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