August 18, 2014 — The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) announced the seventh year of its Putting Patients First Program. Putting Patients First grants enable healthcare facilities to fund programs, training or seminars aimed at improving patient care and safety and customizing treatment in CT (computed tomography), MR (magnetic resonance), ultrasound, X-ray and vascular imaging. The grants are funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems.
The AHRA & Toshiba Putting Patients First Program provides six grants of up to $7,500 each to hospitals and imaging centers, and an additional grant of up to $20,000 to an integrated delivery network (IDN). Three of the $7,500 grants are awarded for projects that improve pediatric imaging, while the other three are awarded for projects that improve overall patient care and safety in imaging. The grant of up to $20,000 is awarded to an IDN or hospital system for projects that improve overall patient care and safety in imaging across the IDN/hospital system. All winning facilities will then develop and share their best practices.
“The purpose of the Putting Patients First grants is to facilitate progress in the quality, efficacy and efficiency of patient care for healthcare facilities,” said Ed Yoder, CRA, FAHRA, president, AHRA. “A look at previous winners shows a commitment to using creativity and quality to provide the highest standard of care.”
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; and
- Improving the overall clinical pathway.
“Understanding the business of providers is our business, and that’s why Toshiba continues to support the Putting Patients First program as part of its long-standing tradition of giving back to hospitals and healthcare facilities,” said Nancy Gillen, vice president, marketing and strategic development, Toshiba. “Additionally, collaboration between hospitals and other leading healthcare providers is a unique opportunity to ensure that the best diagnostic and treatment options are given for all patient exams.”
The deadline to apply is Oct. 14, 2014, and the winners, to be selected by the AHRA, will be announced at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in December.
For more information: www.ahraonline.org, www.medical.toshiba.com
February 20, 2026 
