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.

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)