NAPLES, FL., January 23, 2025 — Community oncology practice Florida Oncology and Hematology (FOH), a partner practice of American Oncology Network (AON), is pleased to welcome Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist Michele Ramirez, MD, to its physician care team. Dr. Ramirez is now accepting patients at Naples Community Hospital (NCH) Baker Hospital Downtown and Naples Community Hospital (NCH) North Naples Hospital. Patients will be referred to FOH practice locations in alignment with their individual treatment plans.

Dr. Ramirez is a Board-certified oncologist and hematologist serving patients in Naples, Florida. She has more than 20 years of experience and has been practicing in Florida since 2002. She earned her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York, completed her internal medicine residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology at the same institution.

“I am excited to join the physician team at Florida Oncology and Hematology,” said Dr. Ramirez. “My goal has always been to provide the best patient-centered care possible – nothing less than I would want for my own family. I look forward to collaborating with their like-minded team.”

The Florida Oncology and Hematology team now includes eight medical oncologists and 10 advanced practice providers across five Florida locations. The practice is committed to providing the community with innovative cancer care that is delivered holistically based on research and evidence-based medicine. FOH cancer patients have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship, and patient support that are close to home, eliminating the need to travel long distances to receive care.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ramirez to Florida Oncology and Hematology,” said Zanetta Lamar, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist at FOH. “She is extraordinarily knowledgeable and committed to delivering top-notch patient-first care, which will further enhance our ability to offer an exceptional patient experience in Naples. We are thrilled to have her partner with our Florida Oncology and Hematology team.”

“On behalf of AON, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Ramirez to Florida Oncology and Hematology, and the network,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “Dr. Ramirez has an impressive background, and I am confident that our patients – and our team – will benefit immensely from her expertise and commitment to providing quality, patient-centered care.”

For more information about AON, visit AONcology.com. For more information about Florida Oncology and Hematology visit floridaonc.com.

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About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 290 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

About Florida Oncology and Hematology
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders, Florida Oncology and Hematology serves patients in Cape Coral, Clearwater, Fort Myers, and Naples, Florida. As a community-based practice, Florida Oncology and Hematology offers a full range of exceptional cancer services, providing the highest quality treatments based on research and focused on the whole person. Learn more at floridaonc.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

Local oncology practice moves to a new state-of-the-art location to continue providing enhanced cancer care to the Fort Myers community.

FORT MYERS, FL, Jan. 21, 2025 – Florida Oncology and Hematology, a partner practice of American Oncology Network (AON), has relocated its clinic in Fort Myers to 14551 Hope Center Loop. The newly expanded clinic includes 12 exam rooms, nearly 30 infusion chairs, and an onsite lab. Current or prospective patients can call (239) 264-7026 for inquiries or to schedule an appointment.

Board-certified medical oncologists Magali Van den Bergh, MD, Venkata Parsa, MD, and Shivtaj Mann, DO are now accepting patients at the new Fort Myers location. The new clinic includes additional private exam rooms that provide dedicated space for patient-physician conversations, an infusion room, in-house lab and pathology services, and an onsite specialty pharmacy for oral oncolytics.

“Our Fort Myers practice location has moved, but our standards of patient care have not changed,” said medical director, Dr. Van den Bergh. “We hold ourselves to a high standard of continuously providing exceptional, compassionate care that is central to our patient-first mindset, and is the standard in all of Florida Oncology and Hematology’s five clinic locations. We appreciate our patients’ continued trust and look forward to serving them at our new address in Fort Myers.”

Florida Oncology and Hematology provides care to patients living in Cape Coral, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas. The practice ensures patients receive personalized care and treatment plans that are designed exclusively for their unique needs. As a community-based practice, Florida Oncology and Hematology provides affordable care in a comfortable environment while offering high-quality, state-of-the-art treatment in convenient locations.

The practice is a partner of American Oncology Network, one of the nation’s fastest-growing community-based oncology networks. Through this partnership, American Oncology Network makes additional patient care and services available such as access to the in-house specialty pharmacy with home delivery of certain medications among other benefits.

“We are excited to welcome our patients to the new space, where we will continue to prioritize their health and well-being,” said Dr. Van den Bergh. “The relocation will allow us to expand patient services and therapeutics, while also providing a larger space for additional staff to deliver one-on-one care.”

For more information about AON, visit AONcology.com. For more information about Florida Oncology and Hematology, visit floridaonc.com.

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About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 290 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

About Florida Oncology and Hematology

Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders, Florida Oncology and Hematology serves patients in Cape Coral, Clearwater, Fort Myers, and Naples, Florida. As a community-based practice, it offers a full range of exceptional cancer services, providing the highest quality treatment based on research and focused on the whole person. Learn more at floridaonc.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

FORT WAYNE, IN., January 7, 2025 – Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology (FWMOH), a trusted name in northeastern Indiana cancer care since 1977, is proud to announce it has joined American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community-based oncology practices.

