TicketsSept. 11, 2006
, -- The Varsity Village Imaging Center, which opened its doors on March 23, 2006, offers the community a world-class facility housed within the Department of Athletics and open to all members of the University.
"To my knowledge, there is no other facility like this in the country," said Dr. Rob Wissman, Residency Director in the College of Medicine Radiology Department. "We actually have an imaging magnet within an athletics facility right next to the football stadium."
The accessability of the open MRI machine essentially allows UC doctors to take an image of an injury that occurs in the first quarter of a football game and have a diagnosis and outlook on the student-athlete by halftime.
"One of the benefits of the is the fact that is available to student-athletes, but also to faculty and the student body," Wissman continued. "It is on campus and located in , as well as being just accross campus from the University hospital, which aids in the convenience factor."
The is equipped with a Siemens Espree MR Scanner, which has an opening that is over two feet in diameter, much larger than a typical scanner. This allows for comfort for all patients and ease of use for those with larger physiques, especially student-athletes. The scanner has the ability to accomodate patients up to a maximum weight of 550 pounds.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses to create pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Generally, higher field strength systems yield more precise images. The test is used to detect, diagnose and plan treatment for a variety of disorders and conditions. There is no radiation involved and the procedure is completely painless.
The imaging center is located in the Varsity Village Garage under the UC Tennis Center on and can be reached at 513-556-4MRI.