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Pediatric Neuroradiology is ruff, but someone's gotta do it

Adam Goldman-Yassen
Professional Title: Assistant Professor of Radiology and Imaging Sciences; Director, Pediatric Neuroradiology Fellowship
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Fellowships: Neuroradiology at NYU Langone Medical Center and Pediatric Neuroradiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
ASPNR member since 2018

What attracted you to pediatric neuroradiology?  My path to pediatric neuroradiology was driven by indecision. I went into medical school thinking that I would specialize in infectious disease, having an interest both in global health and in the movie Outbreak. But after experiencing the day-to-day work, I became less enthused (lots of rounding). I bounced around trying out other specialties but was indecisive. I ended up taking a year off to do research in a malaria lab and get a master's degree in clinical research methods. The lab collaborated with a group performing neuroimaging in children with cerebral malaria in Malawi. I was amazed at the hidden information neuroimaging exposed, bringing new levels of diagnostic information and mechanistic understanding of disease processes. As I learned more about radiology, I found it fit my indecisive nature. Since everyone in the hospital got some form of imaging, I could enjoy being involved in the care of many patients (and without having to round).

My interest in pediatric neuroradiology blossomed in residency, when we imaged craniopagus twins before separation surgery. I was amazed by how important our imaging was for surgical planning to ensure the best outcomes from a complex surgery. With my research background, I always knew I wanted to go into academics. Back then, the major academic neuroradiology fellowships were all two years. Wary of doing a second fellowship year that seemed similar to the first, I decided to pursue sequential one-year adult and pediatric neuroradiology fellowships, with the goal of a career in academic pediatric neuroradiology. I have not been indecisive about my career choice since.

Name one or two things people would be surprised to know about you.  When I am not at the hospital, I am likely in the kitchen perfecting my baking (especially sourdough) and pizza-making skills. Working from home helps when scheduling stretch-and-folds. Growing up, I was very into martial arts and earned a second-degree black belt in karate. I also enjoy snowboarding and building LEGOs with my kids.

Do you have a colleague or mentor who inspired you in your career?   Throughout my training and early career, I have been fortunate to learn from many esteemed mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shaped my approach to pediatric imaging and research. I learned not to hesitate in drawing inspiration and seeking advice from many people, at different stages and about different aspects of my career. Research mentors in medical school taught me how to ask good questions and, indirectly, pointed me toward radiology. I had equally generous teachers in residency and in my adult neuroradiology fellowship, and the attendings at CHOP helped me hone my pediatric neuroradiology goals (and we got through COVID together!). At CHOA, I have continued to be guided by my colleagues in radiology and by collaborators across our partner specialties. I am so thankful for everything my mentors and colleagues have taught me (you know who you are) and for the opportunities I have had thanks to them.

What advice would you give to young professionals about how to get involved in ASPNR?  The best way to truly feel like part of the ASPNR community is to dive into committee work and take advantage of the society’s collaborative spirit. Having served as the Chair of the Abstracts and Awards Committee and on the Annual Meeting Program Committee, I have found that volunteering for these roles is the most effective way to meet colleagues and influence the direction of our specialty. Don't be afraid to reach out to current committee members or chairs. We are always looking for fresh perspectives and energetic new voices to help the society grow. And come to the meeting! We are a very social and friendly group, so if you are looking to make connections, get more involved, and/or get career advice, come ask.

What advice would you lend to a trainee who is deciding between a career in academics versus a career in private practice? Choosing between academics and private practice often comes down to what fulfills you on a daily basis: the variety of high-volume clinical work or the opportunity to teach and discover. For me, the draw of academics was the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues and pursue research, as well as to teach and inspire the next generation of pediatric neuroradiologists. If you find yourself energized by the prospect of shaping medical education or spending time solving complex research questions, then the academic path (despite its administrative hurdles) will likely be the most rewarding choice for you.

