Radiology Matters

In this episode, Applied Radiology Group Publisher Kieran Anderson reviews the results of the 2025 Applied Radiology MRI Safety Survey with William Faulkner, BSRT (R) (MR) (CT), FSMRT, MRSO (MRSC™) MRI safety educator and consultant. Drawing on responses from more than 300 imaging professionals—including technologists, radiologists, administrators, physicists, and safety officers—the discussion explores how MRI safety practices are evolving across academic centers, independent imaging facilities, and integrated health systems.Faulkner analyzes key survey results related to the important responsibility of patient safety decisions, the role of MRI medical directors and the MRSO, access control of MRI zones, and the level of required safety training among radiologists and technologists. The data suggests ongoing challenges, including inconsistent adherence to MRI safety protocols, limited role-specific training, and MRI technologists continuing to shoulder disproportionate responsibility for safety oversight. Faulkner notes the concept of 'normalization of deviation' that plays into many safety incidents.  He states, "your have estalished standards and then you start to deviate from those standards and nothing bad happens, until it does." The conversation also addresses emerging issues shaping the future of MRI safety, including remote MRI scanning workflows, associated safety, the need for advanced credentialing, and the importance of structured MRI safety management programs tailored to individual facilities. Faulkner emphasizes that effective MRI safety requires a coordinated, system-wide approach—combining leadership, credentialing, training, and clearly defined policies—to minimize risk and ensure consistent adherence to best practices.