Shields Health and GE HealthCare expand access to advanced MRI technology in New England

• Implementation of AI and deep learning enabled MRI equipment placed at center of Shields Health’s continued innovation efforts to deliver faster scans, high-quality images, and enhanced patient experience
• Shields Health became the first global clinical use case of Sonic™ DL for 3D, used for volumetric imaging in applications for brain, spine, orthopedic, and body exams in December 2025
  

CHICAGO — August 6, 2026 — Shields Health and GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announce an initiative that will bring expanded access to advanced MRI technology across Shields Health’s New England footprint. As part of the effort, ten advanced MRI systems with on-device AI applications will be implemented across Shields Health’s clinical fleet. Additionally, Shields Health will upgrade several existing MRI systems in their fleet with software solutions including AI and deep learning functionality.

This initiative will see the majority of Shields Health’s MRI fleet equipped with AI technology including deep learning applications, AIR™ Recon DL and Sonic™ DL for 3D, which can help enable faster scan times while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for patients. The initiative includes Continuum+ software upgrade coverage, facilitating Shields Health’s continued adoption of evolving technology.

“This initiative is ultimately about delivering a better experience for our patients,” said Tom Shields, Chief Executive Officer of Shields Health. “Our collaboration with GE HealthCare enables us to be among the first in the world to adopt these groundbreaking technologies. We’re proud to deliver this level of care to our communities.”

In December 2025, Shields Health became the first provider in the world to utilize Sonic™ DL for 3D clinically at its Framingham, MA center. The advanced, deep-learning MRI acceleration technique can help to enable up to 86% faster scans and enhanced resolution. In 2020, Shields Health also was the first global adopter of AIR™ Recon DL technology, which is an AI-based image reconstruction algorithm that can help to improve the quality and speed of MRI scans while optimizing image reconstruction¹. In tandem, both applications can help to promote high-quality diagnostic images while improving patient comfort and workflow efficiency for clinicians.
“This is among the most exciting advancements we’ve seen in MRI technology in decades,” said Peter Ferrari, Shields Health President. “By working with GE HealthCare to implement AI imaging solutions, we’re helping reduce the time patients spend in the MRI scanner while enhancing image quality and supporting diagnostic confidence. These advancements allow us to continue delivering high-quality, cost-effective imaging solutions for patients, providers, and health plans,” added Ferrari.

“Shields is known for providing exceptional diagnostic imaging across New England, while expanding patient access to advanced technologies and innovative care delivery,” said Aaron Hudy, President, U.S. and Canada, GE HealthCare. “Their consistent early adoption of deep learning technologies like AIR™ Recon DL and Sonic™ DL for 3D demonstrate a leadership to addressing critical healthcare challenges such as lowering costs, improving quality of care, and expanding accessibility.” 

¹ https://www.gehealthcare.com/-/media/gehc/us/images/products/magnetic-resonance-imaging/air-technology/recondl/features-list/case-study-air-recon-dl--jb19184xx.pdf?rev=-1