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)

“We should write that up.” 

It’s a phrase every pediatric radiologist has heard — sparked by a question, a pattern, or a teaching moment in clinical practice.

But how do you turn that idea into a published paper?

And why does publishing still matter?

This is a key challenge in our field, where only about 40% of abstracts presented at pediatric radiology conferences ever become published papers. That means more than half of the work we present never becomes part of the scientific record — and never reaches the broader pediatric imaging community.

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we break down the practical path from idea to publication — across clinical research, quality improvement, and education scholarship.

The episode also features a conversation with Dr. Geetika Khanna, Managing Editor for the Americas for Pediatric Radiology, who offers an inside look at the editorial process, what makes a strong submission, and the evolving role of medical journals.

Because publishing isn’t just a CV line — it’s how ideas move from one department to pediatric radiologists around the world.

Guests:

Dr. Geetika Khanna, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University

Pediatric Radiology Journal 

https://link.springer.com/journal/247

SPR Thomas L. Slovis Career Development Course https://myedu.spr.org/products/peer-reviewing-for-scientific-journals-why-and-how#tab-product_tab_overview

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

Meshaka R, Laidlow-Singh H, Langan D, Arthurs OJ, Shelmerdine SC. Presentation to publication: Changes in paediatric radiology research trends 2010-2016. Pediatr Radiol. 2022 Dec;52(13):2538-2548. 

Paddock M, et al: ESPR Publications Committee (consortium). The publication fate of abstracts awarded prizes at European Society of Paediatric Radiology annual scientific meetings. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Mar;55(3):578-584. 

Debnath P, Dillman JR, Trout AT. State of original pediatric radiology research in major radiology journals other than Pediatric Radiology. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Feb;55(2):252-258.

Kliewer MA. Writing it up: a step-by-step guide to publication for beginning investigators. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005 Sep;185(3):591-6. 

Pediatric stroke is rare—but when it happens, every minute matters.

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we explore how pediatric stroke care is evolving.

Drawing on the latest evidence—including the 2026 AHA/ASA guidelines and recent multicenter studies—we discuss what makes pediatric stroke fundamentally different, why diagnosis is often delayed, and how imaging plays a central role in guiding real-time clinical decisions.

We are joined by Dr. Mesha Martinez, a pediatric radiologist, neuroradiologist, and neurointerventionalist whose work spans the full spectrum of stroke care—from diagnosis to endovascular treatment. She shares insights on the growing role of mechanical thrombectomy, evolving use of thrombolytics, and the importance of building systems that support timely recognition and treatment.

As pediatric stroke care becomes more standardized, evidence-informed, and increasingly interventional, pediatric radiologists are playing a critical role in shaping outcomes.

Tune in to learn how this rapidly evolving field is moving from uncertainty to action—and what it means for the future of pediatric imaging and care.

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Fullerton HJ, Dowling MM. Advances in Stroke in Children 2025. Stroke. 2025 Aug;56(8):2324-2326

Sun LR, Lynch JK. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke. Neurotherapeutics. 2023 Apr;20(3):633-654. 

Sporns PB et al. Endovascular thrombectomy for childhood stroke (Save ChildS Pro): an international, multicentre, prospective registry study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2024 Dec;8(12):882-890. 

Updates to past episodes:

GRI Medical Intussusception wall air kits

#PediatricRadiology #PediatricStroke #StrokeAwareness #MedicalPodcast #Radiology #MedEd #RadiologyLife #PhysicianVoices #MedicinePodcast

What defines a pediatric radiologist?

It’s more than training. More than credentials. It’s aprofessional identity.

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, weexplore how professional identity is built through the organizations that connect and influence our field—from the sense of belonging within the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), to the standards of the American Board ofRadiology (ABR), the advocacy of the American College of Radiology (ACR), the global stage of the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA), and our clinical partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Featuring conversations with leaders across these spaces, wetake you behind the scenes of the systems that shape how we practice, collaborate, and grow.

Because in the end, understanding pediatric radiology meansunderstanding the communities that shape us—and the role we play within them.

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

Society for PediatricRadiology

SPR Strategic Plan

ABR Beam Newsletter

ABR Volunteer Info

ACR Commission on Pediatric Radiology

ACR Volunteer Info

RSNA

AAP Section on Radiology (SORA)

Ileocolic intussusception. 

It’s one of the most familiar emergencies in pediatricimaging - but is it time to rethink how we manage it?