This partnership enables FWMOH to expand its patient-focused services while continuing the high-quality, compassionate care that has been a hallmark of the practice for nearly five decades.

“We are thrilled to join American Oncology Network,” said Dr. Praveen Kollipara, a Board-certified medical oncologist and president of FWMOH. “This partnership comes at an exciting time for FWMOH. We’ve recently added the leading gynecologic oncologists in northeastern Indiana and expanded our presence in Peru and Warsaw. With AON’s support, we will pursue additional growth initiatives and innovations to enhance care for more patients in the region.”

FWMOH operates ten locations across northeastern Indiana and is staffed by 16 Board-certified medical oncologists and two Board-certified gynecologic oncologists, Dr. Iwona Podzielinski and Dr. Scott Goodrich, who joined AON as Fort Wayne Gynecologic Oncology, a division of FWMOH, in November in anticipation of the FWMOH/AON partnership.

“We are excited to join FWMOH as its gynecologic oncology division,” said Dr. Podzielinski. “FWMOH and AON share a deep commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality, and personalized cancer care in a community setting. This partnership strengthens our ability to offer cutting-edge treatments while maintaining the patient-centered approach our patients trust. We look forward to the expanded services this collaboration will bring, enhancing convenience and improving outcomes for the patients we serve.” 

FWMOH offers comprehensive cancer care, including laboratory services, PET/CT imaging, diverse oral and IV infusion treatment options, clinical trials, survivorship programs, and patient support – all delivered close to home to reduce travel burdens for patients and their families. FWMOH clinics feature private exam rooms and on-site infusion suites designed for patient comfort and privacy during treatment.

“We are pleased to welcome Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology to the American Oncology Network,” said AON’s chief executive officer Todd Schonherz. “FWMOH is ASCO certified and has an exceptional reputation for delivering patient-centered, community-based care. Their team brings extensive expertise and shares AON’s commitment to individualized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This partnership aligns with AON’s mission to expand access to high-quality, patient-first cancer care in local communities nationwide. We look forward to the expertise FWMOH providers bring to our network.”

“On behalf of AON, I am thrilled to welcome the FWMOH team to the network,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “The FWMOH team has delivered exceptional care in northeastern Indiana for decades, and I am confident that our patients – and our team – will benefit immensely from their expertise and commitment to providing quality, patient-centered care in a community-based setting.”

FWMOH providers are now accepting new patients. For more information about AON, visit AONcology.com. To learn more about Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology, visit fwmoh.com.

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About Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology
Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology (FWMOH) provides state-of-the-art cancer and blood disorder treatments through a team of dedicated healthcare providers serving northeastern Indiana. Since 1977, FWMOH has cared for thousands of patients, treating more than 40 types of cancer – from bladder to bone, pancreatic to prostate – as well as blood disorders such as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

FWMOH’s experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and clinical support staff work collaboratively to deliver the high-quality oncologic and hematologic care informed by cutting-edge research and decades of experience. The team emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care that respects the needs of the whole person.

The following Board-certified physicians are accepting appointments at FWMOH: Farrukh M. Adhami, MD; Sunil Babu, MD; Matthew L. Carr, MD; Shalini Chitneni, MD; Michael Epstein, MD; Gary G. Gize, MD; Ryan Gonzales, MD; Praveen Kollipara, MD; Yasolatha Nalamolu, MD; Screenivasa R. Nattam, MD; Dolly Rosa Quispe, MD; Steven N. Rhinehart, MD; Ahad Sadiq, MD; Naga Vutukuri, MD; Richard Zhang, MD; and David M. Zimmerman, MD. FWMOH’s gynecologic oncologists include Dr. Iwona Podzielinski and Dr. Scott Goodrich.

Learn more at fwmoh.com.

About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 290 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN., Dec. 30, 2024 — Board-certified medical oncologists, M. Sarfraz Nawaz, MD and Ruemu E. Birhiray, MD from community oncology practice Hematology Oncology of Indiana (HOI), a partner practice of American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AONC), presented clinically meaningful and socially impactful research findings at the 66^th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, held Dec. 7-10 in San Diego.

The ASH Annual Meeting is recognized as a premier event for hematology research, with more than 5,000 scientific abstracts submitted each year. Accepted abstracts undergo rigorous peer review, with selected presentations showcasing significant and innovative contributions to the field.

The following HOI physician-researchers presented at the conference:

• M. Sarfraz Nawaz
  • Presented and served as co-author of two studies:
    • Collaborative Strategies to Enhance Treatment and Integration of Cellular Therapies in Multiple Myeloma: Results from Nationwide Multiple Myeloma Patient and Provider Surveys
    • Advancing Patient-Centered Care to Overcome Health Disparities in Multiple Myeloma: Key Findings from a Quality Improvement Initiative
  • Co-authored Advancing the Integration of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Community Oncology Centers: Key Findings from a Transformative Quality Improvement Initiative, published online in the November supplemental issue of Blood.
  • Moderated the ASH Satellite Symposium, Accelerating the Adoption of the Latest Evidence on Sequencing Therapies for Multiple Myeloma Across Practice Settings, held Dec. 6.
• Ruemu E. Birhiray
  • Co-authored three studies:
    • In-class Transition from Parenteral Bortezomib to Oral Ixazomib in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Analysis of US MM-6 By Number of Treatment Cycles Received.
    • Odronextamab Monotherapy in Previously Untreated Patients with High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma (FL): Results of the Safety Lead-in of the Phase 3 Olympia-1 Study.
    • A Systematic Review of 72 ASH Plenary and Late Breaking Abstracts for Racial Representation: A Health Equity Call to Action.

