Frances Smith, of Ebony, Virginia, found a lump in her breast eight years ago. After visiting a provider at the local health department, she was referred for imaging. After a mammogram, breast MRI and biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45. A few months later, Smith had surgery to remove the lump, followed by radiation and chemotherapy over the course of the next six months. 

Smith is now a cancer survivor and gets her annual mammogram at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH). She values the relationship she has developed with her mammographer. 

“It’s like you’re part of a family,” Smith said. “I love it here; everyone is so nice.”

In addition to having a welcoming atmosphere, CMH was awarded another three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.


Miranda Curry, Kim Brown, Laurie Capps, Wendy Farley.

“Receiving accreditation from such an esteemed organization gives us and our patients the assurance that we are providing a quality breast imaging program at CMH,” Wendy Farley, radiology director, said.  “As the department director, this reaccreditation is confirmation that our program is based on safety and quality while focusing on patient centered care.” 

Instead of worrying about finding the right place to go for her next mammogram, Smith is focused on the important things in life: spending time with her grandchildren at her daughter’s pool and enjoying a cup of coffee with family and friends. 

Every time she gets the chance, Smith shares her story on the importance of speaking up about health concerns. She says she will also make sure her daughters get their mammograms when the time comes. 

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Smith said. “If you feel something out of the ordinary, please see a doctor and get your annual mammogram.”