When our children are sick or in pain, we will go to almost any length to figure out the problem and solve it. Radiology services are also helping to achieve that goal. Pediatric radiologists, like those on staff at Cooper, are experts in selecting the best imaging techniques to diagnose medical and surgical problems.
In fact, both Emily D. Scattergood, MD, and Thomas J. Presenza, DO, are fellowship-trained physicians (Dr. Scattergood at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Dr. Presenza at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) who have experience with both radiation- and non-radiation-based imaging techniques. They know the importance of assuring that the right test is done to find the cause of pain or to confirm a suspected problem. Also, they and the entire radiology team at Cooper know how to work with apprehensive children (and parents).
Because radiation is used more often now than in years past, the effects of radiation imaging must be balanced against the benefits of using this advanced technology. Children will be exposed to more radiation imaging procedures in their lifetimes than today’s adults. For this reason, The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging in 2007 began the image gently Campaign.
What is the image gently Campaign?
The purpose of the image gently Campaign is to alert health professionals about opportunities to limit the dose of radiation used with children whenever possible. In other words, every member of the health care team should consider what type of imaging technique should be used in the pediatric patient with as little exposure to radiation as possible. This can mean using a non-radiation imaging technique, or one type of technique over another.
The campaign includes as part of its efforts a pledge for health professionals. In it, professionals make a commitment to communicate more often and more directly with co-workers and patients’ families about efforts to minimize children’s exposure to radiation. More than 6,500 professionals have taken the pledge, including the entire Pediatric Radiology team at Cooper.
A wealth of additional information about radiation, its effects, and various radiological tests and procedures can be found at the image gently Web site, imagegently.org.
For more information about services available through Cooper Pediatric Radiology, or to schedule a daytime, evening, or weekend appointment, call toll free at 1.888.499.8779.