Feb. 21, 2024
Contact: Courtney Perrett, 573-882-6217, cperrett@missouri.edu
Photos by Deidra Ashley
More than 40 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed in the United States each year. The noninvasive imaging technology helps clinicians detect and diagnose disease and monitor treatment. But nuanced maintenance requirements mean that the scanners’ electromagnets are only powered down once every 10 years or so — a rare event that few get to witness.
Thanks to the University of Missouri’s Value Partnership with Siemens Healthineers, MU student Erica Goodin got the opportunity to observe the process of powering down an MRI machine at a local hospital. During her internship, Goodin also worked with electrical components and circuit diagrams to solve issues with the 7-Tesla MRI scanner that belongs to NextGen Precision Health. These were special experiences for the biomedical engineering major who plans to work with similar machines in her future career.
Goodin is one of four University of Missouri students who interned with Siemens Healthineers last year. Through the partnership, students were tasked with finding solutions to current health care challenges, working side by side with Siemens Healthineers mentors.
“Interns worked with industry professionals to plan and coordinate governance meetings and learn business tactics and practical skills, such as the process of manufacturing medical equipment and servicing equipment installed in hospitals,” said Whitney Stuckenschneider, director of operations for Siemens Healthineers. “This Value Partnership with MU and MU Heath Care expands the medical care available to all Missourians while giving students the vital training they’ll need in their future careers.”
A star alliance
As the University of Missouri focuses on improving quality of life for all Missourians, its alliance with Siemens Healthineers — a global leader in medical technology that supplies most of the radiology equipment at MU Health Care and in the university’s Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building — will revolutionize health care in mid-Missouri and beyond.
In addition to providing much of the leading technology that propels the NextGen building, Siemens Healthineers has also embedded radiology experts on campus who focus on research and mentoring students interested in careers in health care and research.
For MU students and faculty, the partnership represents opportunities to work with the latest technology while expanding access to advanced health care services for underserved patients and those from rural areas.
Paving the way for success
Providing a breadth of varied experience, Siemens Healthineers internships help prepare students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to stand out in the job market.
This past summer, Kelsee Mortimer, a senior majoring in health sciences, interned on the Siemens Healthineers Enterprise Services team. During her internship, she helped facilitate a new health alliance with Boston Scientific, gaining valuable experience from her Siemens mentor along the way.
Mortimer said the internship taught her the importance of collaboration when trying to achieve the best clinical outcomes and patient experiences.
“I'm looking to pursue a career in medical sales or enterprise services, so it was helpful to get the opportunity and work on projects alongside my Siemens Healthineers mentor,” Mortimer said. “This opportunity taught me to be more confident in my work, communicate efficiently, collaborate with teammates and be open to feedback.”
Learn more about internships with Siemens Healthineers here.
