Disney magic helps SoCal children's hospital with MRI scans for young patients

Rady Children's Health in Orange County introduced a groundbreaking MRI technology that combines medical imaging with Disney characters to ease anxiety in pediatric patients. The initiative, developed with Philips and Disney, transforms the MRI experience into an interactive storytelling session, allowing children to choose characters like Spider-Man, Mickey Mouse, or Grogu before their scan. The first child to undergo this method was 8-year-old Jordan Mosley, who had previously required sedation for MRIs due to his aggressive soft-tissue cancer diagnosis at age 3. The technology addresses common challenges in pediatric MRI scans, such as loud noises and confined spaces, which often cause distress and movement in young patients. Dr. Azam Eghbal, a pediatric radiologist, noted that even minor shifts can blur images, making the procedure non-diagnostic. The Disney-themed approach replaces the intimidating environment with a customized, immersive experience, where characters and colors are selected by the child beforehand. For Mosley, the experience was transformative—he completed his MRI without sedation for the first time. Philips reported a 63% reduction in scan interruptions, improving efficiency for hospitals. The collaboration between Disney and Philips aims to expand this technology globally, reaching 87 countries, with Mickey Mouse making a special appearance at the launch to honor Mosley’s bravery. The initiative is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to support children’s hospitals worldwide. Philips’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Atul Gupta, emphasized the technology’s potential to alleviate stress for young patients while enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Hospital officials highlighted the method’s success in reducing interruptions, benefiting overwhelmed medical facilities.