This spring, we replaced our Imaging department’s nine-year-old MRI machine with a state-of-the-art GE SIGNA™ 3 tesla wide bore Architect technology. We became the first hospital in the state of Arizona to receive this upgrade which allows us to stay at the forefront of imaging technology while continuing to offer our patients a wide variety of MRI exams. Our new 128 channel MRI obtains higher-definition images of the human body yielding exquisite images of all organ systems and locations in the same amount of time—and, in some cases, faster, according to Lead MRI Technologist Darren Jackson. That’s good news for a wide range of patients because of MRI’s exceptional versatility. At MGRMC, MRIs are used to help providers get a closer look at all areas of the body. Some of the common reasons we conduct MRIs are to:
· Look at organs, bone marrow, and soft tissue to check for infection or cancer
· Determine the cause of pain in the low back, knee, neck, or shoulder
· Look at the brain to pinpoint the cause of neurological symptoms
· Assess breast tissue for lesions and silicone implant rupture
· Assess vascular structures throughout the body.
“We’re fortunate to have a Hospital Board and community that support staying up to date with the latest technology,” says Jonathan Sanders, Director of Imaging at MGRMC. “Patients won’t find a better MRI than the one we have here at MGRMC.”
When it comes to our patients, we strive for nothing short of excellence for every patient, every visit, every time! Ensuring we have state-of-the-art equipment is only part of the job; we believe having the best people to run our equipment is just as important. Our four MRI Technologists are registered nationally in MRI, and each holds additional certifications in the imaging field. They are some of the best you’ll find, and “We are fortunate to have them all. With their skills, each of these techs are greatly valued and could go anywhere they want in the country to work,” says Sanders.
Darren Jackson comes from Clovis, New Mexico, and has been here since 1999. He has been our lead MRI tech since the hospital bought our first MRI in 2001. He holds an MRI safety officer certification, is one of the most experienced and best in the country.
Adam Bingham splits his work time between CT, X-ray, and MRI. He grew up in Safford and has been at MGRMC for 16 years. When he is not here at the hospital, he can usually be found with family or out on the farm.
Michelle Goodwin also splits her time between CT, X-ray, and MRI. She commutes from Benson for each shift and has been a dedicated employee for almost 15 years. She is a Rancher, 4-H leader, and supermom when she is not at work.
Jereld Brewer is another who splits his time between CT, X-ray, and MRI. He has been a tech for many years and comes to us from Show Low. He started in March when we started the MRI upgrade process, which was the reason he came to work at MGRMC. He also has family in the area, and his wife grew up in Duncan.
MRI scans are interpreted by one of our board-certified fellowship-trained radiologists. Our primary radiologist, Brandon Welker D.O., grew up in Safford and spent 13+ years in college, medical school, residency, and fellowship training for us. His specialty is Musculoskeletal MRI. Dr. Welker enjoys serving our community and is as happy as anyone to see the improved quality of images coming from the MRI scanner. He used words like “exquisite” and “unbelievable” to describe the quality increase. “It makes my job of interpreting the images much easier,” he said.
To schedule an MRI and meet our incredible team, call 928-348-4191.
