News | Press Releases

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July 19, 2019

AHRA and Canon Medical Systems Continue Support of Medical Imaging Innovation with the 12th Annual Putting Patients First Program

Program Funds Grants to Help Advance Innovations in Health Care

TUSTIN, Calif., July 19, 2019 – For the past twelve years, Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc. has partnered with AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management in support of the Putting Patients First program, awarding grants dedicated to improving patient care and developing best imaging practices in the areas of CT, MR, Ultrasound, X-ray and Vascular. This collaboration seeks to advance patient care, safety and cybersecurity in imaging through grants that fund programs, trainings and seminars at IDN/hospital systems, local hospitals and imaging centers.

In 2019, eight (8) grants will be awarded according to the following categories:

• Six (6) grants of up to $7,500 each will be awarded to single-site hospitals and imaging centers.
  • Two (2) grants focusing on diagnostic imaging
  • Two (2) grants focusing on pediatric imaging
  • One (1) grant focusing on MSK
  • One (1) grant focusing on oncology imaging
• Two (2) grants up to $10,000 each will be awarded to an Integrated Delivery Network (IDN).

“For over a decade, Canon Medical has provided $685,000 to the Putting Patients First program which has made possible more than 70 grants focused on bringing a wide range of innovations in diagnostic imaging to help advance patient care,” said Angelic Bush, CRA, FAHRA, past president, AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management. “Today, cost burdens in the healthcare industry make the need for a grant program like Putting Patients First more important than ever to help continue to drive change and improvement in the health care industry.”

Putting Patients First applicants are judged on their program plan and ability to share best practices. The applicants’ programs should address one or more of the following:

• Reducing radiation and/or contrast dose
• Reducing the need for sedation
• Improving communication with patients regarding the process
• Improving patient comfort
• Improving the overall clinical pathway

“It has been exciting to watch this program successfully evolve in conjunction with the changing needs of the market, starting with hospitals and then opening up to Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). From the beginning, this program has opened doors for the innovative ideas and solutions presented by health care and imaging professionals in local communities around the country that are helping to shape the future of health care,” said Catherine Wolfe, senior director, Global Marketing and Communications, Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc. “Alongside AHRA, we share a commitment to patient safety and education and this program is representative of Canon Medical Systems’ Made for Life philosophy to improve the quality of life for all people.”

All eligible facilities are encouraged to apply by completing an application at www.ahra.org/PatientsFirstProgram. The deadline to apply is October 21, 2019, and the winners, selected by the AHRA, will be announced in January 2020.

About AHRA

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management is the professional organization representing management at all levels of hospital imaging departments, freestanding imaging centers, and group practices. Founded in 1973, AHRA’s 5000+ members reach across the country and around the world. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs, including a comprehensive selection of educational conferences and seminars, networking opportunities, award winning publications, and the Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) credential. More details about AHRA are available at www.ahra.org.

About Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.

Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc., headquartered in Tustin, Calif., markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and interventional X-ray equipment. For more information, visit Canon Medical Systems’ website at https://us.medical.canon.

About Canon Medical Systems Corporation

Canon Medical offers a full range of diagnostic medical imaging solutions including CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound and MR, across the globe. In line with our continued Made for Life philosophy, patients are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to provide medical professionals with solutions that support their efforts in contributing to the health and wellbeing of patients worldwide. Our goal is to deliver optimum health opportunities for patients through uncompromised performance, comfort and safety features.

At Canon Medical, we work hand in hand with our partners – our medical, academic and research community. We build relationships based on transparency, trust and respect. Together as one, we strive to create industry-leading solutions that deliver an enriched quality of life. For more information, visit the Canon Medical website: https://global.medical.canon