Tuesday August 19, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A custom pediatric MRI simulator to help children pre-experience an MRI test was unveiled and demonstrated at Victoria General Hospital this week.
The unit was designed and built by Camosun College Mechanical Engineering students as their Capstone Project.
The project was made possible by the support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (supported by community donations) which provides over 60% of the pediatric unit’s equipment needs.
“This cutting-edge, child-friendly simulator helps young patients rehearse the MRI process in a safe and engaging way – reducing anxiety and the need for sedation,” says a Camosun College spokesperson.
The simulator makes it possible for children to experience what an MRI scan experience would be like. The rehearsal for that is thought to be an opportunity for the young patients to not have to be sedated before taking the test.
Camosun College offers their huge congratulations to the talented student team: Dylan Snyder, Jeremy Turmel, Julianna Kwan, Mathias Wegner, Sam Lloyd, and lead design engineer/mentor Jeffrey Stephen.
“Your creativity, dedication, and engineering excellence is making a real difference in pediatric care. Thank you for going above and beyond and making this vision a reality,” says Camosun College.
Who was there:
A patient and their family was on hand to discuss and demonstrate the simulator.
The installation was celebrated with representatives from Camosun College, Island Health, generous donors, supportive family and friends, media and many enthusiastic well-wishers.
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