Celebrating 107 Years: The Story of TRA Medical Imaging and DINW

This year marks the 107th anniversary of TRA Medical Imaging—an achievement rooted in community, innovation, and collaboration. Our history begins over a century ago, as independent radiology providers in the Pacific Northwest, evolving through growth, partnership, and eventually unification.

From Independent Practices to Two Regional Groups

Tacoma’s earliest x‑ray—used in 1897 to locate a bullet in a policeman’s neck—was far from perfect, yet it paved the way for medical imaging in the region.

Fast forward to 1918: Dr. Raymond MacRae arrived in Tacoma after World War I and was soon joined by Drs. Elba McCarty and Charles Fischel. Together they provided radiology services at multiple hospitals. Over time, two main groups emerged:

• Drs. MacRae, John Flynn, and Frank Rigos formed what became Tacoma Radiology Associates, later known as TRA Medical Imaging.
• Drs. Ken Gross and Steven Sanderson formed what later evolved into Medical Imaging Northwest (MINW).

Each group expanded its reach across Pierce County and beyond—including reading services in Aberdeen, Washington, and even Ketchikan, Alaska.

Merging Strength for Better Community Care

On January 1, 2017, TRA Medical Imaging and Medical Imaging Northwest (MINW)—two of the most respected radiology groups in the region—came together as a single, unified practice. This merger combined decades of experience, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to clinical excellence. By joining forces, the groups expanded their subspecialty expertise, improved coordination across sites, and strengthened their ability to serve patients throughout the South Puget Sound. In 2018, the unified organization adopted the name TRA Medical Imaging, honoring the legacy of both groups while moving forward as one of the largest physician-owned radiology practices in the Pacific Northwest.

107 Years of Achievements

Over more than a century, TRA and its predecessor groups have introduced cutting‑edge imaging technologies to the region:

• 1973 – First ultrasound service in Tacoma, led by Dr. Emory Bourdeau, initially focusing on renal and basic obstetric studies.
• Late 1970s – First head CT imaging in the region, using water‑filled diaphragms.
• 1986 – First MRI scanner in Pierce County (Tacoma Magnetic Imaging).
• 1997 – Introduction of Open MRI (Union Avenue Open MRI).
• 2001 – First PET scanner in Tacoma, transforming cancer care delivery.
• 2006 – Launch of neuro‑interventional procedures, including treatments for stroke, aneurysm, and other neurovascular diseases.
• Breast MRI, needle biopsies, angioplasty, and advanced breast imaging became part of the service mix over the next decades.

In partnership with MultiCare and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, TRA helped introduce 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) at the Carol Milgard Breast Center—the first of its kind in Pierce County. By early 2018, every TRA and DINW facility offered 3D mammography as a new standard in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

DINW Serving East Pierce County Today

Today, Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW) is the alliance of TRA Medical Imaging and MultiCare Health System, with three dedicated outpatient imaging centers in East Pierce County: Bonney Lake, Sunrise, and Puyallup imaging centers. Supported by fellowship-trained radiologists in subspecialty areas—breast, neuro, pediatric, musculoskeletal—DINW offers MRI, CT, ultrasound, 3D mammography, DEXA, and X‑ray.

Through this network, we bring the expertise and advanced tech of a large system into the heart of local communities—whether for routine screening, walk‑in X‑rays, or complex evaluations. Financial assistance, flexible payment plans, and lower fees ensure access to quality imaging is never out of reach.

Looking Ahead

From early experiments in x‑ray to today’s high-resolution imaging and interventional care, TRA and DINW have always grown with the community’s needs. As we celebrate 107 years of service in the Pacific Northwest, we’re grateful to the founding radiologists who started as independent providers, to every partner who expanded access and capability, and to the patients and providers who have trusted us all this time.

Our commitment remains clear: deliver compassionate, expert care—close to home, powered by the latest medical imaging technologies.

Thank you for being part of the TRA and DINW story. Here’s to the next 100 years of innovation, service, and care.

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