A ceremonial groundbreaking took place for the Dickinson & Gooding Center for Early Detection at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. The event marked the first phase of a 40,000 square foot renovation of the home for Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine at the Shiley Pavilion. The groundbreaking ceremony was an opportunity to thank donors as well as celebrate the start of construction for the Early Detection Center.

The Early Detection Center is the first phase of the 40,000-square-foot renovation scheduled to open in Spring of 2004.

Dickinson & Gooding Center for Early Detection will be one of the first in the country to house the latest technology — a General Electric Discovery LS 16-slice combination PET/CT scanner. The PET/CT can scan the body in a matter of minutes, providing a snapshot of every organ within so images can be viewed both structurally and anatomically. In addition, the new technology allows physicians to see the metabolic function of tissues.

This technology will make it possible for clinicians to identify ways to intervene, prevent or treat disease early and effectively. Combined with other diagnostic and risk assessment tests, physicians will recommend life enhancement prescriptions, which may include healthy lifestyle changes or medical solutions.

From left, Erminia Guarneri, medical director, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine passes the ‘Healing Shovel’ to Terry Gooding, board of advisors for the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and his wife, Barbara Gooding. The ceremonial passing was part of the groundbreaking event for the Dickinson & Gooding Center for Early Detection at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. The Early Detection Center, slated to open in Spring 2004, will combine the best of ‘high tech’ and ‘high touch,’ addressing the health of the whole person mind, body and soul.