Asheville, N.C., August 4, 2020 – Messino Cancer Centers (MCC), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), is pleased to announce that Medical Oncologist Dr. Michael Messino, is a recipient of North Carolina’s highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is an honor granted by the State of North Carolina to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. Senator Terry Van Duyn presented the award to Dr. Messino on July 31, 2020.

“I began my medical oncology practice with a vision to not only provide quality cancer care with compassion and kindness and in consideration of the whole patient as a unique individual, but to also ensure patients in the rural communities surrounding Asheville had access to the same level of care,” explained Dr. Messino. “This is such a humbling honor bestowed on me by the state and those that nominated me, I am truly grateful for this recognition. We would not be able to do what we do without our dedicated providers and staff.”

The award recognizes Dr. Messino for more than 30 years of providing exceptional cancer care in Western North Carolina, his leadership in building Messino Cancer Centers with comprehensive medical oncology care, and for showing genuine kindness and compassion for his patients, staff and colleagues.

The MCC team includes 14 medical oncologists and 18 physician assistants and nurse practitioners who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders in six convenient community locations in Asheville, Brevard, Franklin, Spruce Pine, Marion and Sylva.

“Dr. Messino is a visionary who 30 years ago recognized the need for expert and nearby cancer care,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “We applaud him for this well-deserved recognition and his commitment to building the highest quality cancer center in Asheville and in rural areas that were underserved.”

“We echo the praise the state has given Dr. Messino with his unwavering dedication to patients in his community,” AON President & COO Todd Schonherz added. “He exemplifies AON’s mission of providing the highest quality, cost effective cancer care and is a role model for other community oncologists nationwide.”

AON is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders that provides a unique array of enhanced services to its affiliated community-based oncology practices.

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About Messino Cancer Centers: (MessinoCancerCenters.com)
Messino Cancer Centers (MCC) provides treatment for adult patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and clinical support staff dedicated to providing the most advanced and innovative treatments of the highest quality. We work together as a team and recognize that each patient is not just a person with cancer, but a unique individual. Care is provided with the utmost concern and consideration of what is best for the whole person throughout their cancer journey.

MCC physicians provide state-of-the-art evidence-based medicine for patients, incorporating personalized medicine, standard and nationally accepted guidelines, and clinical trials. Through care management and dedicated oncology certified staff, we provide support for patients through all phases of their diagnosis and treatment. The physicians of MCC are grounded in the region of Western North Carolina and devoted to providing care to patients in their communities.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 85 physicians and 52 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 14 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

About Long Leaf Pine Society: (LongLeafPineSociety.org)
Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

In addition to being the custodian of the Roster and Directory of award recipients, The Society is responsible for compiling and preserving the history of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award program.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Director of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(239) 789.2341