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.
For more information: https://us.medical.canon, https://global.medical.canon, www.ahra.org
March 13, 2026 
