Students may complete an observational rotation in an MRI department during their second year. Students should be aware that this rotation may be contraindicated for a variety of issues. The MRI magnetic field is always on.

Students with any type of metal device inside their body must not enter an MRI exam room unless the device is certified as MRI safe. Below is a partial list of concerns for MRI.

• Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD’s)
• Inner ear (cochlear) implants
• Orthopedic prosthetic implants
• Neuro-muscular stimulators such as those used for pain management or muscle rehabilitation
• Implanted drug infusion pumps
• Brain aneurysm clips that are not approved for MRI
• You should avoid MRI if you have metal fragments in your body. Metal fragments in the eyes can be especially dangerous because the magnet may move the metal causing eye damage or blindness.
• Have a stent or artificial heart valve, or if you have had open-heart surgery recently.

Before students are allowed in the MRI room, students must watch a safety video and complete a safety quiz.