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This activity is designed for physical therapists, physicians, and advanced practice providers who care for pediatric bleeding disorder patients seeking to develop foundational skills in ultrasound with a focus on musculoskeletal assessment and joint pathology using the Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD-US) protocol. Over two and a half days, participants will engage in a combination of didactic lectures, hands-on scanning practice, and interactive case discussions to reinforce key ultrasound principles. The curriculum covers ultrasound physics, equipment optimization, normal joint anatomy, and scanning techniques for the elbow, knee, and ankle using the HEAD-US protocol. Participants will also gain experience in recognizing common pathological findings, including osteochondral damage, acute hemarthrosis and joint recess distension by effusion and synovial proliferation. Finally, the course also introduces key considerations for musculoskeletal imaging in children and a concise overview of HEAD-US scoring of hemophilic arthropathy, aspects that will be explored in-depth in the advanced course. Join us for a specialized training experience led by Drs. Carlo Martinoli, Nihal Bakeer, Kyle Davis, and the highly experienced physical therapists (Stacie Akins, Tiffany Kaltenmark, Fred Loeffler, Melissa Barnes) at Innovative Hematology. This course focuses on foundational skills (Level I) and does not cover advanced topics, such as muscle injuries, advanced pediatric arthropathy detection, or HEAD-US scoring calibration. For those interested in these advanced topics, we offer a separate advanced course (Level II).

This Beginner Pediatric Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection and Ultrasound (HEAD-US) Course is designed for physical therapists, physicians, and advanced practice providers who care for pediatric bleeding disorder patients seeking to develop foundational skills in ultrasound with a focus on musculoskeletal assessment and joint pathology using the Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD-US) protocol. Over two and a half days, participants will engage in a combination of didactic lectures, hands-on scanning practice, and interactive case discussions to reinforce key ultrasound principles. The curriculum covers ultrasound physics, equipment optimization, normal joint anatomy, and scanning techniques for the elbow, knee, and ankle using the HEAD-US protocol. Participants will also gain experience in recognizing common pathological findings, including osteochondral damage, acute hemarthrosis and joint recess distension by effusion and synovial proliferation. Finally, the course also introduces key considerations for musculoskeletal imaging in children and a concise overview of HEAD-US scoring of hemophilic arthropathy, aspects that will be explored in-depth in the advanced course. Join us for a specialized training experience led by Drs. Carlo Martinoli, Nihal Bakeer, Kyle Davis, and the highly experienced physical therapists (Stacie Akins, Tiffany Kaltenmark, Fred Loeffler, Melissa Barnes) at Innovative Hematology. This course focuses on foundational skills (Level I) and does not cover advanced topics, such as muscle injuries, advanced pediatric arthropathy detection, or HEAD-US scoring calibration. For those interested in these advanced topics, we offer a separate advanced course.

At the conclusion of this live activity, participants should be better able to:

• Develop fundamental ultrasound skills
  • Understand the principles of ultrasound physics, equipment adjustment, and scanning techniques to accurately assess musculoskeletal structures.
• Perform systematic joint ultrasound examinations
  • Acquire proficiency in the HEAD-US protocol, including anatomical review and hands-on scanning of the elbow, knee, and ankle all under expert guidance. During practice sessions, non-hemophilic children of all ages will be represented.
• Identify normal and pathological findings
  • Recognize normal joint anatomy and interpret key pathological ultrasound findings, including synovial changes, hemarthrosis, and osteochondral surface abnormalities.
• Gain basic understanding of pediatric ultrasound scanning and HEAD-US scoring
  • Learn the anatomical nuances of the immature skeleton and key considerations for musculoskeletal imaging in children.
  • Develop a basic understanding of the HEAD-US scoring system for hemophilia arthropathy in this age group.

*Objectives subject to change

Physical therapists, physicians, and advance practice providers who currently are, and have been, working at a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) for at least six (6) months.

Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered through the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA).

Join us for a specialized training experience led by:
• Carlo Martinoli, MD; DISSAL University of Genova, Italy
• Nihal Bakeer, MD; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Kyle Davis, MD; Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center
• Stacie Akins, PT, MHS; Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center
• Tiffany Kaltenmark, PT, DPT; Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center
• Fred Loeffler, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC, CLT; Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center
• Melissa Barnes, PT, DPT; Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center

Review the Course Comparison Chart/Eligibility Criteria to determine your eligibility before submitting your application. Please note, eligibility for the course does not guarantee a spot at the program or that your applicable will be accepted. Please follow application instructions.

To attend the Beginner Pediatric Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection and Ultrasound (HEAD-US) course, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be employed at a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) in a bleeding disorder patient-facing role for at least six (6) months.
• Provide care to pediatric patients. Lifespan providers are also eligible to apply.
• Have access to a point-of-care MSKUS device at HTC place of employment.
• Work at an HTC that intends to have dedicated staff to perform MSKUS.
• While beneficial, no prior MSKUS experience is required for this course.

Unlike other Partners Programs, you must submit an application for the course to be reviewed by a selection committee; submission of an application does not guarantee your enrollment in the course. Upon review by the Selection Committee, you will be notified via email regarding your admission status. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you may contact partners@inheme.org

• Applications are accepted through April 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.
• Please allow adequate time prior to submission for completion of the required Letter of Support from your HTC Director/Supervisor. HTC Director/Supervisor Letter of Support Writing Guidance.
• The application is designed to obtain information about your experience in bleeding disorders and musculoskeletal ultrasound to date. Please answer each question to the best of your ability, as this is your opportunity for the Selection Committee to get to know you, your background, and your experience.
• Apply Now

• There is no registration fee to attend a Partners Program.
• Accepted applicants will be contacted at least 4 weeks before the program with logistical details, including air and ground transportation and hotel information. All applicants are encouraged to read the Partners Travel Policy to understand costs that are covered and costs that you may incur.
• Partners in Bleeding Disorders Education Programs are supported by education grant(s) from the following entities: Cascade Hemophilia Consortium; Sanofi; Genentech, a member of the Roche Group; Pfizer; and the Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center (IHTC).

• Upon attending any Partners in Bleeding Disorders Education Program meetings or special events, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and Partners release, publication, exhibition, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Partners and its employees or affiliates.
• Please note that your contact information as stated in your profile may be made available to program attendees. Sharing of contact information with attendees at the program you attend is for the purpose of networking with colleagues.

• August 3-5, 2026

Apply Now