1. A method for acquiring an image of a subject from a first region of interest (ROI) and a second ROI simultaneously using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a static magnetic field having a B 0 direction and extending at least across the first ROI and the second ROI, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a local radio frequency (RF) coil forming a loop proximate to the first ROI and the second ROI, wherein the loop defines an axis extending through the loop and passing through a first side of the RF coil located proximate to the first ROI and through a second side of the RF coil proximate to the second ROI and opposite the first side of the RF coil; b) orienting the RF coil and subject in the static magnetic field to substantially align the axis extending through the loop with the B 0 direction of the static magnetic field extending at least across the first ROI and the second ROI; c) performing, with the MRI system and the RF coil, a pulse sequence to acquire imaging data from the first ROI and the second ROI simultaneously; and d) reconstructing the imaging data to create an image of the subject including the first ROI and the second ROI.