Physician Associates (PAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Radiologist Assistants (RAs) have functioned as physician extenders by delivering patient care in areas that are suffering from a physician shortage. While physician extenders have filled the void in areas lacking adequate physician coverage, they have also become a significant part of medical professionals' education. Each physician extender has unique roles, education, licensing, and supervision levels. They also can provide more than patient care and procedures in the clinical setting. Having an RA can be advantageous as they already know basic radiology principles and have the required knowledge to perform procedures. Not only do they provide continuity of care, but they are also highly educated, knowledgeable, and work in various modalities. Besides enhancing patient care in the academic setting, they can provide numerous tasks that are beneficial to a radiology department at an academic medical center. We plan to demonstrate how learning through simulation training and the creation and following of protocols can demonstrate the value of an RA. We also plan to discuss RA satisfaction surveys from our institution as well as show how fellow RA colleagues doing their various duties have demonstrated the value of RAs in the academic organization. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2026 Congress , 2026

Authors: Lee Jason, Bokhari Danial

Keywords: Pediatric Radiology, Protocol Optimization, Productivity

Sonography is well established, effective and radiation free imaging tool in pediatric chest conditions, primarily and widely used for evaluation of pleural effusions and assessment of chest wall abnormalities. Beyond that, it can also provide valuable information in evaluation of congenital abnormalities, anatomical variations, infectious process and malignancies in the chest. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2020 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2020

Authors: Machnitz Judit, Son Jennifer, Dunn Emily, Bokhari Danial, Spevak Melissa, Tekes-brady Aylin

Keywords: chest ultrasound, under utilization, radiation free

‘E-cigarettes,’ also known as ‘vapes’, are handheld battery-powered devices which heat and deliver aerosolized liquid (usually containing nicotine) to the respiratory tract via inhalation. E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product amongst youth in the U.S. today. Over 1 in 4 U.S. teens report vaping in the past 30 days. Pod-based forms, such as JUUL, are especially popular with teens. These and other devices are also popular among adults. The contents of commercially available solutions, or e-liquids, are poorly regulated. Aerosol generated by the devices may contain varying levels of nicotine, flavorings (which are often toxic), heavy metals, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and other unknown materials. Moreover, users may add substances of their choice to the liquid, including marijuana or other THC-containing products. Short and long-term health effects associated with vaping are incompletely understood, likely in part due to heterogeneity of products, variable consumption amongst users, and the relatively recent introduction and popularization of these devices. Awareness of negative health effects associated with vaping is increasing. Exposure to highly addictive nicotine has effects on the developing brain, leading to ADHD-like symptoms and often lifelong addiction. Teen e-cigarette use has been associated with an increased risk of future conventional cigarette smoking. Over 1000 cases of acute vaping-associated lung injury in the U.S. have been reported to the CDC as of October, 1, 2019. There is increased recognition of lung injury with early studies identifying a number of imaging patterns of pulmonary disease in adults, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, organizing pneumonia, lipoid pneumonia, and others. Radiologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for vaping-associated lung injury in the assessment of patients with respiratory distress and possible exposure. Recognition of imaging features of vaping-associated lung injury is especially important in children and young adults, who may not endorse a history of exposure. Identification of clinical and radiologic features associated with e-cigarette use can drive screening and cessation efforts. In this presentation, we present cases which highlight radiographic and CT imaging features of acute lung disease associated with e-cigarette use in children and young adults. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2020 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2020

Authors: Dunn Emily, Bokhari Danial, Machnitz Judit, Facciola James, Lu Monica, Aoyama Brianna, Sadreameli S. Christy, Tekes-brady Aylin

Keywords: e-cigarette, vaping, lung injury