The first time I came across United Imaging was during a visit to Vienna in 2011, but it wasn’t the same company I’m currently working with. I discovered this fact at a radiologists’ conference in 2019, when I came across the same name again. Curious, I decided to find out more about what they had to offer. Their technologies and innovative approaches impressed me. That was the beginning of our journey together and our collaboration. As Carl Sagan once said, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”.
It was during this conference that I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from United Imaging. Through in-depth discussions and presentations, I realised the potential of their cutting-edge solutions to transform radiology practices. We began to explore ways of working together and soon a formal partnership was established.
Three months after attending the radiologists’ conference, I received an offer of collaboration from United Imaging, which I gladly accepted. In April 2020, I became the first owner of a United Imaging mammography unit in Europe and the third owner of its X-ray unit in Europe, making me the first research user in the EU of the magnification mammography developed by United Imaging. I am also a research user of the X-ray technology, continually exploring its applications and efficacy in clinical diagnostics. My partnership with United Imaging marked the beginning of a significant advancement in my practice, allowing me to use cutting-edge technology to improve patient care. This collaboration has opened new doors to improve the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of various imaging techniques, which has been particularly beneficial to my clinic.
One notable technique I use in my Stermed clinic is stitching, which combines multiple X-rays of the spine or leg into a single high-resolution image. Stitching is used to diagnose conditions such as scoliosis or lower limb deformities. The ability to stitch images together may sound simple, but my clinic is one of the few facilities in northern Poland that can perform such examinations. After some time, I suggested that we needed a stitching programme for teenagers. United Imaging added an additional programme to deal with special conditions, especially when examining children with narrow legs and low BMI.
In addition to stitching, my expertise extends to mammography, a field I have been involved in for about 20 years. It's often difficult to diagnose changes in the breast. Mammography is essential for the early detection of breast cancer and other breast diseases. However, routine screening for breast cancer requires special attention if the patient has breast implants. Breast implants can sometimes obscure mammogram images, potentially delaying the diagnosis of cancer. However, thanks to United Imaging’s advanced technology, it is now easy to perform mammograms on women with breast implants. Every scan is successful, and no corrections are required. In addition, following my feedback, United Imaging has improved the clarity of the images, making them sharper and more detailed.
Thanks to United Imaging, I have also added magnification mammography to my diagnostic toolkit. This advanced technique is used after an initial mammogram to closely examine specific areas, particularly those with unclear abnormalities. Magnification mammography enlarges images by a factor of 1.5 to 1.8, improving resolution and reducing noise by moving the breast closer to the X-ray source and further away from the detector. It is critical for detecting lesions and microcalcifications, which can indicate conditions such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). With United Imaging’s advanced technology, magnification mammography allows better visualisation of microcalcifications and indeterminate lesions during routine screening.
Replacing old equipment with new technology is a time-consuming process. Throughout this time, United Imaging provided unwavering support and invaluable assistance. I did not want to interrupt examinations, so United Imaging generously provided me with a mobile X-ray unit, which I used for three months. This ensured that I did not lose any clients during the transition period. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture on the part of the company. Initially, the machine did not support Polish characters, which severely hampered my work. However, within a month, United Imaging encoded Polish characters into the machine, which greatly improved its usability. My Stermed clinic is now one of the few in Poland to use equipment that supports Polish characters, improving my ability to provide accurate and clear diagnoses to patients.
In 2023, I conducted mammography and general radiology (X-ray) training for United Imaging in several locations: Dabas, Hungary (near Budapest); Bucharest, Romania and Gnjilane, Kosovo (near the capital Pristina).
I also gave a presentation at the ECR 2024 conference in Vienna, sharing the insights I have gained from years of dedicated practice and working with United Imaging. It was a remarkable opportunity to discuss the advances and challenges in radiology and the significant impact of innovative technology on medical practice.
In 2023, I fulfilled my dream of purchasing United Imaging’s state-of-the-art uMR 670 MRI system for my clinic. This 1.5 T wide bore machine offers exceptional image clarity, especially with the uAIFI DeepRecon deep learning algorithm, which provides ‘3.0 T-like’ image quality. The uAIFI EasySense technology revolutionises abdominal scanning with non-contact monitoring of respiratory motion, improving both accuracy and patient comfort. Although installation and staff training posed some challenges, United Imaging provided excellent support throughout, ensuring that we were able to take full advantage of the machine's capabilities. Their commitment to innovation matches my clinic’s vision, and working with the uMR 670 has raised our standard of care. United Imaging has become an integral part of my professional journey, and together we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of medical imaging. We have created a community where we share knowledge and passion for change. It is a wonderful time to be alive as we witness unprecedented innovations that are transforming healthcare and improving patient outcomes. I’m excited about what the future holds as we continue to work together.
Dr Marcin Sternicki owner of Stermed clinic, Poland