Panel Discussion: Professional Practice in Pediatric Imaging
As part of the OAMRS Multidisciplinary Pediatric Imaging Symposium, this panel brings together Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMSs) from leading pediatric centres across Ontario. Representatives from SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre – Victoria Children’s Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario will each share a 10-minute perspective on professional practice within pediatric imaging environments. Panelists will highlight real-world experiences, innovations, and best practices unique to caring for pediatric patients, offering attendees practical insights and a multidisciplinary view of professional practice in specialized pediatric settings.
Presentation Objectives:
Describe key differences and considerations in professional practice within pediatric imaging environments across Ontario’s leading children’s hospitals. Identify practical strategies and innovations used by MRTs and DMSs to support high-quality imaging for pediatric patients. Recognize the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering effective and patient-centred pediatric imaging care.
Panelists:

Amanda Johnston, MRT (R), BAppSc (Medical Imaging), Professional Practice Consultant for Medical Imaging. London Health Sciences Centre
Amanda Johnston is the Professional Practice Consultant for Medical Imaging at London Health Sciences Centre. A proud self-proclaimed “x-ray nerd,” she has over 15 years of experience spanning general radiography, interventional radiology, education, applications, and imaging leadership. In her current role, she enjoys leading departmental practice updates, educating other healthcare professionals about MRITs, and modernizing imaging policies from the dreaded “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. An active volunteer with OAMRS and CAMRT, she currently serves on the National Professional Practice and Research Advisory Committee. Known for her infectious energy and passion for the profession, Amanda’s motto “sharing is caring" is dedicated to elevating MRIT practice and improving the patient experience in Medical Imaging through shared learning and collaboration.
Erin McCreith, MRT (R). Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Site
Erin has worked at McMaster for more than 21 years across X-ray, CT, and Interventional Radiology, with a particular passion for Computed Tomography. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to continuous learning, especially during her time at McMaster Children’s Hospital where she expanded her expertise in pediatric care while collaborating closely with Child Life specialists.
Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and scrapbooking.
Matt Head, MRT (R) (MR), Professional Practice Leader - Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Matt Head is a proud graduate of Cambrian College and has dedicated the past 15 years to advancing pediatric medical imaging at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Beginning his career as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist, MRT (MR), Matt has developed a strong passion for professional practice, innovation, and improving patient experiences in imaging. He currently serves as the Professional Practice Leader for Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists (MRITs) and the Innovation Adoption Lead at CHEO, where he works to support clinical excellence while fostering the adoption of emerging healthcare technologies. Matt has also contributed to research exploring the effectiveness of MRI simulation using virtual reality to help children successfully complete MRI examinations without the need for general anesthesia.
Gillian Hunter, MRT (R), Senior Technologist - GIGU, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. The Hospital for Sick Children.
Gillian has over 17 years of experience as an MRT(R) at SickKids Hospital and currently serves as a Senior Technologist specializing in GIGU. She is a member of the Technologist Lead VCUG and Video Urodynamic team and collaborates with interprofessional education specialists to expand the scope of practice for MRTs through new medical directives. Gillian works closely with dedicated Diagnostic Imaging Child Life specialists to put family-centered care and patient experience at the forefront. She leads initiatives to refine protocols, implement new examinations, and standardize documentation, driving continuous improvement in workflows and enhancing the quality of patient care.