Boise State University

03/12/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2026 13:47

Hensley shares expertise in Costa Rica

In September 2025, Chad Hensley, clinical associate professor for the School of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, represented Boise State at the Asociación Latinoamericana de Tecnólogos en Radiología in Costa Rica. He presented on critical issues related to patient safety, ethical practice and diagnostic quality in medical imaging.

Hensley's first session, "Medical Imaging's Role in Abusive Head Trauma," focused on the essential role radiologic technologists play in the evaluation and documentation of suspected abusive head trauma in pediatric patients. The presentation addressed the shift in terminology from "shaken baby syndrome" to abusive head trauma. Hensley emphasized the importance of understanding injury mechanisms involving both the central nervous system and skeletal system.

The session highlighted a multidisciplinary imaging approach, including radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and sonography. Hensley highlighted the responsibility of technologists to produce high quality diagnostic images while remaining attentive to the legal, ethical and emotional complexities inherent in suspected child abuse cases.

In a second presentation, "Current Trends in Radiation Protection: Are Patients Still Being Protected?" Hensley examined evolving practices in radiation safety within modern digital imaging environments. The session explored historical foundations of radiation protection, including the "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" principle, and evaluated current evidence surrounding patient shielding and collimation practices.

Hensley discussed emerging trends and controversies related to declining use of shielding one's privates and changes in collimation standards. Drawing on current research and professional guidance, the presentation offered evidence based recommendations on which radiation protection practices should be maintained, reconsidered or discontinued. The session also addressed the role of technologists in patient education and communication to ensure understanding and trust while maintaining best practices in safety and regulatory compliance.

Boise State University published this content on March 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 12, 2026 at 19:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]