Medical imaging is a crucial aspect of care when children face health issues like illnesses, sports injuries, or broken bones. Pediatric patients have different needs than adults and therefore, require the expertise of radiologists with subspecialized training in pediatric radiology.
From October 19-25, 2025, the OMI hosted a pediatric imaging course in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Medical University of Graz. From Albania to Bhutan, Colombia, Ghana, and Kazakhstan, the seminar brought together 30 fellows from 24 countries, creating a space for the exchange of expertise and perspectives across continents.
Dr. Abass Noor, Course Director from CHOP, summarized the week: “The pediatric radiology seminar was a collaborative effort between faculty from the pediatric radiology departments at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Medical University of Graz, with several faculty returning to Schloss Arenberg. The overarching theme was cardiovascular imaging, but the seminar encompassed a range of disciplines including neuroradiology, cardiothoracic imaging, abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal radiology, and medical physics. In addition to exploring cutting-edge imaging techniques, such as in lymphatic imaging and cerebral perfusion assessment, the course emphasized practical protocols and techniques designed for fellows to adapt and implement upon returning to their home institutions.”
Alongside Dr. Noor, Dr. Aashim Bhatia, Dr. Asef Khwaja, and Dr. Jie Nguyen represented CHOP’s faculty, while Dr. Sebastian Tschauner from Graz served as co-director for the first ime. The team was also joined by Dr. Erich Sorantin, a long-standing OMI faculty member whose commitment to medical education in Salzburg and beyond dates back to 2008!
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Noor shared: “During our visit, we had the distinct pleasure of getting to know many of the fellows outside the lecture hall as we shared meals and engaged in meaningful conversations at Schloss Arenberg. Unlike the practice at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which is somewhat subspecialized, many participants are general radiologists, with the majority of their caseload involving adult patients. Several also noted that their home institutions lack dedicated pediatric hospitals. It is within this context that we recognize the vital role of the Open Medical Institute (OMI) and the far-reaching impact its educational outreach can have on pediatric care worldwide.”
He highlighted how knowledge exchange at OMI leads to tangible outcomes, noting a discussion during Dr. Sorantin’s lecture: “During Prof. Erich Sorantin’s lecture on computed tomography angiography, we had a productive discussion about the importance of patient positioning and the significant radiation dose reduction achievable through proper isocenter alignment when using tube current modulation. This was just one of many insightful exchanges that can directly enhance the safety and quality of imaging for children.”
These reflections illustrate the seminar’s broader mission: to share expertise not only through lectures but through meaningful, practical dialogue that can improve diagnostic safety and quality globally.
The week’s discussions also underscored how much collaboration and exchange matter, particularly in advancing pediatric care in diverse settings. As Dr. Amma Wonkyi-Appiah from Ghana shared: “As a pediatric cardiologist from a resource-limited setting, the details of the staged repair performed in developed countries and the monitoring using imaging were invaluable.” Her words capture the spirit of OMI’s mission to connect professionals from across the world to learn, exchange, and strengthen healthcare systems together.
The pediatric radiology seminar with CHOP once again demonstrated that when global expertise meets shared purpose, the impact extends far beyond one lecture hall, reaching children and families around the world.
Endri Gjonbrataj, MD
OMI fellow from Albania
Amma Wonkyi-Appiah, MD, MWACP
OMI fellow from Ghana
Amangeldi Mukhamejan, MD
OMI fellow from Kazakhstan
Diana Paola Blanco Cepeda, MD
OMI fellow from Colombia
This week, the OMI was honored to host two distinguished guests from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Dr. Adelaide Barnes, Medical Director of CHOP Global Pediatric Education, and Mrs. Nancy Etzel, Director of CHOP Global Pediatric Education. Besides delving into the activities at the OMI in Salzburg, they visited two OMI partner institutions in Austria: St. Anna Children’s Cancer Hospital in Vienna and the Medical University of Graz/ Department of Pediatrics. It was a great pleasure having the next generation of CHOP global pediatric education leaders joining us and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future!
