Parkview Hospital

In the beginning

Parkview Hospital and FWRadiology share a long and rich history. In fact, the genesis of FWRadiology rose, in part, from the relationship Dr. Jack Loudermilk shared with the hospital as the chief of the radiology department in 1950. And when Loudermilk joined with Dr. Richard Datzman late in that year to form FWRadiology, Parkview was there.

In the first moments of their new venture, Loudermilk and Datzman adopted a few key ideologies that still guide the direction of FWRadiology after more than 50 years.

FWRadiology is a trusted partner in medical imaging services, driven by a belief that their expertise is but an extension of the referring physician’s relationship with the patient. Choosing FWRadiology means opting for a one-on-one relationship. The staff works in concert with the patient to provide exceptional and personal care. These principals laid the foundation for the relationship with Parkview and every client since.

As a result of their dedication FWRadiology became not only a vital component of Parkview’s health care team, but also the driving force in keeping the hospital ahead of radiology’s rapidly changing technology, procedure and science.

"I have always felt that we have a very strong relationship," said Gary Stubey, director of diagnostic imaging for Parkview. "FWRadiology has brought numerous innovations to Parkview, and they continue to help direct us toward cutting edge technologies and procedures."

Parkview can truly say, "I knew them when…"

Defining and redefining the relationship

Trusted health care institutions of northern Indiana, Parkview and FWRadiology grew together organically over the intervening decades. They have faced the changing tides of the industry by continuing to rely on their philosophy of partnership – even when the conversations may be uncomfortable.

With the current trend and technology allowing other medical specialists to do some of the work that was traditionally done by a radiologist, Parkview and FWRadiology reassessed their relationship. Through a series of serious conversations and their mutual respect for a shared dedication to quality care and professionalism, they redefined their relationship to allow for the greatest commitment to patient care.

"Our relationship continues to get stronger as we find new and innovate ways to work together as the landscape of the healthcare industry changes," said Sue Ehinger, Parkview’s Chief Operating Officer.

Shared responsibility

FWRadiology is the radiology department for four Parkview locations. The radiologists and resources of FWRadiology are at the hospital’s disposal 24 hours a day and seven days of the week. This means everything from diagnostic reading to interventional radiology services.

FWRadiology’s staff operates in-house at each of four Parkview Hospitals. Being hospital based means that there is always someone from FWRadiology in the imaging departments. The staff shares in the administrative responsibilities of operating, and they serve on various committees within the hospitals.

"In a very literal way, they are a part of the hospital," said Ehinger. "We share a common history and business culture."

In addition to their philosophy of partnership, FWRadiology and Parkview became literal business partners in the creation of Open View MRI, the Breast Diagnostic Center, and PET Fusion Imaging. These additional imagining services evolved to support the growing imaging needs within the metropolitan area.