications across diverse clinical scenarios and gain understanding of how physiotherapy use differs from the role of the sonographer. The session will outline key steps for successful implementation, including training, governance, and integration into clinical workflows. Common barriers such as skill acquisition, time constraints, and cultural resistance, will be addressed with practical strategies to overcome them. Attendees will also be introduced to the Paediatric Lung Ultrasound for Physiotherapists (PLUS+P) online learning package and structured training pathway developed at the Queensland Children's Hospital, to support competency development. Finally, the lecture will examine future directions in point-of-care ultrasound, including technological advances, expanding clinical indications, and the evolving role of physiotherapists in ultrasound-guided care.

At A Glance:
- How physiotherapy use of LUS differs from the role of a sonographer
- The impact of LUS on clinical decision making
- Case examples of the clinical use of LUS and DUS
- Implementation processes
- Breaking down barriers to the use of LUS
- PLUS+P - online learning package and training pathway
- Future directions

Biography

Mrs Georgie Pizimolas | Queensland Children's Hospital Georgie Pizimolas (pi-ZIM-o-las) is a Senior Physiotherapist in the Critical Care team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital with with extensive experience in paediatric critical care, acute respiratory physiotherapy, and multidisciplinary education. Georgie is the Allied Health Chair on the World Federation of Paediatric and Critical Care Society Education Committee. She represents Physiotherapy on the PICU Allied Health Leadership Team and chairs the Australian Physiotherapy PICU Network. Georgie is leading the clinical use of Lung Ultrasound for physiotherapy in paediatrics in Australia, including development of an online learning package and training and implementation pathway. Georgie has a particular passion for advancing global education opportunities for allied health professionals, integrating evidence-based physiotherapy practice into critical care training and delivers education and simulated learning to universities and the workforce.
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Mrs Melissa Borg
Senior Sonographer
Southern Cross Vascular Ultrasound

High-grade mature B‑cell lymphoma presenting as a carotid-space neck mass in a 13‑year‑old: An ultrasound diagnostic challenge

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM

Presentation Synopsis / Abstract

Introduction: Persistent neck masses in children are common, but most are benign; malignant causes such as lymphoma are less frequent yet clinically significant, particularly when associated with cardiorespiratory symptoms. High‑grade mature B‑cell lymphomas more often present with abdominal disease, and isolated deep cervical presentations can be diagnostically challenging for sonographers.
​Methods: This educational case report describes the clinical presentation, ultrasound assessment, and biopsy pathway of a 13‑year‑old girl with a right‑sided neck mass and a 6‑month history of dyspnoea, syncope and palpitations. High‑resolution B‑mode and colour Doppler ultrasound were used to characterise the lesion and guide core biopsy.
Results: Ultrasound demonstrated a large hypoechoic nodal mass in the right carotid space extending from the common carotid bifurcation to the skull base, with loss of normal nodal architecture, conglomeration of adjacent nodes, and displacement but preservation of carotid flow. The sonographic features were suspicious for malignant lymphadenopathy rather than reactive disease or a primary vascular lesion. Ultrasound‑guided core biopsy confirmed high‑grade mature B‑cell lymphoma, and subsequent staging established the extent of nodal involvement. The patient commenced paediatric lymphoma chemotherapy with favourable early response.
Conclusion: This case highlights an uncommon presentation of paediatric high‑grade mature B‑cell lymphoma as a deep cervical nodal mass closely related to major vessels and underscores the pivotal role of ultrasound in risk stratification and biopsy planning.

Biography

Mrs Melissa Borg | Southern Cross Vascular Ultrasound Melissa Borg is a vascular and general sonographer at Southern Cross Vascular Ultrasound in Sydney, Australia. She holds a master’s degree in vascular ultrasound and has more than 20 years’ experience in diagnostic imaging across both vascular and general ultrasound practice. Melissa has a strong interest in advanced haemodynamic assessment of aortic and peripheral vascular disease and in using ultrasound as a first‑line, real‑time diagnostic tool. Her recent work focuses on the clinical application of Mindray’s V Flow technology for Type B aortic dissection, including the development of a structured protocol and comparison with 4D MRI flow imaging. She is passionate about clear visual communication, continual learning, and integrating advanced imaging techniques into everyday clinical practice.
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