As you can see, the linear accelerator has been installed but is now going through a lengthy testing phase that will help ensure that we are giving the proper dose of radiation to meet each patients needs. If all goes well, we will be able to provide radiation therapy to our first patient on April 25th. It will be a great day for Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, and surrounding communities. The rest of Phase One which includes CT, Diagnostic Radiology, and Ultrasound is also nearing completion. The Radiation Oncology Department is currently open and is ready to see patients for consultation. You can reach the department by calling (276) 739-CARE(2273) or (276) 739-2222. This has been a monumental undertaking and has required the hard work and attention of many people, but it will be well worth it. It has been exciting to witness the day to day changes that have taken place over the last year.

We have hired our Medical Dosimetrist and Chief Therapist who has been onboard and a great help since Feb 5th. Terry Smith was born and raised just down the interstate in Bristol. She attended Virginia Highlands Community College before going on to the University of Virginia for Radiation Oncology School. She came here from Charlottesville, VA where she worked at the Martha Jefferson Hospital as a Medical Dosimetrist. She brings with her a broad base of knowledge that will help make our department very successful.


Our first Radiation Therapist has been here since March 19th. Crystal Breeding came to us from Bristol Regional Medical Center where she worked as a therapist. Crystal is also a local girl who will brighten the Cancer Center with her big smile and positive attitude.

Hope Cannon and Donna Delp will be joining us as Business Office Representative and Receptionist respectively. Both will be great additions to the Cancer Center. More to come on them upon their arrival.

For the five positions that we had to fill for the Cancer Center, we had over 100 applicants. It was not surprising the number of talented people we have here locally and it made the decision of picking someone very difficult.

As we get nearer to the opening of the Radiation Oncology Department, it makes me very proud to know that I have been a part of this historic occasion. I know you will be very proud of this Cancer Center and I will be even more honored to treat the cancer patients of Southwest Virginia.

If reading my blog triggers a comment or a question, or if you just want to say hello, please post a comment to me. I really want to hear what the community thinks about the Cancer Center and I want to make sure that you are kept informed with our progress and what is happening in our never ending fight against cancer.