From evolving reduction techniques and global perspectiveson ultrasound-guided management, to new insights on timing, repeat attempts,patient comfort, and even emerging medical therapies — the “classic” approachis getting a fresh look.

Through expert interviews and a dynamic journal-club stylediscussion, we explore a key shift in the field: moving from aone-size-fits-all emergency mindset to a more thoughtful, patient-centeredapproach. 

Because sometimes, the push that counts… is the push torethink.

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

SarkarA, Ingram ME, Tian Y, Many BT, Rizeq Y, Goldstein SD, Rigsby CK, Raval MV. ARetrospective Cohort Study of Optimal Contrast for Successful IntussusceptionReduction: Institutional Practices Matter. J Surg Res. 2021 Nov;267:159-166.

Snyder EJ,Pruthi S, Hernanz-Schulman M. Making intussusception reductions easier: use ofmedical air in lieu of manual pump. Pediatr Radiol. 2023 Feb;53(2):217-222.

Ayana CT,Feleke T, Bazezew A, Mehari Z, Yaynishet YA, Getinet T, Belina M, Hailu SS.Treatment outcome of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusceptionand its associated factors among pediatric patients in a resource-limitedsetting. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Aug;55(9):1829-1837. 

Acer-DemirT, Gültekingil A, Fakıoğlu E, Güney LH, Sezer R. Successful Treatment of EarlyPresenting Intussusception With a Single Dose of Corticosteroid: A ProspectiveRandomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Apr;60(4):162198.

Shikha A,Ahmed M, Zaghloul Z, Eltaeb K, Wong J. Protocolized management ofintussusception in children: optimizing pneumatic reduction outcomes. PediatrSurg Int. 2025 Jul 25;41(1):231.

PoonaiN et al. Sedation and Analgesia for Reduction of Pediatric IleocolicIntussusception. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jun 1;6(6):e2317200. 

SwedTobia R, Daya T, Desai N, Gilley M, Baird R, Poonai N, Sabhaney V.Practice-Change Pathway to Reduce Procedural Distress During IntussusceptionReduction-A Quality Improvement Initiative. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2026 Feb1;42(2):139-145. 

Ma GMY,Lillehei C, Callahan MJ. Air contrast enema reduction of single and recurrentileocolic intussusceptions in children: patterns, management and outcomes.Pediatr Radiol. 2020 May;50(5):664-672.

SchuhJM, Hilt L, Bergner C, Boyd K, Van Arendonk K, Wagner AJ. Delay of IleocolicIntussusception Reduction is Safe and May Confer Benefit. J Surg Res. 2025Nov;315:790-797.

Lopez-RippeJ, Davis JC, Dennis RA, Kaplan SL, Delgado J. Impact of a 6-12-h delay betweenileocolic intussusception diagnostic US and fluoroscopic reduction on patients'outcomes. Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Jul;54(8):1294-1301. 

StrubelNA, Barton K, Baran TM, Wakeman D, Chaturvedi A, Diaz E, Jha S, John SD, LalaSV, Leland K, Silva CT, Thomas RD, Williams JL, Chess MA. Multicenter analysisof time interval to intussusception reduction: Success and complication rates.J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Feb 16;61(6):163023.

How did pediatric radiology become its own field?

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we trace the journey from the early days of X-rays to the emergence of a specialty built on the idea that pediatric imaging requires a fundamentally different approach.

With insights from Dr. Richard Markowitz, we highlight keymilestones in the development of the specialty, including the rise of pediatric hospitals, the influence of pioneering physicians, and the formation of the Society for Pediatric Radiology—a turning point that allowed radiologists to collaborate, share knowledge, and build a unified professional identity.

Ultimately, this is a story not just of technology or institutions—but of people, mentorship, and a shared commitment to improving care for children. As the field continues to grow, today’s pediatric radiologists carry forward a legacy while helping to define what comes next.

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

SPR History

Caffey's Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging

Chapter 14, Pediatric Radiology N. Thorne Griscom

Feeling isolated in your practice, looking for more in-depthdiscussion on hot topics, or just curious about the field of pediatric radiology?

Inside Pediatric Radiology is your candid, peer-to-peerpodcast for all things pediatric radiology. Through real cases, real talk, real conversations, hear how colleagues from across institutions and career stages actually think, work, navigate and advance the field. Stay informed and feel connected with the pediatric radiology community with podcast hosts academic pediatric radiologist, Dr. Erica Riedesel and private practice pediatric radiologist, Dr. Smyrna Tuburan.

Inside Pediatric Radiology is funded through the EducationProject Grant from The Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR).