Abstract: Objective To comprehensively investigate the current situation of ultrasound refresher trainee and propose evidence-based strategies for optimizing the continuing medical education (CME) system for sonographers, so as to promote a balanced workforce and improve overall service capacity. Methods A structured questionnaire was distributed to 1 420 ultrasound refresher trainees to collect data on gender, workplace, hospital grade, education and learning experience, professional title and other demographic characteristics; all data were analyzed descriptively. Results The number of trainees increased year by year, with females comprising the large majority. Trainees were distributed in an “inverted-pyramid” pattern: 56.2% came from tertiary A-level hospitals, whereas only 7.3% were from primary-level institutions. Geographically, North and East China were over-represented, while Northwest and South China were under-represented. The majority of participants held a bachelor's degree and an intermediate professional title. Conclusions There is a notable concentration of ultrasound physician training resources in specific institutions and regions in China, with physicians in primary care and remote areas having significantly fewer opportunities to access high-quality training.

Key words: ultrasound, refresher trainees, continuing bducation, current status