The X-Ray Vision-aries Blog

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    • Radiologists Who Work With Children

    Just as adults need to be evaluated through the use of radiological machines so do children. Pediatric radiologists do everything that normal radiologist do, they just happen to perform the same tests on younger patients. Since they are working with children they must have a strong understanding of how different illnesses affect them and what they need during procedures. These young patients depend on health care professionals to be compassionate, caring, and comforting during times of uncertainty.

    Pediatric radiologists provide imaging services for patients with pediatric related diseases ranging from fetal life to adulthood. They are responsible for the safety of patients and themselves during the imaging procedures like X-ray, MRI, and CAT scans. They help prepare young patients for these types of procedures and carefully explain to them what they should expect. These types of radiologist make sure that the patient is not wearing certain types of clothing or jewelry that X-rays cannot pass through. They help carefully position patients on examination tables so that parts of their body can be properly radiographed. Given their smaller size it is important that children are not exposed to high levels or radiation. Radiologists must be careful about this and surround exposed areas of the patient with lead shields that limit their radiation exposure. Some pediatric radiologists are qualified to perform fluoroscopies, in which they administer contrast material solutions to children for them to drink so that soft tissues can be seen.

    Pediatric radiologist can work in traditional environments like hospitals as well as more specialized ones like children’s hospitals and youth-centric medical facilities. Not only must pediatric radiologist be trained in the complex field of radiology, they also have to have a thorough understanding of pediatrics. To become a radiologist one must enroll in a radiography training program that result in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. The best programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and include both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, pathology, radiation physics, medical ethics, radiobiology, medical terminology, radiation protection, principles of imaging, positioning of patients, and patient care procedures. Upon completion of a training program, radiologists are typically required to obtain a license to practice from their state. Those who want to work in pediatric radiology should seek specialized training in working with children, as well as earn a Certificate of Added Qualification in Pediatric Radiology from the American Board of Radiology.