Our Journey to the Region’s First MRI

Rahim is originally from London, England with Kenyan roots and moved to Canada halfway through primary school. Vancouver was home until he completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Simon Fraser University. His field of study was climatology and glaciology. After university, he embraced amazing opportunities to work in the Yukon with the Geological Survey of Canada, and across the prairies with the Canadian Forest Service.

In 2000, Rahim switched careers to diagnostic imaging. He completed a diploma in Nuclear Medicine in Calgary and worked in Edmonton for 10 years as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. This is where he also received training in Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). For over 20 years, he was a point-of-care provider at facilities including Vancouver General Hospital, BC Children's Hospital, Cross Cancer Institute, and the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Dr. Gupta completed his medical degree and diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Toronto, as well as a fellowship in Magnetic Resonance Predominant Body Imaging and Musculoskeletal Imaging at Northwestern University. He has worked as a radiologist at Scarborough Health Network (SHN), Lakeridge Health (LH), and Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare since 2014. He has been the MRI Section Head at SHN and LH since 2019. He is trained as a software engineer and has a special interest in health-related information technology and systems design.

Dr. Blaichman joined MAHC in 2019 and has been serving as Chief and Director of Diagnostic Imaging since 2022. Dr. Blaichman earned his Medical Degree from McGill University and completed his Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the University of Toronto. He subsequently undertook a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Blaichman’s subspecialty interests include musculoskeletal MRI and ultrasound and image-guided pain management, including spine intervention. He holds an academic appointment as an Adjunct Lecturer with the University of Toronto.

With a degree in Medical Imaging Technology and more than 20 years of medical imaging experience including specialized training in MRI, Muhammad began his professional career as an MRI Technologist at The Aga Khan University Hospital, a leading institution recognized for its advanced imaging equipment and international accreditation. During his decade there, he gained valuable experience in a wide range of MRI procedures, developed strong technical skills, and enhanced his patient care abilities while maintaining high standards of imaging quality and safety.

In 2013, Muhammad relocated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he continued his career as an MRI Technologist at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, facilitating both routine and complex MRI procedures on multiple state-of-the-art MRI systems in a dynamic hospital environment. He trained junior staff, helped optimize protocols and safety practices in a high-volume environment, ensured compliance with MRI safety guidelines, and participated in department quality improvement initiatives. This experience further strengthened his clinical expertise and adaptability in an international healthcare setting.

Originally from Pakistan, he immigrated to Canada in 2023 to build a better future for his family and new professional and personal opportunities. He initially settled in British Columbia where he was inspired by the country’s natural beauty, multicultural environment, and supportive community. Muhammad and his wife and three children recently moved to Muskoka and have settled in well. The family is delighted with the region’s family-friendly environment and is excited about their future here in Muskoka.

Manon has been a Medical Radiation Technologist in Northern Ontario for 15 years with 11 years’ experience working in MRI. Manon acquired her MRI experience from the Sault and Area Hospital and the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Manon is excited to join Muskoka’s MRI team and be part of a brand-new MRI department. In her spare time, Manon enjoys spending time with family and doing outdoor activities.

Carla first joined the MAHC team in 2022 and returned in July 2024, working as a Diagnostic Imaging Clerk. She holds a degree in Biomedical Sciences from Trent University. Having scored 97% on her Medical College Admission Test, Carla has set her sights on starting medical school in September 2026 with a goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon. Carla speaks five languages and is a certified elementary grade level tutor in math, biology, and French. As part of the Central Patient Registration & Scheduling team, she is excited by her upcoming assignment as a patient registration and scheduling clerk in the new MRI Suite.

Michelle joined the MAHC team in November 2024 as a Diagnostic Imaging Clerk. Prior to her current role, she served as the Coordinator of a community-based mental health program for over 20 years where she built a strong foundation in patient support, advocacy and care. She holds an Office Administration Diploma and a Medical Terminology Certificate.

Michelle is known not only for her wealth of knowledge and experience, but also for her deep empathy and kindness – qualities that shine in every patient interaction. As a cancer survivor and someone who has personally navigated the healthcare system, she brings an authentic, compassionate perspective that helps reassure patients they are in capable and caring hands.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family, and is on a mission to discover which flowers will thrive in her garden!