Inside Pediatric Radiology

What happens after a pediatric radiologist clicks “Sign”?

In Part 2 of The Pediatric Radiology Report Journey we follow the radiology report beyond the reading room and into the hands of the clinicians who use it to make decisions about patient care. Join us with Dr. Joanna Ekstrom, pediatric emergency physician from Children's Minnesota and Dr. Matt Santore, pediatric surgeon from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta about how they use radiology reports—and what makes a report clear, actionable, and clinically useful.

Because once we sign the report, our words leave the reading room—and start influencing what happens next.

Follow the journey from report to decision, from diagnosis to action, and ultimately, to the care of a child.

What happens to a radiology study between the moment an image is acquired and the moment a pediatric radiologist clicks “Sign”?

In Part 1 of The Life Cycle of a Radiology Report, we go behind the scenes of pediatric radiology IT, PACS, and imaging informatics to follow the technical journey of a radiology report.

How do images move from the scanner into PACS? How does the radiologist's report make its way into the electronic medical record? What happens behind the scenes when systems communicate—or when they don't? And what exactly happens when we click “Sign”?

We'll explore the technology, workflows, interfaces, and people that make modern pediatric radiology possible, with an expert, Stephan Blevins, Application Analyst Team Lead Third Party Applications from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Because what looks like a simple sequence—scan, interpret, sign—is actually a complex journey involving countless systems working together.

Before a report can influence patient care, it has to get there.

Join us as we follow the report from pixels to PACS.

Whether you interpret pediatric MRI every day or only occasionally, musculoskeletal imaging is evolving rapidly. In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we preview the SPR 2026 Musculoskeletal Imaging Course, taking listeners behind the scenes.

We discuss why this course was created, how the topics were selected, and the practical interpretation pearls attendees will bring back to their practices. Join us with one of the course directors, Dr. Mahesh Thapa of Seattle Children’s to discuss why this course is timely, why it matters for pediatric radiologists, and what attendees can expect from the course's expert faculty and interactive case sessions.

Register here: https://www.spr.org/events/sprmsk2026

For Wellness Month, Inside Pediatric Radiology takes a lighter approach to physician wellness by stepping away from the workstation for a conversation filled with hot takes, perspective shifts, and a fun, radiology-centered round of “would you rather.”

Dr. Minh-Huy Le Huynh of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia joins to discuss key ideas like efficiency versus speed, why the impression is the most clinically actionable part of the report, and the importance of teaching communication—not just image interpretation—including phone, chat, and professional lexicon.

The group reflects on changing views of success and productivity (including academia versus private practice), the growing job demand in radiology, evolving shift-based workflows and remote work tradeoffs, and the value of modeling humility by acknowledging limitations and collaborating with clinicians.

What makes someone stay in pediatric radiology for an entire career—and still love what they do?

In this episode, guests Dr. Rama Ayyala, Dr. Shelli Bank, and Dr. Bill Mize explore the people, experiences, and perspectives that shape a meaningful and fulfilling career in pediatric radiology.

This conversation goes beyond career milestones. From protecting time for family and personal passions to embracing new opportunities throughout every stage of a career, we’re talking about the mentors who opened doors, colleagues who became lifelong friends, the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning, and how life outside the reading room enriches professional fulfillment.

This episode is a reminder that a fulfilling career is built through purpose, relationships, continuous growth, and the privilege of caring for children.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• ​What keeps pediatric radiologists engaged and inspired throughout their careers
• ​The role of mentorship, teamwork, and professional relationships
• ​Building a meaningful life beyond the reading room
• ​Lifelong learning, leadership, and career reinvention
• ​Defining success beyond publications, promotions, and a CV
• ​Advice for the next generation of pediatric radiologists

Guests:

Dr. Rama Ayyala, Cincinnati Children’s

Dr. Shelli Bank, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Dr. Bill Mize, Children’s Minnesota

Every pediatric radiologist looks things up. The difference isn't whether you use references—it's which ones you trust.

