Published on June 15, 2026

IAC accredited facility badge celebrating 25 years of echocardiography

Bronson Healthcare Sets Highest Bar for Echocardiography

Bronson Methodist Hospital recognized by IAC for 25 years of Quality Echocardiograms

Bronson Echocardiography team — Bronson’s Echocardiography team (pictured left to right): Abigail Atkins (vascular sonographer), Meghan Hoeksema (cardiac sonographer), Sarah Murray (lead sonographer), Taylor Kiel (cardiac sonographer), Janalee Powell (lead sonographer). Jan Powell, who has been with the organization for 56 years, has led the program’s accreditation process for 25 years.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Bronson Methodist Hospital continues its commitment to improving patient care with what patients and referring physicians refer to as the “gold standard” for echocardiography by achieving its 25th year of IAC Echocardiography accreditation.

Echocardiography (ECG) is a diagnostic test that takes “moving pictures” of the heart with sound waves and evaluates heart structure and function. ECG can detect heart disease and other serious cardiovascular conditions — the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC.

IAC accreditation ensures high-quality echocardiography through rigorous standards that assess sonographer expertise, imaging equipment and ongoing quality metrics. Accredited facilities must complete an intensive review process every three years, conducted by a panel of medical experts, to maintain this distinction.

“This milestone reflects our dedication to excellence for our community and confirms Bronson’s echocardiography program is part of an elite group that meets best practices, latest advancements, and prioritizes patient-centered outcomes,” said Lisa Padgett, interim vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Research shows that IAC-accredited echocardiography facilities deliver higher-quality imaging, better adherence to clinical guidelines and more complete, clearly communicated reports, resulting in more accurate assessments of a patient’s cardiac status. Learn more about Bronson’s heart and vascular services.

About Bronson Methodist Hospital

Bronson Methodist Hospital, the flagship of Bronson Healthcare, is located at 601 John St. in downtown Kalamazoo, Mich. Now celebrating 125 years, Bronson advances its Health and Harmony brand promise by delivering coordinated, compassionate care that helps people and communities thrive. Recognized by Premier, Inc. as the No. 1 academic medical center in the nation, Bronson Methodist Hospital offers 434 licensed beds, all‑private rooms, and comprehensive specialty care, with advanced capabilities in critical care as a Level I Trauma Center; in neurological care as a Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center; in cardiac care as one of the nation’s 50 top cardiovascular hospitals; in obstetrics as the leading BirthPlace and only high‑risk pregnancy and birthing center in southwest Michigan; and in pediatrics as one of only six children's hospitals in the state. Bronson Healthcare is recognized across the state and nationally for exceptional quality care by Healthgrades, Fortune and Premier, Inc., and ranked as a top employer by Forbes, Newsweek and the National Association for Business Resources (NABR).

About IAC

The IAC is a nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits facilities providing diagnostic imaging, interventional and therapeutic procedures, helping improve the quality of patient care in private offices, clinics and hospitals. The IAC offers accreditation programs for vascular testing, echocardiography, nuclear/PET, MRI, CT/dental CT, carotid stenting, vascular interventional, cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular catheterization and image-guided procedures. These programs are dedicated to ensuring quality patient care and supporting a shared mission: improving health care through accreditation®. Through a rigorous peer review process, the IAC has accredited more than 14,000 sites since 1991. To learn more, visit the IAC website.