As part of an academic medical center with the only adult Level I Trauma Center in southeastern Wisconsin, our team works closely with Medical College of Wisconsin physicians, providing critical expertise in a wide variety of areas, from diagnostic imaging to interventional procedures. Froedtert Hospital's Medical Imaging professionals play a critical role in helping Medical College of Wisconsin physicians diagnose disease and injury, and form plans for accurate treatment and follow-up care.
Diagnostic Imaging
The Department of Radiology performs more than 200,000 examinations per year, and more than half of them are from the diagnostic imaging section. This section of the Medical Imaging Department includes four dedicated orthopedic rooms, five fluoroscopic rooms, nine general rooms, two trauma rooms, 10 portable machines and 14 surgical C-arms. It also covers gastrointestinal, operative and portable procedures. One of the general rooms is a dedicated digital chest room. Registered Radiologic Technologists working in this section are some of the most diversified staff members within the department. They need operate all the equipment which comes from a variety of manufacturers and have an understanding of the hospital's two surgical departments. The diagnostic section uses computed radiography within a filmless PACS environment.
Computed Tomography (3D)
The CT Department at Froedtert Hospital consists of five CT scanners. Because of a unique relationship between Froedtert and GE Medical systems, the CT Department enjoys the latest in technological advancements and is a beta site for testing new, yet to be released equipment. Because Froedtert is a Level I Trauma Center, the CT department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The MRI Department at Froedtert Hospital consists of six clinical scanners. All six of the MRI scanners are considered high field magents. Four of them are 1.5 Tesla units while the remaining two are 3 Tesla magnets. Skilled registered MRI technologists, under the guidance of radiologists, perform the imaging protocols. MRIs are performed from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. Emergency cases are performed on an on-call basis. Among the specialty exams performed are Cardiac/Stress MRI, MRI Breast Biopsies, Functional MRI and Spectroscopy.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine/PET has seven gamma cameras, a PET/CT, a bone densitometry unit and numerous other imaging and radiation detection devices. One of the seven gamma cameras is a gamma camera/computed tomography SPECT unit and was the second of its kind in the world. All nuclear medicine/PET technologists are nationally certified and are capable of performing procedures on all of the above instrumentation. The Nuclear Medicine/PET Imaging service has the instrumentation and the expertise to do any of Nuclear Medicine/PET procedures. Our Nuclear Medicine/PET physicians are exceptional in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common procedures include, but not limited to, are Nuclear Cardiology, Orthopedics, Gastric, Endocrine, Neuro, and Pulmonary. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) was established at Froedtert Hospital in 2002.
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, established in 1970, accepts six student interns each year. The majority of interns come from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and receive a bachelor of science degree once their internship is completed.
Interventional Radiology
Froedtert Hospital has a dedicated team of technologists, registered nurses and assistants, who work with radiologists to provide patient care, operate complex imaging equipment, schedule patients and assist with the general operation of the department. Through this multidisciplinary approach, the Froedtert Hospital Interventional Radiology Department strives to provide high quality, minimally invasive care, while focusing on customer service and patient satisfaction.
Women's Imaging
The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Breast Care Center is a progressive, state-of-the-science breast clinic. We offer screening mammography, diagnostic mammography and additional diagnostic studies, or biopsy procedures. Our equipment includes the most recent technological advances, and our staff is experienced and dedicated.
Technology
The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Radiology Department has a strong commitment to the most innovative diagnostic care for its patients – affording our radiographers the opportunity to become proficient in the most advanced techniques:
- Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography Systems
- GE Digital Fluoroscopy Units
- Phillips Trauma Unit
- GE and Siemens general radiographic and interventional equipment
- PACS (Picture Archiving Communications System) Environment
- Computed Tomography (All Equipped with helical scanning)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Research
Our MRI Technologists work alongside Medical College of Wisconsin radiologists who are nationally recognized and highly sub-specialized in their fields. They are known for research leadership in many areas, piloting new techniques before some technology becomes widely available.
Professional Development
Our Medical Imaging staff are part of a professional team that takes pride in the incredible accomplishments at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. Each radiographer is an integral team member who contributes significantly to the future of the organization. Our radiographers excel in an environment that is supportive and promotes career advancement, and professional pride with:
- Competency-based orientation to enhance technical skills
- Preceptors who mentor new staff to acclimate them to a new environment
- Wide-ranging staff development and career advancement opportunities in an academic medical center
- A comprehensive Web site for Medical Imaging staff, including “case of the week” contests with prizes, plus continuing education opportunities, updates in policies, meeting minutes and contact mechanisms for communicating with department managers
- School of Radiologic Technology