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)