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About us

Driven by innovation.
Defined by family.


Founded on family values, partnership, and a true commitment to patients, Shields leads the way with cutting-edge MRI, PET/CT, and surgical services. Inspired by our founders, we proudly treat every patient as we would our own mom.

Group of five people in vintage attire engaged in conversation outdoors, holding papers and looking at each other.
Black and white photo of a large, two-story house with a sloped roof and surrounding trees.
A cheerful couple poses in front of a pink and white tent at an outdoor event with other people in the background.
Family posing for a photo outdoors, with children playing and adults standing and smiling.
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In 1972, Mary Jane Murphy signed the deed to the Madalawn Nursing Home, marking the start of a family legacy built on compassion and care. Mary, her mother, and her brothers opened the Madalawn Nursing Home, where “treat every patient like family” became the guiding principle. Partners in life and vision, Tom and Mary Shields built Shields Health on innovation, integrity, and putting patients first. Mary and Tom often said Shields Health was like their eighth child — built with care, commitment, and love. Tom believed in hiring the best — and these early leaders helped shape Shields into the trusted healthcare partner it is today. From one nursing home to more than 50 locations across three states, Shields now offers MRI, PET/CT, and surgical services with over 1,300 employees and 20 joint-venture partners — and we’re still growing.
A patient lying on a hospital bed gives a thumbs up while about to enter an MRI machine, with two nurses in blue scrubs standing on each side supportively.
Healthcare professional in blue scrubs smiling beside an MRI machine in a modern medical facility.
A group of smiling people posing for a photo in a stadium with empty seats in the background.

OUR HISTORY

Inspired by the Past, Shaping the Future

Founded in 1972 by Tom and Mary Shields, our family-owned company began with a single nursing home and a promise: treat every patient the way you would want your mother to be treated. That guiding principle has driven more than five decades of progress, from opening Massachusetts’ first freestanding MRI center to bringing the world’s first AI-enabled MRI into routine care. Along the way, we’ve achieved countless “firsts” in imaging, PET/CT, and surgical services—always putting patients at the heart of every advancement. Today, with more than 50 locations across New England, Shields honors its founders’ vision by pairing compassionate, patient-first care with state-of-the-art technology to make world-class healthcare more accessible to all.

Group of five people in vintage attire engaged in conversation outdoors, holding papers and looking at each other.
Black and white photo of a large, two-story house with a sloped roof and surrounding trees.
A cheerful couple poses in front of a pink and white tent at an outdoor event with other people in the background.
Family posing for a photo outdoors, with children playing and adults standing and smiling.
Three people in formal attire smiling at an event with dark background.
Large group of people gathered on a soccer field, celebrating with a banner overhead that reads "Congratulations!"
In 1972, Mary Jane Murphy signed the deed to the Madalawn Nursing Home, marking the start of a family legacy built on compassion and care. Mary, her mother, and her brothers opened the Madalawn Nursing Home, where “treat every patient like family” became the guiding principle. Partners in life and vision, Tom and Mary Shields built Shields Health on innovation, integrity, and putting patients first. Mary and Tom often said Shields Health was like their eighth child — built with care, commitment, and love. Tom believed in hiring the best — and these early leaders helped shape Shields into the trusted healthcare partner it is today. From one nursing home to more than 50 locations across three states, Shields now offers MRI, PET/CT, and surgical services with over 1,300 employees and 20 joint-venture partners — and we’re still growing.

Our Mission & Values

Building Trust Through Care, Innovation, and Lasting Connections

At Shields Health, our mission is to provide patient-centered care rooted in trust, compassion, and innovation. As a family-run organization, we deliver exceptional experiences tailored to the needs of our patients, partners, and the medical community. Every interaction is guided by our promise to treat each person the way we would want our own family treated. We combine advanced technology with personal connection to make high-quality care more accessible, more comfortable, and more affordable. Our team’s dedication ensures every patient receives not only leading-edge diagnostics and surgical services, but also the kindness and respect that define our culture. Together, we are redefining healthcare with purpose, passion, and pride.


