National Medical Imaging Clinic, Education & Research Centre is a unique partnership led by James Smith Cree Nation and DR Links Holdings Inc. that has created Saskatchewan’s first medical imaging, research and education centre serving the local population, boosting economic development and increasing capacity for Canada’s healthcare system.
National Medical Imaging Clinic, Education & Research Centre has a memorandum of understanding with The Michener Institute of Education at UHN to bring Michener’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist training program to Saskatchewan and the opportunity for additional educational experiences, including a bridge program for indigenous youth to enter into the MRI technologist program and pursue a career in medicine.
Michener has a proven track record of graduates meeting accreditation, entry-to-practice and licensing requirements. As these healthcare professionals are in high demand, the partnership is expected to raise profile for imaging technologists and increase local access to high-quality training.
“This partnership is good for Saskatchewan not just because it will build capacity in medical imaging, it’s also because this is a true treaty relationship with the province and with Canada,” says Dwayne Seib, Director of Operations for James Smith Cree Nation. “Besides increasing access to medical imaging services, we have an opportunity to show people medical imaging is something they can consider, and we can provide the education here.”
Dragan Racic, President and CEO of National Medical Imaging Clinic, Education & Research Centre, is excited about the potential a satellite college for medical imaging in Saskatchewan will bring, along with support for currently practicing technologists.
“The fact that Michener also offers continuing education for practicing health professionals, paired with the high-end equipment at National Medical Imaging Clinic, Education & Research Centre , means Saskatchewan’s practicing radiological technologists can maintain their credentials at home,” says Racic.
National Medical Imaging Clinic, Education & Research Centre has partnerships with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Siemens, Tesla University and Clear Image Solutions to work jointly on education, research, development and innovation opportunities in medical imaging.
“Shortages of health personnel, not just doctors and nurses but the army of other professionals working in healthcare, represents the most acute challenge facing healthcare across Canada,” says Michener Principal Harvey Weingarten. “We are proud to have been asked to partner with James Smith Cree Nation on solving the shortage of medical imaging technologists in Saskatchewan and look forward to working together to build health system capacity.”
About James Smith Cree Nation
This first nation received its name from the original chief, who signed Treaty No. 6 in 1876 at Fort Carlton. The population at the time were 134 members or 32 families. The James Smith Cree Nation is located 58 kilometers east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is 15,099 hectares in size. This first nation has a present population of 3,412, with the on-reserve population estimated to be at 1,892 members. The original language spoken is Cree. James Smith Cree Nation lands are situated on the south and north side of the Saskatchewan River. On the south side of the river there are fertile lands for farming and on the north side of the river there are forestry lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering.
