Harris L. Cohen, MD, FACR	Vijetha V. Maller, MD	Jennifer E. Lim-Dunham, MD, FACR

The ACR Continuous Professional Improvement (CPI) Program, led by Editor in Chief Harris L. Cohen, MD, FACR, radiologist in chief and medical director of radiology at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, provides the most current, content-rich casework directly from present day practices of leading pediatric radiologists. 

The newest module, CPI Pediatric Radiology Module 2025, is chaired by Vijetha V. Maller, MD, associate professor and chief of chest imaging and cardiac CT at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and Jennifer E. Lim-Dunham, MD, FACR, professor of radiology and radiology vice chair for academic affairs at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. 

CPI staff spoke with Maller and Lim-Dunham about their thoughts on the module.

What drew you to radiology?

VM: I chose radiology as my specialty because I am passionate about technology-driven diagnostics and committed to improving patient outcomes through accurate imaging interpretation. I am an international medical graduate who completed my radiology residency in India.

Subsequently, I moved to the USA and pursued fellowships in emergency radiology, MRI, and pediatric radiology. I am certified by the ABR with added qualifications in pediatric radiology. My special interests include coronary artery imaging, cardiac CT for congenital heart diseases and neurosonography.

JLD: I love pediatric radiology because I enjoy working with children and their families and collaborating with pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. It’s rewarding to contribute to efficient and accurate diagnoses of pathologic conditions in children, thus improving patient outcomes.

How is this module important and applicable to radiology practices?

VM: Pediatric radiology requires specialized knowledge of age-specific pathologies, growth and development considerations, as well as advanced radiation safety measures. The CPI Pediatric Radiology Module 2025 offers unique clinical presentations that differ significantly from adults. 

This module showcases practical clinical applications as well as the interdisciplinary partnership required to effectively collaborate with pediatricians, surgeons and other specialists. The cases emphasize research-driven techniques to minimize radiation exposure while still obtaining diagnostic-quality images and ensuring adherence to established radiology guidelines like Image Gently^®.

I love pediatric radiology because I enjoy working with children and their families and collaborating with pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.

Residents and fellows specializing in pediatric radiology will gain foundational knowledge and advanced insights, whereas practicing radiologists can stay up to date with the latest advances and best practices in pediatric imaging. We believe the education delivered in this module significantly enhances the quality of care delivered to children and their families.

JLD: Our pediatric radiology module includes classic cases of commonly seen pathology in multiple anatomic areas in children. These cases are as relevant to pediatric radiology practice today as they were in prior years, and include conditions such as elbow fractures, foreign body aspiration, intussusception and thyroglossal duct cyst. We’ve also included less commonly encountered conditions.

I especially appreciate that CPI modules include discussion on the correct answers as well as the alternative choices with image examples for the multiple-choice questions. The answers explain why the alternative choices, though plausible, are incorrect. I find this an effective way to engage learners of all levels and help them master the material.

What changes to the specialty’s techniques, modalities or diagnoses should learners pay close attention to?

VM: Radiation safety awareness topics such as dose optimization and safety protocols are important. This module was specifically designed to emphasize the principles of minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality and ensuring adherence to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). 

JLD: The module addresses rapid advances in pediatric radiology imaging technology. Cutting-edge technologies in different modalities that are used to improve accuracy and quality in diagnostic and interventional imaging in children are also reviewed. Examples in this module include contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography, susceptibility-weighted MR imaging of the brain and celiac plexus neurolysis.

What else should learners know as they go through the cases?

VM: Like all CPI publications, this module is completely self-paced. This gives learners the added flexibility of studying at their own pace and on their own schedules. The ability to revisit content as needed reinforces this learning and aids in retention. It also allows for thorough understanding without the pressure of keeping up with a set schedule, making it especially accessible for busy professionals.

JLD: I would like to thank the talented CPI authors who volunteered their time and expertise to bring forward the best educational experience possible. It has been a privilege for me to collaborate with my co-editor/chair, the CPI editor-in-chief and editors and reviewers Marta Hernanz-Schulman, MD, FAAP, FACR, and William B. Zucconi, DO. Finally, I cannot share my appreciation enough to the dedicated and patient CPI staff at the College who keep us all organized and punctual.