Research Agreement to Advance Development of New Technologies and Provide Education to Local Community Announced by National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre and Siemens Healthineers
National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre signs research agreement with Siemens Healthineers.
November 23, 2021
JSCN Medical Clinic LP Partners, made up of James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and the DR Links Holdings Inc., and Siemens Healthineers Canada have announced a research agreement to bring new technology and learning opportunities to Saskatchewan.
This follows an announcement last November of the opening of the National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre in Market Mall, Saskatoon. The clinic provides medical imaging services for patients such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computer Tomography (CT), X-rays, and ultrasound. Today’s signing of the research agreement is the next step in the evolution of this centre, which will focus on pioneering research into medical imaging techniques in partnership with Canada-wide educational institutions and Siemens Healthineers, and work to provide access to educational opportunities for students across Canada.
“This agreement is the first agreement of this nature to be signed between a medical device manufacturer like Siemens Healthineers and a First Nations community-owned clinic,” said Dragan Racic, President and CEO, National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre. “We are excited to forge such a partnership that will bring new technology and education opportunities to Saskatchewan people and throughout Canada.”
Chief Wally Burns, James Smith Cree Nation stated: “James Smith Cree Nation took the courage to embark on this project and demonstrate its commitment to the community and peoples of Saskatchewan, and prove that it is possible to establish such a comprehensive clinic with great equipment, and also develop this collaborative research project for the benefit of all”
Already, some early partnership work has resulted in the development of a new musculoskeletal (MSK) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence that produces a clearer image of the tissue, removing the usual challenges of bone and cartilage visibility in the scan image.
“We are excited to be embarking on this journey with the team at the National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre,” said Gerald Moran, PhD, Collaborations Manager, Siemens Healthineers. “Together, we will develop and implement new technologies and processes to improve the outcomes of diagnostic imaging to help the identification of the best treatment options for patients. In addition, the education component of the agreement will use the imaging systems to train and educate current and future users in the area of medical imaging, providing continuing education and professional development programs for practitioners. It will also help encourage local students to explore careers in medical imaging and benefit from local knowledge and experience at the clinic.”
The National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre is a partnership between the James Smith Cree Nation and DR Links Holdings Inc. and employs around 15 full time and 20 part time staff. The facility has one MRI and one CT system purchased from Siemens Healthineers.
Of specific note is the presence of the latest generation Siemens Healthineers 3 Tesla (3T) MRI system, the MAGETOM Vida at the clinic. This system is the first 3T MRI scanner with BioMatrix technology, enabling the system to adapt to the unique characteristics of each patient it scans, while producing consistent, high quality images. The features of this system result in fewer rescans, predictable scheduling and standardized, personalized scans for high-end clinical routine as well as for clinical research purposes. This is the latest and most advanced 3T MRI in the province. The clinic also has a SOMATOM go.Top CT scanner, a high-end CT that encompasses Mobile Workflow and smart tools that help the clinician spend more time with the patient, while reducing radiation dose.
Contact for journalists
Alastair Harris-Cartwright
Phone: +1 905-399-8491; E-mail: alastair.harris-cartwright@siemens-healthineers.com
Siemens Healthineers AG (listed in Frankfurt, Germany: SHL) is shaping the future of healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostics, image-guided therapy, in-vivo diagnostics, and innovative cancer care. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers’ ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Healthineers generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted EBIT of €2.2 billion. Following the acquisition of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. the company has approximately 66,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.
James Smith Cree Nation is a Cree First Nations community 70 kilmoetres east of Prince Albert that comprises three separate Cree First Nations Band: James Smith, Peter Chapman, and Chakastapaysin. www.jamessmithcreenation.com
JSCN Medical Clinic LP – National Medical Imaging Clinic and Education and Research Centre is a registered Canadian Corporation specializing in medical imaging services and education and research activities in the field of medical imaging and ICT projects related to medical imaging. The company, through it’s Market Mall, Saskatoon, facility provides MRI and CT medical imaging services. https://nationalmedicalimaging.ca