On October 24th, 2024, over 80 friends, family, and colleagues of Dr. Ruth Beer joined Community Care Physicians (CCP) Founder, CEO and Radiologist Dr. Shirish Parikh and Breast Center Medical Director Dr. Rupal Patel for the official dedication of The Ruth Beer Breast Center at ImageCare, a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence renamed in honor of Breast Radiologist Dr. Ruth Beer who passed away in January 2023. Dr. Beer, who was pivotal in establishing CCP’s breast imaging program 40 years ago, was honored for her pioneering efforts and lasting contributions to women’s health. This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the dedication of the Breast Center celebrated her legacy and the critical role of breast cancer screening and diagnosis in saving lives.

Guests were invited to wear pink in honor of Dr. Beer, celebrating her impactful contributions to breast imaging care. The Breast Center at ImageCare team thoughtfully crafted a beautiful pink floral and balloon display as a photo backdrop, adding a festive and personal touch. The ImageCare team also shared heartfelt testimonials about Dr. Beer’s inspiring legacy, which were displayed in the waiting area of The Breast Center, creating a warm and memorable tribute for all to see.

Speakers at the event included Dr. Shirish Parikh; Dr. Rupal Patel, Community Care Breast Radiologist and Medical Director of The Ruth Beer Breast Centers at ImageCare; and Dr. Yoram Beer, Community Care Urologist and husband of Dr. Ruth Beer.

“In early 1985, when I asked Ruth to take the lead in women’s health, she jumped at the opportunity and established a dedicated stand-alone breast care center, originally adjacent to Samaritan Hospital,” said Shirish Parikh, MD, MBA, FACR, founder, chairman, CEO and radiologist, Community Care Physicians. “She decorated it with Queen Anne furniture and created a warm, home-like ambiance to ease the anxiety of women undergoing breast evaluations. Ruth always strived to offer the highest quality services to all who sought care at The Breast Center, importing some of the logistical expertise from breast centers in New York City and Boston to bring our Breast Center, a one-of-a-kind Center of Excellence, to where it is today.”

“Ruth was not just a visionary,” said Yoram Beer, MD, Community Care urologist and Ruth’s husband. “She saw the need for breast imaging, which, at the time when Dr. Parikh and she started, was just a concept. She has had a huge impact on individuals and the community. This is one specialty when you need a certain level of trust, and she earned it. She touched so many lives.”

“Long before breast cancer was a major concern for our community, Ruth’s unwavering dedication to women’s health ensured that our patients had access to the best breast imaging technology, including the first digital mammography services in the area,” said Rupal Patel, DO, breast radiologist and medical director at The Ruth Beer Breast Centers. “The Breast Center now stands as a testament to her legacy, providing life-saving diagnostic tools and compassionate care to countless women. We are deeply honored to rename the Breast Center in our friend, Ruth’s, memory.”

The Ruth Beer Breast Center at ImageCare encompasses two locations, in Latham and Clifton Park, and offers the latest in breast imaging technology for the screening and diagnosis of breast disease, including 3-D digital mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI, and biopsy services. All studies are reviewed by subspecialized breast radiologists, the most qualified radiologists in the field. The Breast Center is an integral part of CCP’s comprehensive breast care program, which also includes breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and patient-centered support from breast and oncology nurse navigators to assist patients and coordinate with providers through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.