What is the best part of your job? The most rewarding aspects of my job are teaching trainees and working with wonderful colleagues, both in radiology and other departments, all with the common goal of taking care of children. There is nothing quite like watching a trainee gain the confidence to handle the most difficult cases. Equally gratifying is working through those same cases with radiology colleagues and collaborators from other specialties.

What was your childhood dream job?  When I was young, I thought I would be an actor (I may have the only Jewish mother ashamed her son went into medicine rather than the arts). My mother even took me on auditions as a child, but (luckily) decided against a child actor career for me. I was very involved in theater in high school and college, even continuing to act in plays after I decided to major in biochemistry and pursue a career in medicine.

What for you was the highlight of the ASPNR 2026 meeting in Tampa? Will you be attending the Annual ASPNR Scientific Meeting in Miami in January 2027?  There were so many highlights from ASPNR 2026 meeting in Tampa, including puppy yoga and dressing up like a pirate for the gameshow. One of the real highlights  was the “Posters and Mimosas” session, where I got to see all the amazing pediatric neuroimaging research and educational posters from around the country and world. There was so much enthusiasm for pediatric neuroimaging, and I know the future of our specialty is bright. I am already looking forward to seeing everyone again at ASPNR in Miami in January 2027, where I hope to continue our collective work in advancing pediatric neuroradiology. I hope anyone interested will join us!

October 2026

Amal Saleh Nour
Professional Title: Neuroradiologist, School of Medicine
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fellowships: Neuroradiology
ASPNR member since 2022

For how long have you been a member of the ASPNR and how has the society enhanced your career? I’ve been a member of ASPNR for 3 years, but I’ve been involved since the ASPNR meeting in New Orleans 2019. ASPNR has given me the opportunity to meet so many pediatric neuroradiologists whom I call friends now. It’s an amazing society that is inclusive, an excellent platform to learn and share experiences.

Do you have a colleague or mentor who inspired you in your career? It’s very hard to pick one mentor, I think all my professors, colleagues as well as people in the neuroradiology circle that I have come across have played an incredible role in my career. But I would say family is the most important and have played a critical role in my journey.

As a Neuroradiologist practicing in Ethiopia, are there perspectives you would like to share with our membership?  Unfortunately, practicing in a resource limited set-up is quite frustrating. Making the diagnosis and contributing to the management of patients is hampered by several factors. Patients usually come late to health care facilities, radiology equipment is frequently out of service if they are available to begin with and a good number of our patients might not be able to afford the investigation. Once everything aligns, even making a difference in 1 person’s life is rewarding.

What is the biggest challenge of your job? Convincing everyone that investing in radiology equipment is a must. Although I understand the reasons behind some of the decisions, I find that it’s extremely challenging to do our work without the necessary imaging modalities.

What is the best part of your job? I love what I do, reading out cases, teaching, participating in multidisciplinary sessions.

We understand that you are a "proper football" (aka soccer) fan! Which teams do you follow and cheer for? I’ve always loved “proper football”. I watched the game growing up, played a little bit here and there and now enjoy watching it with my family. I’ve always been a Liverpool fan, through good days and bad. I’m thrilled that Liverpool has been crowned 2025 champions of the premier league!

Is there any guidance or advice that you would like offer to our members, especially our young professionals, regarding opportunities for international collaboration?  There is an immense potential for international collaborative work. The cases we see in our set-up are quite different to what you see in the global north. I love having visiting professors come to our institution. It’s also important to bring fellows and residents to see a different aspect of health and disease epidemiology as it broadens one’s mind, and the shared expertise is amazing for patient care. There’s also a lot that can be done regarding research, a huge potential to conduct meaningful work.

I’ve met great people during ASPNR society meetings and platforms from America as well as outside America. I keep in touch with members in the UK, Jordan, India and South Africa. It’s amazing what happens when you travel to different parts of the world, you learn a great deal from their culture, their experience and their own unique perspectives.

