Two Northwest health care organizations, TRA Medical Imaging and Franciscan Health System have teamed up to launch a state-of-the-art outpatient medical imaging center in Federal Way.

Called Medical Imaging on 1st, the new center at 33915 1st Way South in Federal Way opened yesterday. The center offers high-field Open MRI and 64-slice CT, providing patients with significant improvements in care and comfort, coupled with advanced imaging technology.

"On behalf of everyone in the TRA family, we are proud to team up with Franciscan Health System, a leader in health care in the region," said Daniel N. D. Heller, medical director and radiologist for TRA Medical Imaging. "This partnership will allow us to provide south King County residents with access to leading technology in medical scans. The improved precision and speed of the CT and more comfortable design of the MRI will make a significant difference in the lives of our patients."

Heller, a board certified radiologist who is fellowship trained in ultrasound, CT and MRI, will serve as medical director for Medical Imaging on 1st. Kathy Ehrsam will serve as clinic manager and Don Ward will work with the referring medical community. The clinic is supposed to offer a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and convenient and flexible hours.