“Being selected to present research at the ASH Annual Meeting is a significant honor,” said Dr. M. Sarfraz Nawaz. “With thousands of submissions considered, these selected abstracts highlight vital advancements in cancer care. I congratulate my colleagues on their achievements and dedication to improving patient outcomes.”

“The evolving field of cancer research continually brings transformative findings that revolutionize patient care,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON chief medical officer. “Our physicians’ commitment to ongoing education and innovation reflects their dedication to advancing cancer care through impactful research that improves patient outcomes and expands access to quality care.”

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American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 250 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

About Hematology Oncology of Indiana

Hematology Oncology of Indiana is a community-based medical oncology and hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. Through compassionate care that centers around the patient, Hematology Oncology of Indiana strives to provide the best possible experience to patients and their families throughout the healthcare journey. Learn more at hematologyoncology.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

Alignment will speed up, expand access to community-based oncology care

COLUMBUS, Ohio –The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) announces today it will form a new partnership with Zangmeister Cancer Center, a partner practice of American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AONC). This collaboration will expand access to medical oncology and hematology care for patients in central Ohio and provide broader range of options, including both academic and community-based sites of care.

Multi-disciplinary and coordinated cancer treatment often involves multiple cancer specialists providing care, often at different locations, notes David Cohn, MD, interim chief executive officer for the OSUCCC – James. Shared medical records enhance communication across providers, improving care efficiency.

“By working together, we can harness the subspecialty knowledge of the OSUCCC – James with the community experience and convenience of Zangmeister to expedite and expand access for patients, get the right diagnosis upfront and connect patients with the best specialist for their type of cancer,” said Cohn.

This care can then be managed jointly from a community-based location or from the OSUCCC – James.

“What is most important is getting oncology patients timely access to quality oncology care and clinical trials. We can do more of this, and provide outstanding and convenient care, by collaborating,” said Cohn.

Improving timely access to oncology care

This new partnership marks a new approach to connecting community oncology with the subspecialized expertise of the OSUCCC – James and represents another important step toward increasing access to cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Cohn noted that, as the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in central Ohio, the OSUCCC – James serves as a hub of a much larger wheel that provides high-quality oncology care to patients.

“While we cannot treat every patient affected by cancer in Ohio, we can strategically partner with community-based practices like Zangmeister and our James Cancer Network affiliate hospitals to provide high quality cancer care that’s close to home, along with providing access to a robust portfolio of clinical trials,” said Cohn.

The OSUCCC – James is home to one of nine NCI-funded phase I/II clinical trial centers in the United States. Because of this, patients have access to the latest science-backed therapies that are available only in a clinical trial setting. The hospital is also home to the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-oncology, which includes clinical cell therapy programs like CAR T and TIL available at only a few certified hospital programs and central Ohio’s only proton therapy treatment center.

“We deeply value our longstanding relationships with community partners and referring physicians. These connections have been essential in delivering exceptional patient care over many years,” said Jeanna Knoble, MD, medical oncologist and Zangmeister Managing Partner.

“We believe that there is an opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration and explore new avenues that benefit all stakeholders, particularly our shared patients.”

Moving forward, this partnership will allow Zangmeister to direct access to highly specialized cancer therapies when a specific clinical need arises. These therapies may not be readily available in the community and include options such as CAR T-cell therapy, stem cell transplants, additional clinical trials, and the subspecialized expertise that is only available at a designated comprehensive cancer center like Ohio State.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the OSUCCC – James,” said Steven Swart, executive vice president at AON, an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders that includes Zangmeister. “This partnership will ensure that patients in central Ohio have access to a comprehensive range of cancer care services, aligning with our commitment to delivering innovative, evidence-based, and comprehensive cancer care. We’re excited to create a seamless, efficient experience for patients receiving care at both Zangmeister and Ohio State.”

Community outreach collaboration, medical professional education opportunities

In addition to enhanced patient care coordination and access to subspecialty care, this partnership will put business parameters in place to allow the two institutions to collaborate on future community programs and partner in potential expansions of clinical services like surgery, radiation therapy and supportive care services that are currently available at the OSUCCC – James but not at Zangmeister.

The partnership will also provide Zangmeister physicians/providers and staff with opportunities for continuing medical education in subspeciality cancer topics. To learn more about cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu or call 1-800-293-5066.