Witnessing the Evolution of Diagnostic Imaging in the Hospital

Diane McGranahan always knew she wanted to be in the healthcare industry. She was drawn to the quickly changing world of medical imaging, also known as radiology, which led to her 45-year career at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

An Eggertsville native, Diane started at the hospital as an x-ray technologist on September 10, 1974. Twenty-years-old at the time, she had just completed her associate of science degree from the Dr. Earl D. Smith School of Radiologic Technology at the Arnot Ogden Memorial Medical Center in Elmira.

Nearly five decades later, Diane’s career reflects the change and evolution of medical imaging technology. She helped establish the hospital’s original ultrasound department in the 1980s, at the time used mostly for OB/GYN. A diagnostic and minimally invasive procedure branch of radiology was also established called special procedures, where Diane worked evaluating patients and helping to determine treatment for various medical conditions. 

CT Scan: Computer Aided Imaging

In 1983, Diane joined the computed tomography (CT) team, where she currently works today.  When Diane first started, a CT scan could take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the part of the anatomy. Now technologists are able to do scans in less than a minute.

While it was originally used for brain scans, CTs can now perform full body scans and capture detailed images of knees and hips.

“Radiology has revolutionized the medical industry and the pace of change keeps accelerating because of new computing capabilities and faster processing speeds,” noted Imaging Department manager, Carolyn Drews, BSN, BSM.  

Some Things Stay the Same

A lot has changed in the healthcare industry over the past 45 years, but quality and compassionate service for patients remains a cornerstone of Kenmore Mercy’s care philosophy.

“I’ve been lucky to watch medical imaging history progress throughout my career and be a part of it right here at Kenmore Mercy Hospital,” said Diane, a resident of Tonawanda for the last 43 years. She attributed her longevity to the family-like feel of the hospital and her radiology team. “I love the job and the people. They became my family.”

She is one of 54 imaging technologists, 16 of which work with the CT, at Kenmore Mercy who are leading the way in helping physicians deliver better care to patients through sophisticated, noninvasive imaging technology.

She recalls the days when the x-ray department was housed on the fifth floor and in the basement.

Today, the hospital offers a full range of advanced diagnostic technology most located on the first floor, including general x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, interventional radiology, computerized tomography, and nuclear medicine.