Rather than reviewing the latest journal articles, in this 10th episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, hosts Dr. Erica Riedesel and Dr. Smyrna Tuburan focus on the resources that improve diagnostic accuracy, support evidence-based decision making, strengthen multidisciplinary communication, and enhance patient safety. 

Whether you're a resident preparing for call, a fellow building your own reference library, or an experienced pediatric radiologist refining your workflow, you'll leave with practical resources you can use immediately.

Topics discussed include:

• Landmark publications that transformed pediatric radiology, including the Image Gently® campaign, PRETEXT liver tumor staging, and the Consensus Statement on Abusive Head Trauma

• Clinical practice guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

• High-yield online references, measurement tools, contrast manuals, bone age resources, anatomy references, and reporting standards used in daily clinical practice

• Strategies for creating a personalized pediatric radiology resource library that supports lifelong learning

• The hosts' "lightning round" recommendations for the one paper, textbook, website, and underrated resource every pediatric radiologist should know

Whether you're searching for pediatric radiology resources, landmark pediatric radiology papers, radiology guidelines, board exam study materials, or ways to stay current in clinical practice, this episode provides a practical roadmap for building a trusted library you'll return to throughout your career.

Resources Mentioned:

ACR Appropriateness Criteria®

AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines 

AIUM Ultrasound Practice Parameters

Image Gently

Radiology Info

ACR Manual on Contrast Media

e-Anatomy

OHSU Pediatric Radiology Normal Measurements

RSNA News

AMA Morning Rounds

ACR Bulletin

How do we build the future pediatric radiology workforce?

In this episode we explore one of the most important issues facing our specialty today: recruiting, training, and supporting the next generation of pediatric radiologists.

Inspired by the Society for Pediatric Radiology's (SPR) Thomas L. Slovis Career Development Course, this episode brings together leaders in pediatric radiology to discuss innovative solutions that extend beyond the workforce shortage.

Our guests examine how to increase medical student exposure to radiology, dispel common myths about pediatric radiology, and strengthen the pipeline into the specialty. 

We also discuss new training opportunities, including the ABR 15-Month Pathway to Pediatric Radiology Certification and the Alternate Pathway for International Medical Graduates, and how these programs may help address future workforce needs.

Finally, we look ahead to the future of pediatric imaging with conversations about hybrid work, maintaining culture in multi-site practices, the evolving role of advanced practice providers and advanced practice sonographers, and how AI may transform pediatric radiology workflows in the years ahead.

Whether you're a medical student, radiology resident, pediatric radiology fellow, practicing radiologist, or department leader - this episode offers practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of pediatric radiology.

Guests

Dr. Desi Scheiss, University of Colorado and Colorado Children’s Hospital

Dr. David Bloom, University of Michigan and CS Mott Children's Hospital

Dr. Shannon Farmakis, West County Radiological Group, Inc. and Mercy Children’s Hospital

Dr. Sherwin Chan, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital

Dr. Carolina Guimares, University of North Carolina 

Dr. Ramesh Iyer, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital

Dr. Jesse Courtier, Bay Imaging Consultants

Featured Slovis Career Development Course Webinars

• Fun with Medical Student Education: A Retrospective (October 2024)

• Myth Busting in Pediatric Radiology (August 2024)

• ABR 15-Month Pathway to Pediatric Radiology Certification (March 2026)

• Navigating the Alternate Pathway in Pediatric Radiology for International Medical Graduates (January 2025)

• Maintaining Camaraderie in Multi-Site and Hybrid Groups (May 2025)

Resources

SPR Slovis Career Development Course

Farmakis S, Bhatia A, John SD, Martinez M, Milla S, Pfeifer C, Schiess DM. Myth Busted! Dispelling Myths Surrounding Pediatric Radiology as a Career. JACR, 2025; 22, 967-971.

Farmakis SG, Chertoff JD, Straus CM, Barth RA. Perspective: Mandatory Radiology Education for Medical Students. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:1500-1510. 

