The Image of Care
November 06, 2023
At HPHA our nationally certified Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS) are committed to providing compassionate care to patients, while delivering critical “high-tech” services to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They combine their knowledge of imaging together with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and image acquisition to provide quality care.
Our MRTs and DMSs represent four distinct disciplines:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists produce diagnostic images with equipment that generates radio waves and a strong magnetic field. Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physiology allows MRI technologists to obtain images while monitoring and caring for patients during scans. These MRTs have specialized safety training as they are responsible for screening patients for metal prior to their test and for maintaining the overall safety of the area. The MRI suite is controlled access for MRI staff only as the ‘magnet’ is always on.
Erin, MRT in our MRI Suite
Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive drugs) to patients through injection, inhalation or ingestion. Using radiation detectors, they are able to evaluate how different organ systems are functioning based on the distribution or transit times of the radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear Medicine Technologists also administer radiopharmaceutical treatments for various medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and select cancers.
Radiological Technologists produce images of body parts and systems using equipment that emits x-rays. MRTs are responsible for the quality of the images they send for reporting. Different views of the body structures or systems must be included by positioning patients very specifically as well as adjusting technical parameters to optimize the image according to each patient’s size, age and medical conditions. These MRTs perform general X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), mammography and bone mineral densitometry scans.
Aaron, MRT
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers produce images through ultrasound waves. Using their training and extensive understanding of the human body and its systems they determine if structures are normal or abnormal and adapt their investigation as they find clues to disease throughout the examination. The findings are then presented for reporting through the sonographer’s impression document.
Amber, DMS with Natalie, student
In our Imaging Departments, MRTs and DMSs see a broad spectrum of patients from our Emergency Departments, Inpatient units and Outpatient clinics. Using portable equipment our MRTs and DMSs can also travel to our patients' bedside, to our Emergency Departments and Operating Rooms to perform select x-rays and ultrasounds. A multitude of specialized interventional procedures are performed under the guidance of, and to assist, Radiologists and Surgeons.
The MRTs and DMSs at our Stratford General Hospital site also serve as educators, providing mentorship to a rotation of students. HPHA is a training site for the Radiography (X-Ray) Program at Fanshawe College. The students complete 14 months of in-class education and a clinical hospital placement for 15 months. During this time, they receive extensive hands-on instruction and knowledge from the MRTs. Students graduate with competence in CT scanning and IV insertion allowing them to join the workforce with minimal orientation. We are also a training site for ultrasound through the Mohawk-McMaster combined degree/diploma program. It consists of 30 months of didactic and 12 months of clinical practicum with rotations through three hospitals anywhere in Central and Southwestern Ontario. Our ultrasound department is proud to be recognized by the program as an official obstetrical/gynecological ultrasound rotation; a recognition bestowed on only a select number of hospitals. Our MRTs and DMSs provide a vital role in educating, shaping, and supporting students on their path to becoming outstanding registered professionals. Many of these students join our team after their placement!
Did you know that Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS) across Canada will be celebrated during Medical Radiation Sciences (MRS) Week, November 5-11, 2023, for the vital role they play within our healthcare system? MRS Week shines a spotlight on this dynamic area of healthcare to increase awareness and understanding of the contributions these professionals make in the clinical applications of medical radiation and ultrasound technology. Happy MRS Week to our incredible team!