CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Cowan gift expands medical education at Conestoga with Centre for Medical Imaging Studies

The foundation's latest transformative gift will equip the new Centre for Medical Imaging Studies, set to open in Fall 2027, with top-of-the-line live and simulated equipment to provide the optimal learning experiences for Conestoga students studying to become medical diagnostic specialists.

This new centre spanning 9,200 square feet will be alongside the award-winning Cowan Centre for Medical Sciences and Biotechnology and the established Cowan Health Sciences Centre - together forming the most comprehensive set of training programs for in-demand health-care professionals, including medical lab professionals, nurses and personal support workers.

"We are grateful for the generous and continued support from The Cowan Foundation. Investments in our health-care facilities and labs support the education and training of essential health-care workers and strengthen our ability to serve a critical sector in our community," said Conestoga President John Tibbits.

Equipment being purchased for the new Centre for Medical Imaging Studies with the foundation's donation includes live ultrasound and X-ray machines and simulated CT scanners and MRI machines.

Conestoga will connect with local hospital partners in high need of medical imaging talent and leverage the Waterloo Regional Health Network (Grand River and St. Mary's General hospitals), Cambridge Memorial, Guelph General and other sites for clinical placements. The programs will bring 200 students each year to Conestoga, graduating new imaging technologists to support the region's health-care needs.

Medical diagnostic imaging services are a critical component of effective delivery of health-care services, from supporting early detection of diseases and accurate treatment planning to non-invasive examinations and ongoing monitoring.

"Ontario is experiencing long wait times for diagnostic imaging services and this backlog was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A key component to supporting capacity-building across Ontario is a steady supply of diagnostic imaging graduates," said Natalia Ronda, dean of Health and Life Sciences in the School of Health & Life Sciences.

A major barrier to offering medical imaging programs is the cost of equipment.

"The support of The Cowan Foundation will allow us to bring the most current state-of-the-art live and simulated equipment and leverage the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence-enabled diagnostic services. This centre will stand as a true testament to our shared vision of transforming lives and communities."