From Fellow to Final Sign: Navigating the First Years in Pediatric Radiology

From Fellow to Final Sign: Navigating the First Years in Pediatric Radiology

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 HealthDr. Brianna Vey, ARA Health ConsultantsDr. Jerry Thomas, Rady Children’s Hospital of Orange CountyDr. Charlie Fry, Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaLinks 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%3DihubRotenstein 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/pdfBetter 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

After Hours - The Pediatric Radiologist No One Sees

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. [https://rdcu.be/fjdm9] Aquino MR, Shah J, Kaplan SL. Challenges of after-hours pediatric imaging. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Nov 28. [https://rdcu.be/fjdop] Zafar AM, Mathur D, Barnacle BD, Magera RW. Design of overnight radiology shifts - primum non nocere. Emerg Radiol. 2024 Jun;31(3):429-434.  [https://rdcu.be/fjdoz] 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. [https://rdcu.be/fjdpK] Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) 2025 Trauma and ER Imaging Course (On-Demand) [https://myedu.spr.org/products/spr-2025-trauma-and-er-imaging-course-on-demand#tab-product_tab_overview]

From Idea to Impact: Getting Published in Pediatric Radiology

“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 [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 [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.  [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00247-022-05397-5] 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.  [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11882696/] 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. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00247-024-06109-x] 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.  [https://www.ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/ajr.185.3.01850591]

Brain Rescue - The Future in Pediatric Stroke

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 [https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000513] Fullerton HJ, Dowling MM. Advances in Stroke in Children 2025. Stroke. 2025 Aug;56(8):2324-2326 [https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.049902?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed] Sun LR, Lynch JK. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke. Neurotherapeutics. 2023 Apr;20(3):633-654.  [https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S1878747923000041?returnurl=https:%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1878747923000041%3Fshowall%3Dtrue&referrer=https:%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F] 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.  [https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(24)00233-5/fulltext] Updates to past episodes: GRI Medical Intussusception wall air kits [https://grimedical.com/collections/intussusception-air-reduction-products?page=2] #PediatricRadiology #PediatricStroke #StrokeAwareness #MedicalPodcast #Radiology #MedEd #RadiologyLife #PhysicianVoices #MedicinePodcast

Intersections of Pediatric Radiology

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 [https://www.spr.org/] SPR Strategic Plan [https://www.spr.org/news/strategicplan] ABR Beam Newsletter [https://www.theabr.org/news/beam/#february-2026] ABR Volunteer Info [https://www.theabr.org/volunteer/#why-volunteer] ACR Commission on Pediatric Radiology [https://www.acr.org/Membership/Commissions-and-Committees/pediatric] ACR Volunteer Info [https://www.acr.org/Membership/Volunteer] RSNA [https://www.rsna.org/] AAP Section on Radiology (SORA) [https://www.aap.org/en/get-involved/aap-sections/radiology/about-sora/?srsltid=AfmBOorRxq98L2aYDVUJUWJie8mN6kzdcqwMaI21MLdKoTJHAWNxuSes]