UC Davis NICU launches groundbreaking bedside ultrasound program

UC Davis Children’s Hospital has launched a pioneering Point-of-Care Ultrasound program in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), led by internationally renowned neonatologist Yogen Singh. The program, known as POCUS, puts UC Davis Children’s Hospital at the forefront of innovative neonatal care in the region and among a select few institutions nationwide.

POCUS uses portable ultrasound at the hospital bedside to provide diagnostic imaging and guidance for procedures. It quickly assesses critical conditions. The technology is being applied to assess cardiac function, lung status and central line placement, which are key areas in managing critically ill newborns.

Seeing is believing. POCUS empowers clinicians to make rapid, informed decisions at the bedside, especially in critical situations where every second counts.” —Yogen Singh, Neonatologist and Point-of-Care Ultrasound Program Director.

Singh, who joined UC Davis Health in 2024, brings extensive experience with POCUS from Cambridge University and in his leadership role as chair of the Cardiovascular Hemodynamics Section and POCUS Working Group for the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care. He is the lead author of the world’s first international evidence-based guidelines for pediatric POCUS, published in 2020. The guidelines are widely adopted across multiple countries.

“Seeing is believing,” Singh said. “POCUS empowers clinicians to make rapid, informed decisions at the bedside, especially in critical situations where every second counts.”

The phased rollout of the program at UC Davis Children’s Hospital began with infrastructure development and acquisition of advanced ultrasound machines. NICU providers, fellows and nurse practitioners have been trained on POCUS, with hands-on simulation and supervised credentialing to ensure high-quality care.

Singh is also collaborating with departments across the hospital, including the Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, pediatric cardiology and emergency medicine, to expand the program’s reach. A team of ”POCUS champions” are being trained to lead future instruction and support.

UC Davis has the only NICU in Sacramento with a formalized POCUS program.

“We’re building something transformative,” Singh said. “This is about elevating care, empowering providers and improving outcomes for our most vulnerable patients.”