Sherman Chiropractic College Selects Viztek Onyx-Chiro PACS Viztek Wins Major Installation Customized for Clinical and Teaching Functionality

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (Spartanburg, SC), the first chiropractic college on the East Coast to implement digital x-ray imaging, has selected Viztek’s Onyx-Chiro chiropractic PACS to support full conversion to this unique digital imaging environment for its on-campus Chiropractic Health Center, as well as for student instruction and research.  The nationally known college of chiropractic chose Viztek after a lengthy search involving five competing vendors.

Sherman College sought a PACS that would deliver the specialized functionality and tools required for the unique demands of chiropractic vertebral subluxation analysis, including a wide range of precise measurement and calculation features for spinal anatomy.  Additionally, as a learning and research institution, Sherman had an array of unique needs differing from those of a traditional clinical setting and wanted affordable and reliable digital solutions for its students, interns and faculty that this technology would address. 

“Viztek worked closely with Sherman to modify its existing offering to meet the college’s exact specifications,” said Joe Cermin, founder and President of Viztek.  “The college was extremely impressed with the results.”

“The digital conversion represents a great enhancement on the college’s technological front and also in areas of course presentation, intern learning experiences and patient service and care,”  according to Laura Greene-Orndoroff, RT, DC, Sherman Radiology Department Chair.  “Sherman students will be learning the newest technology available, both in x-ray courses and in practical applications as interns in our on-campus Chiropractic Health Center.”

The Viztek Onyx-Chiro PACS has been implemented in two phases to streamline the transition to a digital imaging environment and support the college’s budget.  Completed in January 2007, phase one included conversion of one existing x-ray suite to a digital environment that includes two on-site digital archives.

“Phase one, the first 16 workstations installed, enabled college instructors and students to learn the technology and utilize it for patient analysis and care for Sherman’s in-house clinics,” explained Cermin.  “This phase involved installation of not only a PACS but also an Orex CR digital x-ray reader customized for chiropractic applications.   

Phase two involved converting a large x-ray classroom with traditional x-ray view boxes to an entirely electronic lab with 40 computer workstations equipped with Viztek software. This major installation also included installing 16 additional workstations in student and instructional areas throughout the campus.  Supporting this installation is a special teaching server that holds cases designated for use in student instruction.  The second phase was completed on April 1.

“The Sherman PACS supports a full range of customizable preferences, permissions and HIPAA-compliance features to deliver an advanced, secure digital environment,” said Cermin.  “And as implementation of phase two moves into high gear, we’re continually working with Sherman to fine-tune the technology to help train healthcare practitioners of the future and meet the school’s emerging needs.”

About Viztek 

Viztek, Inc. is a leading provider of complete digital imaging solutions, including software and hardware, backed by comprehensive training and support.  The company’s advanced OnxyRad PACS and RIS suite delivers advanced functionality and connectivity, including ultra-fast image streaming, at an affordable price.  Web-based architecture, with ultra-fast image streaming, ensures timely, efficient communications throughout the enterprise and beyond. Complementing this is a range of specialized PACS solutions, including Onxy-Chiro for the chiropractic market.

Since 1999, Viztek’s comprehensive line of solutions address the needs of radiologists, with special emphasis on the small- to medium-hospital market as well as medical specialists from orthopedists to chiropractors and podiatrists. 

About Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic

Founded in 1973, Sherman College is a private college offering the doctor of chiropractic degree and was named after Lyle Sherman, D.C., a pioneer in the development of modern chiropractic. The college is home to a growing and diverse population of approximately 330 students. To enter the 14-quarter program, students must have at least 90 semester hours of college-level courses, including courses in the sciences. The college operates a Chiropractic Health Center on its campus open to the public where students intern under the supervision of licensed doctors of chiropractic. The health center provides more than 30,000 patient visits each year.