Long wait times and diagnostic imaging often go hand-in-hand, but a new medical imaging facility in Guelph hopes to change that. Frontier Diagnostics only opened on Tuesday and is already offering key services. “That includes x-ray, ultrasound, mammography and bone mineral density exams,” said clinic owner and radiologist Dr. Zafir Syed, who added that some of the machines are still getting up and running. The exams performed at the facility require a physician’s requisition and are typically covered by OHIP. “The radiologist group is about five of us. We’re very blessed to have six to eight ultrasound techs so far and we’re always growing,” said Syed. Having that many people available to perform necessary exams is a pleasant surprise these days considering recent data from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. “Surveys from all disciplines reveal workforce shortages in the eight per cent to 15 per cent range nationally,” the November 2025 report indicates. It sometimes leads to long wait times across the country due to a lack of technicians. “I can speak to ultrasounds specifically. In Guelph, at least, and in the surrounding area, the wait time can be months,” said Syed. Frontier Diagnostics is looking to change that by easing some pressure on other area clinics and hospitals. “Because these services are so human and technology resource intensive, it’s been a challenge for everyone across the country kind of meeting those needs,” said Syed. Phones have already been ringing off the hook from patients looking to get a mammogram done. “Breast imaging is very needed right now since they’ve also lowered the age in Ontario to 40 so that increases the need for this,” said Emma Zuccala, medical radiation technologist at the facility. Services at the clinic are by appointment only, except for x-rays, which are being done on a walk-in basis for now.
