CARIBOU — The Women’s Imaging Center at Cary Medical Center has been open almost a year and patient comments are helping to tell the success story of this important addition to the hospital and the community.
“We held our formal Open House last February and the response to the new Imaging Center has been just what we had hoped, ‘WOW,’” commented Leslie Anderson, PT, MSB, manager of imaging and rehabilitation services at Cary.
“Of all the things that patients are saying about the Women’s Imaging Center, some of the best things we’ve heard are, ‘I feel so respected here … I have so much confidence in the doctors and staff … the Center is beautiful and it really does feel like I’m in a spa,” she added.
The Mammomat Inspiration offers digital screening and diagnostic mammography producing excellent image quality using industry leading technology designed to minimize the patient’s radiation dose and exposure time. There currently is no other unit of its kind north of Boston.
The new Women’s Imaging Center opened in December, 2012, providing the most advanced diagnostic mammography services in northern Maine, including state-of-the-art digital mammography and stereotactic breast biopsy systems, complimented by a unique and personal Patient Navigator Service.
According to Dr. Shawn Laferriere, medical director of radiology at Cary Medical Center, the Women’s Imaging Center features the Siemens Mammomat Inspiration Full-Field Digital Mammography, and Siemens MammoTest Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Systems.
The breast biopsy system allows for a minimally invasive procedure with increased patient comfort, and has the ability of identifying the smallest calcifications, allowing for a more precise and efficient diagnosis.
The Mammomat Inspiration offers digital screening and diagnostic mammography producing excellent image quality using industry leading technology designed to minimize the patient’s radiation dose and exposure time. There currently is no other unit of its kind north of Boston.
“The hospital’s purchase of the Siemens Mammomat Inspiration represents our dedication to using the highest quality full-field digital mammography system,” Laferriere said.
“Our Center really sets a new standard for women’s imaging services in northern Maine. And, our dedicated team of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians are all working together in a cohesive way, with only one goal in mind, the best care for our patients.”
Shawn Laferriere, DO
Medical Director of Radiology
“We are also very proud to bring the first fully digital, fixed-base stereotactic biopsy system to Cary and Aroostook County,” Laferriere continued. “The new breast biopsy system allows for a minimally invasive procedure with increased patient comfort, and has the ability of identifying the smallest calcifications, allowing for a more precise and efficient diagnosis,” he explained.
“With our existing breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (MRI) and breast ultrasound testing capabilities, the addition of our new equipment provides our patients with the most advanced breast diagnostic services in Aroostook County,” Laferriere said.
Kim Wilcox, RT(R)(MR) (M),C-BPN-IC, is the center’s specially trained breast health navigator. In her role as navigator, she helps women through their procedures whether a routine screening mammogram or a diagnostic exam, making sure the patient has the best possible experience with support from her medical team.
“Our patients tell me how helpful I am and how nice it is to have the added care when they need it, but what they don’t realize is that I gain so much more from having met them than I could ever offer them. They are truly my inspiration.”
Kim Wilcox, RT(R)(MR)(M), C-BPN-IC
Breast Health Navigator
“Our patient navigator program is designed to enhance access to all aspects of breast care at Cary by helping to provide a more personal and effective delivery of care, and improved sharing of resources, all through enhanced relationships with each of our patients,” explained Laferriere.
“Our goal has been to not only bring advanced state-of-the-art technologies to northern Maine, but to also create an overall breast care program designed at improving the coordination of high quality breast care. This means providing same-day diagnostic or follow-up mammography results for our patients, with the opportunity to meet with one of our radiologists and review their exam one-on-one, so that each patient understands their results before they leave the center,” he said.
“As our navigator, I’m here to bridge the gaps, or connect the health care delivery dots if you will, not only for our patients, but their family members and caregivers as well,” Wilcox said. “Anything I can do to help alleviate any stress is my priority. Our patients tell me how helpful I am and how nice it is to have the added care when they need it, but what they don’t realize is that I gain so much more from having met them than I could ever offer them. They are truly my inspiration,” she added.
Complementing the new technology, the Center provides a “spa” like atmosphere with a private waiting area featuring a unique “Water Wall,” to enhance a relaxing, calming and peaceful patient experience. The Center also features private changing rooms with personal lockable armoires.
Complementing the new technology, the Center provides a “spa” like atmosphere with a private waiting area featuring a unique “Water Wall,” to enhance a relaxing, calming and peaceful patient experience.
“Our Center really sets a new standard for women’s imaging services in northern Maine,” Laferriere added. “And, our dedicated team of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians are all working together in a cohesive way, with only one goal in mind, the best care for our patients.”
Dr. Allan Espinosa, specializing in hematology/oncology, and Dr. Reena Tahilramani, general surgeon, are the newest members of the physician team, joining the Cary and Pines Health Services provider staff in September.
The Women’s Imaging Center project was funded through a capital campaign by the Jefferson Cary Foundation, with generous donations from several sources, including both Cary and Pines Health Services employees, volunteers, and board members; the Cary Ladies Auxiliary, the Foundation, and many corporate/community donations.
“We are so proud and humbled by the generosity and support for this project by our Cary and Pines families, all of the local civic groups, corporate and individual donors and local community,” said Kris Doody, RN, MSB, Cary chief executive officer.
“Early detection of breast cancer with regular mammogram screenings is so critical. The time was right for the hospital to raise the bar in making these advanced services available. Inspiring confidence for our patients in their health care delivery system by providing the highest quality care, in the most comfortable setting possible, with an incredible team of caregivers, is always our goal and just the right thing to do,” she added.
