Radiology Research
Improving Health Through Medical Imaging
Radiology researchers at Nemours Children's advance medical imaging to better diagnose, monitor, and treat children's health conditions. Our experts develop and refine techniques that improve image detail and clarity while maintaining the highest standards of safety for children.
As a team, we have varied interests with a singular focus: To improve the lives of children through advanced, safer imaging. Using sophisticated technologiesÌý—Ìýfrom traditional X-rays to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)Ìý—Ìýwe develop gentler, more precise imaging methods designed for kids.
Our internationally recognized team leads groundbreaking research across several critical areas, including bone health, interventional radiology, forensic imaging, skeletal dysplasia, and childhood cancer. We're at the forefront, bringing new technologies to pediatric care and sharing what we know to benefit children across the globe.
We've pioneered techniques that set the standard of care worldwide. Our innovations reduce radiation exposure, improve surgical outcomes, and help medical teams deliver more precise, less invasive treatments. Through our advances, we're not just improving care at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ — we're helping shape the future of pediatric radiology.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Focus Areas
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ advances research in pediatric radiology in many ways.ÌýOur research team, which includes physicians, scientists, coordinators, assistants, technologists, and others, has developed innovative techniques used worldwide and helped train radiologists and technologists for decades.
Currently our work centers on these focus areas:
Our research spans the full spectrum of medical imaging technologies adapted for children’s unique needs. We advance techniques across various modalities, including MRI, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, and interventional radiology.
Current work in PET-MR imaging includes developing new radiotracers (specialized radioactive compounds that can be tracked as they move through the body) to help us better understand how diseases affect children’s bodies. For example, these tracers can show where cancer cells are most active or how organs are functioning.
Our imaging expertise supports countless research studies, making us a crucial partner in advancing pediatric medicine.
Our interventional radiologists are pioneering minimally invasive treatments for some of childhood’s most challenging conditions. We’re developing innovative approaches to help babies born with complex heart conditions and finding solutions for children with protein losing enteropathy.
These breakthrough techniques allow us to perform life-saving treatment with smaller surgical cuts and faster recovery times.
Our experts shape the field of pediatric bone health through leadershipÌýon international panels. We develop clinical guidelines and techniques that help kids everywhere, including the Lateral Distal Femur DXA, which is being used worldwide to assess bone density in children with neuromuscular conditions.
Through multiple research projects, we’re identifying children and teens at high risk for fractures and bone problems and evaluating ways to prevent these problems.
Our dedicated team is tackling crucial challenges in pediatric cancer care. We’re studying how the disease and treatments affect bone health, particularly reduced bone density, fracture risks, and avascular necrosis.
Through advanced imaging techniques like PET-MR, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and novel radiotracer development, we’re developing better ways to assess brain tumors and other malignancies.
Innovations in Radiology Research
We develop new technologies and create solutions that impact how children receive care. Our advances highlight our commitment to making medical care safer and more effective for children everywhere. Recent innovations include:
Training the World in Radiation-Free Hip Assessment
The Harcke Technique, our innovative ultrasound method for evaluating infant hip dysplasia, has helped countless babies avoid radiation exposure during crucial early diagnosis. It’s one of two non-radiation methods used worldwide.Ìý
Through our annual training course, now in its fourth decade, we've educated generations of medical professionals who have taken this technique back to their own hospitals, expanding access to safer diagnostic care for infants globally.
Enhancing Surgical Precision Through 3D Technology
Our advanced 3D imaging laboratory turns complex medical scans into physical models that serve multiple purposes. We create models in a variety of materials, from soft rubber to specialized hard materials that can be sterilized for surgery.
Surgeons use these replicas to plan complex procedures, improving surgical precision and reducing operating time. Families can better understand their child's condition by holding and examining these models.Ìý
We've also created training models that mimic human tissue (called phantoms), allowing medical teams to practice new techniques safelyÌý
Research Team
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Tushar Chandra, MD
Medical Imaging -
Daniel J. Podberesky, MD
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Central FloridaPrimary Office
Orlando, FL
Where Radiology Research Happens
Radiology research at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is deeply integrated into the way we care for children across our system. Investigators work alongside clinical teams to develop new imaging techniques, study disease patterns, and evaluate how medical imaging can guide diagnosis and treatment.Ìý
Radiology Clinical Care
Interventional Radiology
CLINICAL CARE
Minimally invasive, image-guided procedures performed by pediatric specialists at Nemours Children’s hospitals and select specialty locations across our regions.
Radiology (Medical Imaging)
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric imaging services using low-dose, child-friendly technologies offered at Nemours Children’s hospitals and specialty locations across regions we serve.