The Pediatric Radiology Division at Diamond Children’s Center is dedicated to delivering exceptional, child-centered imaging care. Our collaborative team of fellowship-trained, board-certified clinicians, scientists, technologists, and Child Life Specialists provides comprehensive services designed to meet the unique needs of children and their families—with a clear focus on clinical excellence, innovation, and patient comfort.
We offer accurate, thorough, and timely imaging while minimizing radiation exposure through adherence to the Image Gently® Campaign and advanced, low-dose protocols. Our state-of-the-art equipment—including dual-source CT and MRI systems with built-in entertainment—ensures high-quality diagnostics and a comforting experience for young patients. In fact, we were the first and only group in the region to use MRI routinely for diagnosing appendicitis in children, significantly reducing unnecessary testing and treatment delays.
Clinical Expertise
Our Pediatric Imaging program at Banner University Medical Center is driven by a team of distinguished subspecialists whose individual expertise enhances our diagnostic accuracy and care personalization:
| Physician | Specialty | Role & Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Gilbertson-Dahdal, MD, FACR | Pediatric Congenital Cardiac Imaging | Professor and Division Chief. Expert in cardiac CT and MRI for complex congenital heart defects—leading diagnosis, surgical planning, and long-term management. |
| Unni Udayasankar, MD, FRCR | Pediatric Neuroradiology | Professor of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Specialist in pediatric brain and spine imaging—diagnoses neurological disorders, trauma, and congenital anomalies with precision. |
| Brian Lightwine, DO | Fetal Imaging | Assistant Professor, Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Skilled in prenatal ultrasound and MRI—detects subtle fetal anomalies for early intervention and personalized prenatal care. |
Our physicians' specialized skills, coupled with a highly collaborative clinical environment, ensure the highest standards of care and diagnostic insight for pediatric patients from infancy through adolescence.
Why Chosse Us?
- Child-Focused Approach: Equipment and facilities are specifically designed to maximize comfort and reduce the need for sedation in young patients.
- Patient Comfort Innovations: MR-compatible movie screens and entertainment systems help create a relaxing experience during scans.
- Collaborative Care: Child Life Specialists work alongside our clinical team to support children before, during, and after procedures.
- Clinical Expertise: Our subspecialty-certified radiologists offer advanced care in pediatric neuroradiology, congenital cardiac imaging, fetal MRI, and pediatric interventional radiology.
- Technological Excellence:
CT: Dual-source Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT Scanner enables rapid imaging with reduced dose—independent of patient movement or breath-holding ability.
MRI: Three state-of-the-art 1.5T and 3.0T MRI systems offer shorter scan times and built-in entertainment to ease anxiety and improve comfort.
- Comprehensive Services: Full-spectrum imaging includes MRI, MR Spectroscopy, CT, 3D Imaging, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Fetal Imaging, Nuclear Medicine PET/CT, Radiography, and more.
- Radiation Safety & Accreditation: A strong advocate of the Image Gently® Campaign, we follow dose-reduction protocols and educational outreach. Our CT services are accredited by the American College of Radiology—among few in Arizona to achieve this distinction.