Our Values

  • Character – We act with integrity and accountability, building trust in every interaction.
  • Excellence – We set and surpass the highest standards in technology, care, and outcomes.
  • Innovation – We advance care to enhance comfort, affordability, and access.
  • Kindness – We deliver care with empathy and compassion.
  • Growth – We invest in our people and expand to meet evolving needs.
A patient lying on a hospital bed gives a thumbs up while about to enter an MRI machine, with two nurses in blue scrubs standing on each side supportively.

Locations and Technology

Innovation meets access — leading technology, right where you need it.

At Shields, innovation and access go hand in hand. Across every service line, we are committed to investing in the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care and greater comfort for patients. Our focus on innovation has adopted advancements like AI for imaging, where it has transformed the patient experience by improving image clarity, shortening scan times, and reducing stress. Shields proudly operates the largest network of AI-enabled MRI machines in New England — and growing. With more than 50 locations, patients can trust that world-class technology and compassionate care are always close to home.

Healthcare professional in blue scrubs smiling beside an MRI machine in a modern medical facility.

Our Team

Guiding our mission, inspiring innovation, and partnering with world-class clinical teams.

Shields is guided by an executive team that sets the vision for growth and innovation, and by our board-certified radiologists who bring world-class expertise to patient care. Our physicians are leaders in their fields, often with advanced training and multiple sub-specialties, ensuring patients receive the highest quality imaging and interpretation. Together with our executives, they partner with nurses, therapists, technologists, and staff who are wholly dedicated to performing the best exams while keeping patients comfortable and supported.

A group of smiling people posing for a photo in a stadium with empty seats in the background.

Join Our Top Team

At Shields, you’re more than your job title — you’re part of a mission-driven team that values growth, collaboration, and purpose. With competitive benefits, a supportive family culture, and national Top Places to Work recognition, we’re proud to be an employer of choice.

Care You Can Trust

Shields makes it easy to understand the cost of your care with clear, upfront estimates. You’ll get exceptional MRI, PET/CT, and surgical services at a low price — because quality care should be accessible to everyone.

Community Involvement

Tom and Mary Shields’ compassion shaped our culture. Today, their legacy lives on through Shields’ support of employees and partners giving back to their communities.

From education and senior care to holiday giving and military support, Shields and its employees are proud to invest time, resources, and compassion into the communities we serve.

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South
  • Educational opportunities for youth
  • Housing, care, and health for seniors
  • Holiday family support programs
  • Care packages for troops overseas
  • Paid volunteer time for employees
Group photo of three men and four children at Camp Riverside, children wearing colorful camp shirts, standing in front of a building.
Four people wearing blue Shields Cares shirts standing together in a kitchen setting.
Three people in blue shirts assembling metal shelving in a room, with tools and supplies nearby.
Two people wearing blue shirts clean a beach, holding trash bags and a grabber, with a scenic view of the shoreline.
Group of people smiling in matching blue shirts, standing outdoors on a sunny day, posing for a group photo.
Our annual golf fundraiser has raised millions for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South. Shields employees giving back, volunteering time and heart to support local communities. Our team lending a hand — from food drives to shelters, making a difference together. Volunteering is part of who we are — proud to serve our neighbors beyond medical care. Compassion in action: Shields staff supporting missions that care for children and families.

Connect with us

Have a question or need support? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for appointment information, directions, or details about our services, our team is ready to connect you with the care and answers you need.


Scheduling for MRI & PET/CT: 800-258-4674
MRI Scheduling Fax: 1-800-253-7569
PET/CT Fax: 1-617-603-8004

Shields Health—Corporate

Crown Colony Park
700 Congress Street
Suite 204
Quincy, MA 02169

Phone: 1-800-258-4674,4700
Fax: 617-376-7419

For media inquiries, contact: Lisa Campisi, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
617-376-7436