Seeing clearly

"Pediatric diagnostic imaging is occasionally required for efficient diagnosis and treatment in a range of areas in pediatric medicine. However, it is important to prevent or reduce exposure to radiation to the extent possible, by seriously reconsidering the need to use imaging and by using the latest technological developments and advances to ensure reduced levels of radiation and increased image quality." This was how Prof. Meir Oren, Director of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, opened the conference held by the Hillel Yaffe Medical Center Imaging Unit for Radiology, Pediatrics and Neonatal Medicine professionals. The focus of the conference, organized by Institute Director Dr. Alicia Nachtigal and senior physician at the Institute Dr. Natalia Kochanowski, was a discussion of the possible implications of performing such tests on children and infants, and on the resources required, such as appropriate preparation, time requirements, etc. 

Papers were presented by experts from Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and other hospitals. Dr. Michalle Soudack Ben Nun, Section Head of the Pediatric Imaging Unit at Sheba Medical Center, spoke on when and what to ask for in pediatric imaging diagnosis; Dr. Aviva Ben Shlush, Head of Pediatric Imaging for Maccabi Health Services and Senior Radiologist at the Sheba Medical Center Pediatric Imaging Unit, spoke on chest imaging; Dr. Anat Alivitski, senior physician in charge of pediatric imaging at Rambam Health Care Campus Imaging Unit spoke on diagnostic imaging advances in emergency pediatrics; Dr. Alicia Nachtigal presented a paper on imaging diagnosis in pediatric bone tumors; and Dr. Natalia Kochanowski, senior physician at Hillel Yaffe's Imaging Unit, spoke on imaging for premature and full-term babies. 

As mentioned above, the key message of the day was the importance of avoiding unnecessary tests on children, babies and premies, especially those involving radiation such as X-rays and CT scans.

The day was crowned a great success by all participants and concluded with a presentation and discussion of interesting case-histories from various departments at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. Some of the professionals participating in the conference requested that similar conferences be held every few months, and stressed the importance of discussing more cases such as those presented by Hillel Yaffe Medical Center.  

Dr. Natalia Kochanowski opening the conference

Conference speakers with Dr. Nachtigal and Dr. Kochanowski