Published on Aug. 7, 2026
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital celebrated the addition of a new 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by MemorialCare leadership, physicians, care teams, community members and donors Hing and Doris Hung, whose generous support helped bring the advanced imaging technology to the Long Beach hospital campus.
Located at the MemorialCare Imaging Center, the new 3T MRI makes Long Beach Medical Center the only hospital in the greater Long Beach area to offer the latest MRI technology. The system provides exceptionally detailed imaging that can help physicians evaluate complex conditions with greater precision while also improving the patient experience through faster scan times, reduced noise and a more spacious design.
"For those who may not work with imaging every day, the benefit of a 3T MRI comes down to two things: stronger image detail and greater precision," said Nirav Patel, M.D., neurologist, MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. "Because the 3T MRI uses a stronger magnetic field than a standard MRI, it can produce images with greater clarity and detail. That means our specialists can better evaluate subtle findings, whether we are looking for early signs of cancer, assessing the brain and nervous system, or viewing blood vessels and other complex anatomy."
In addition to bringing the latest MRI technology to Long Beach, MemorialCare Imaging Center has expanded MRI appointment availability until 11 p.m., creating more opportunities for patients to receive the scans they need at a time that better fits their lives. By offering appointments beyond traditional business hours, the Imaging Center is increasing access to advanced imaging for working adults, caregivers and families who need greater flexibility in scheduling, and are seeking care close to home.
"Today is really a celebration of partnership," said Gary Purushotham, chief executive officer, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. "It demonstrates what can happen when physicians, donors and healthcare teams come together with a shared vision to ensure our community has access to the very best care possible, close to home. When patients are waiting for answers, time matters, and this investment helps our teams deliver care that is advanced, timely and responsive to the needs of our community."
Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the Imaging Center and saw firsthand how the new 3T MRI will strengthen care across specialties from neurology, stroke care, orthopedics, sports medicine, oncology, breast imaging, advanced cardiac imaging, vascular disease and select pediatric imaging, by supporting faster, more precise diagnoses.
The Hung family's gift continues a longstanding legacy of philanthropy supporting Long Beach Medical Center. Their previous support helped advance Long Beach Medical Center’s hybrid cardiovascular operating suite, and their latest investment expands access to advanced diagnostic technology that will benefit patients across the campus for years to come.
"As a nonprofit health system, we rely on the generosity of community champions like Hing and Doris Hung, whose commitment to giving back continues to make a lasting impact on patient care," said Rob Gunsalus, president, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Foundation. "On behalf of our care teams and hospital community, thank you, Hing and Doris, for your generosity and continued commitment to advancing care for the patients and families we serve."