Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center, Hawaii

Breaking Ground: First of its Kind in Hawaii

In early 2022, Veterinary Emergency + Referral Centre (VERC) became home to Hawaii’s first Hallmarq 1.5T small animal MRI. It was a milestone for veterinary imaging in the islands! However, before that, many pets with possible brain, spinal cord, or soft tissue injuries were limited to CT scans. And, although fast, CT is not always able to catch the subtle but critical lesions that MRI can detect. The absence of high‑field MRI was proving to be a barrier to diagnosis and effective treatment.

As Hawaii’s first board-certified veterinary neurologist, Baye Williamson, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), needed more than just a diagnostic imaging machine. In her search for a supplier, she wanted a specialized, high-quality imaging solution that was cost effective, flexible and user-friendly. In opting for the Hallmarq 1.5T MRI, the practice now has a system uniquely designed to address the complexities of offering an advanced imaging service. And – with a commitment to image quality – it enhances the ability to diagnose and treat neurological conditions in animals, confidently and efficiently.

What Makes the Difference at VERC?

The Hallmarq 1.5T MRI: Designed for Small Animals

Hallmarq’s small animal 1.5T MRI system is unique in that it is purpose‑built for pets and their anatomy. It is not a repurposed human MRI machine which is often the case. Instead, it delivers superb, detailed images that are needed for a definitive diagnosis in veterinary practice. Features like the V‑shaped patient bed, veterinary‑specific coils, and advanced channels deliver superior imaging of the brain, spinal cord, and delicate structures in animals of all sizes.

Remote Operations Service: The Gamechanger

Additionally, VERC was also keen for their MRI service to be available when needed. As such, they were the first Hallmarq site to adopt their Remote Operations Service. Through Q-Care – Hallmarq’s unique customer support program – licensed MRI technologists are available to operate the MRI machine remotely. Working in real time with VERC’s own onsite neurology team, having Remote Operations available means:

• VERC’s technicians can focus on anesthesia, monitoring and patient care
• Imaging protocols can be adjusted mid-scan for best results
• Remote Support reduces system downtime, maintaining availability even in Hawaii’s unique geographical setting

As Dr. Williamson says,

Hallmarq’s Remote Operations Service is invaluable to our MRI operations in Hawaii. ROS removes the headache of always having our own trained technicians available to scan. Their MRI Technologists understand how to maximize image quality and minimize scan times which is a huge benefit to our busy practice. Knowing that they’re on hand whenever we need them is a huge benefit of having ROS in place.”

Dr. Baye Williamson DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center (VERC), Hawaii

Courtney Biagi ARRT (MR), is a customer success and support trainer with Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging. She specializes in delivering Remote Operations to customer sites such as Hawaii. As a licensed MRI Technologist, with veterinary-specific experience, her unique skillset means she can perform the best scans for practice and patient, without the need for an MRI technologist physically on site.  Delivering support in real time, Courtney has primary knowledge of Hallmarq’s technology stating:

With Remote Operations, practices can gain access to high quality imaging, patients benefit from accurate scans and allows me to be right there with the team, even from a distance. It’s a simple way to make advanced imaging more accessible and reliable for every clinic.”

Courtney Biagi, ARRT (MR)

Local Expertise and Advanced Diagnostics

Both Hallmarq’s MRI and Remote Operations provide the tools needed by Dr Williamson to support her specialist knowledge. At VERC, advanced imaging is paired with expert interpretation. As a result, neurological conditions once difficult to detect are now diagnosed earlier, treated more effectively, and managed with greater confidence. In the case of beloved cat Oliver, MRI made all the difference to his diagnosis:

Since his diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Oliver has improved significantly and can now walk around his home unassisted. This is what owner Trisha had to say:

I’ve had Oliver for 14 years and he is one of the most cherished beings in my life. After his MRI, Dr. Williamson confirmed that he had a stroke (FCE) and advised me on the prognosis of recovery. I was devastated, scared, and heartbroken.”

But the team at VERC changed all that as Trisha (and Oliver) were about to discover:

Dr. Williamson and her fabulous Neurology team rallied around us and gave us hope that there is a path forward, even if he may not make a full recovery. I was educated on how to care for him during that critical recovery period, provided rehabilitation options and most importantly hope. We immediately started rehab and after just 2 weeks and 2 days, Oliver took his first steps on his own. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Williamson and her team for the amazing care and support they continue to provide us”

Oliver’s owner Trisha, after his successful diagnosis and treatment at VERC

The Outcomes: Beyond Expectations

Oliver is just one of many patients seen by Dr. Williamson and the team at VERC. For their client base, the benefits of now having accessible advanced imaging in Hawaii are ten-fold:

• Earlier, More Accurate Diagnoses: for neurological disease in cats and dogs
• Expanded Access: pets in Hawaii can access world‑class imaging close to home
• Efficiency and Resilience: Hallmarq’s Remote Operations Service is an extension of VERC’s own brilliant team thus maximizing MRI uptime
• Greater Owner Confidence: thanks to specialist care backed by advanced technology, pet owners can be reassured of a definitive diagnosis

What VERC Means for the Community

For veterinarians across the islands, VERC offers a trusted referral partner with tools and expertise rarely available outside major mainland centers. For pet owners, it represents hope: timely answers, effective treatment, and the reassurance that geography is no longer a barrier to care.

With Dr. Williamson leading the way, supported by Hallmarq MRI and their Remote Operations Service, VERC is setting a new standard for veterinary neurology in Hawaii, one success story at a time.