Join us for a special episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology recorded at the International Pediatric Radiology Congress (IPR) 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. Held only once every five years, IPR brings together pediatric radiologists, trainees, researchers, educators, and healthcare leaders from around the world to discuss the future of pediatric radiology and pediatric imaging.

Through conversations with congress organizers, presenters, award recipients, trainees, and attendees, we explore some of the most important topics facing the specialty today.

Hear reflections from leaders who have shaped the field, educators inspiring the next generation of pediatric radiologists, and trainees whose enthusiasm offers optimism for the future of children's healthcare.

More than a conference recap, this episode captures the voices, ideas, and connections of IPR 2026, highlighting why collaboration, education, and community remain essential to advancing pediatric radiology worldwide.

What does it really feel like to transition from pediatric radiology fellow to independent attending?

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we explore the personal and professional challenges of the first years in practice.Through candid conversations with early career radiologists, this episode examines the internal dialogue many physicians experience during the transition to independent practice, the role of mentorship and departmental culture, and how challenges can gradually become opportunities for resilience, perspective, and professional growth.Whether you're a trainee preparing for independent practice, an early attending navigating those first years, or a senior radiologist supporting the next generation - this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at one of the most formative periods in a radiologist’s career.

Guests:

Dr. Derek Wang, Sanford Health

Dr. Brianna Vey, ARA Health Consultants

Dr. Jerry Thomas, Rady Children’s Hospital of Orange County

Dr. Charlie Fry, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

Patel AK, Heitkamp DE, Fleming MM, Beavers KM, Parikh JR. Transitioning to Independent Practice: An Early Career Perspective. J Am Coll Radiol. 2021 Jun;18(6):774-776. https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxy.library.upenn.edu/science/article/pii/S1546144021002301?via%3Dihub

Rotenstein L, Harry E, Shanafelt T. The Early Career Phase: Fostering Physician Well-being Over the Career Life Cycle. Mayo Clin Proc. 2025 Oct;100(10):1836-1845. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(25)00305-2/pdf

Better Together: Physician Coaching at the University of Colorado https://bettertogetherphysiciancoaching.com/research/

SPR Slovis Course: How To Build a Career After Training https://myedu.spr.org/products/how-to-build-a-career-after-training#tab-product_tab_speaker_s

What is it like to practice pediatric radiology after hours?  

Through a roundtable discussion with experienced after-hours radiologists—including members of the SPR Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committee—this episode explores how pediatric imaging care is delivered when it matters most.

Together, they share how pediatric radiologists navigate high-acuity cases, 24/7 imaging demands, evolving emergency radiology workflows while balancing career growth, academic work, and physician wellness in a shift-based world.

We also look ahead at the future of after-hours pediatric imaging, the need for better support, sustainability, and recognition of this essential workforce.

Tune in to learn how pediatric radiology is adapting after the sun goes down, and why the pediatric radiologist no one sees matters more than ever.

Guests:

Dr. Michael R Aquino, Cleveland Clinic Imaging Institute

Dr. Mark Bittles, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University

Dr. Summer L Kaplan, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

Aquino MR, Maresky HS, Amirabadi A, Koberlein GC, Dinan D, Ho-Fung VM, John SD. After-hours radiology coverage in children's hospitals: a multi-center survey. Pediatr Radiol. 2020 Jun;50(7):907-912.

Aquino MR, Shah J, Kaplan SL. Challenges of after-hours pediatric imaging. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Nov 28.

Zafar AM, Mathur D, Barnacle BD, Magera RW. Design of overnight radiology shifts - primum non nocere. Emerg Radiol. 2024 Jun;31(3):429-434. 

Abu Mughli R, Alsoub B, Tahaineh S, Niaghi F, Stewart M, Du Plessis J, Alvarenga P, Khosa F. Emergency radiology: an evolving subspecialty facing rapid growth and unique stressors, with a path toward sustainable clinical practice. Emerg Radiol. 2026 Feb;33(1):97-105.

Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) 2025 Trauma and ER Imaging Course (On-Demand)