July 2025

NOTICE OF ASPNR "AT LARGE" BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES TO BE SELECTED BY THE MEMBERSHIP

The ASPNR Board of Directors has approved finalists for the newly created Senior and Junior "At Large" Director positions to be selected by the membership via this online ballot. 
   
As a means to increase direct member engagement and involvement in all aspects of the Society, the ASPNR Board of Directors recently approved two "At Large" Director positions, one Senior and one Junior, to be nominated and selected directly by the membership. ASPNR members in good standing are eligible to vote for one candidate in each of the two "At Large" categories. The name of each candidate links to their personal statements. 

Please cast your vote here. Voting is open now through midnight EST on Friday, December 1, 2023. Selected candidates will begin their terms of service at the upcoming ASPNR Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, January 11-14, 2024, following ratification of the voting results. 

Senior "At Large" Director Candidates

• Carolina Guimaraes, MD
• Gordon Heller, MD 
• Chang Ho, MD

Junior "At Large" Director Candidates 

• Adam Goldman-Yassen, MD
• Yi Li, MD 
• Asha Sarma, MD

VOTE NOW

The ASPNR and Bracco Diagnostics have teamed up to enhance our commitment to mentorship in Pediatric Neuroradiology. Mentorship in pediatric neuroradiology is a critical component for the training and development of the next generation of pediatric imagers. Pediatric neuroradiology is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and mentors can provide guidance and support to mentees as they learn the latest techniques, best practices, and how to navigate early careers in the specialty.

Mentors in pediatric neuroradiology can help mentees to:

• Develop their clinical skills in the interpretation of pediatric neuroimaging studies.
• Gain experience in the management of common and complex pediatric neurologic conditions.
• Learn about the latest research in pediatric neuroradiology.
• Develop their teaching and academic skills with the goal of success in the field as it relates to the mentee’s aspirations.
• Prepare for a career in pediatric neuroradiology, whether in academia or private practice.

Mentorship can also help to promote diversity and inclusion in pediatric neuroradiology. Mentors can help mentees from underrepresented backgrounds to navigate the field and achieve their career goals.

There are a number of ways to find a mentor in pediatric neuroradiology. One option is to reach out to a senior radiologist at your institution. You can also attend professional meetings and conferences like the ASPNR annual meeting, where you can meet and network with other pediatric neuroradiologists. At the annual meeting, The ASPNR will have multiple sessions focusing on mentorship, including a study group session concentrating on professional development.

If you are a mentee, it is important to be proactive in your mentorship relationship. Set clear expectations for what you are looking for from your mentor and be respectful of their time. Be prepared to ask questions and to learn from your mentor's experience.

Mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship. Mentors can gain satisfaction from helping their mentees to succeed, and mentees can benefit from having a trusted advisor and role model. If you are interested in a career in pediatric neuroradiology, consider finding a mentor who can help you on your journey and the ASPNR is here to help!!

Here are some additional tips for finding and maintaining a successful mentoring relationship in pediatric neuroradiology:

• Be clear about your goals. What do you hope to gain from your mentorship relationship? Communicate your goals to your mentor early on so that they can support you in achieving them.
• Be proactive. Don't wait for your mentor to reach out to you. Schedule regular meetings and come prepared with questions and topics to discuss.
• Be open and honest. Be honest with your mentor about your strengths and weaknesses. They are there to help you grow and develop, so they need to know where you stand.
• Be respectful of their time. Be prepared for your meetings and be on time. If you need to reschedule, give your mentor as much notice as possible.
• Show your appreciation. Let your mentor know how much you value their guidance and support. A simple thank-you note or email can go a long way.

Mentorship is a valuable resource for pediatric neuroradiologists at all stages of their careers. The ASPNR in collaboration with Bracco Diagnostics is committed to facilitate mentorship in the field of pediatric neuroradiology. We are committed to our future.

Sincerely,
Timothy N. Booth, M.D.
ASPNR President 2023