Village Podiatry Centers is the largest and most experienced foot and ankle doctor surgical practice in Georgia and the Southeast. Our podiatric surgeons are recognized as among the most knowledgeable in the profession for patient foot and ankle care. In 1992, Dr. David Helfman began his solo practice in Smyrna, Georgia as the Village Podiatry Group. The practice has grown to encompass now over 30 locations with over 300 local support staff.

The guiding philosophy of Village Podiatry is to treat patients with the highest level of care in a compassionate and respectful manner. Each of our doctors has ten or more years of training and is board certified or board eligible. In the podiatric profession, our staff are recognized for their leadership as surgical innovators and national lecturers.

During 2018 Village Podiatry added an on-site Dedicated MRI to its patient services with the purchase of the Esaote Dedicated Extremity O-Scan MRI system. To stay up to date with latest technology the O-Scan MRI system was upgraded to the latest auto intelligence software – ‘AgilExam’ – in 2019.

After several months experience of using Dedicated MRI & AgilExam, here Village Podiatry share their feedback of the impact had by using during scanning and on their patient services.

Patient Convenience

“Having MRI available in-house is very convenient for pa-tients,” observed Dr. Helfman who specializes in Foot & Ankle surgery at Village Podiatry. “Our patients enjoy a non-claustrophobic MRI experience.”

“The noise level is so minimal, that at times, patients aren’t aware the scan is taking place. Our patients truly enjoy the unique quiet and relaxed scan environment!”

Performance

Dr. Helfman also commented that when the O-scan Tech-nologist at the Chattanooga, TN. location announced that she was relocating, they were concerned about how long it would take for before they could get someone else up trained to operate the O-Scan system.

“After only two days of training, we can proudly say, that the image quality is still excellent, and that the new Technologist is operating the MRI without any problems. The O-scan AgilExam system is not just patient friendly but is also operator friendly!”

What are some of the added benefits of the AgilExam software?

“With the new AgilExam auto-scan software we are seeing consistency in the image quality and improved examina-tion workflow. With the software we can schedule patients every 30 minutes! Our images compare to those of the high-field closed bore MRI systems. The Physicians at Vil-lage Podiatry recognize the advantage we receive with the accuracy and convenience of the O-scan AgilExam MRI.”

“It (AgilExam) reduces patient set up time, scan acquisition time and helps eliminate repeat scanning. All this brings a more satisfactory patient exam all-round.”