In a medical image acquisition, and operating method, before acquiring a current planning image data set from a subject, a statistical atlas is generated from multiple planning image data sets using a specific measurement protocol, as a statistical compilation including an average image data set electronically associated with association information that identifies different anatomical entities represented by the statistical compilation. After the current planning image data set is acquired, the stored average image data set is transformed into the current planning image data set, with the association information being accurately associated with the current planning image data set. A diagnostic image acquisition of the subject is then controlled using the association information that is now associated with the current planning image data set.