Strategic relationship safeguards oncology treatment options for thousands of U.S. patients

Fort Myers, Fla., June 24, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of oncology treatment in community-based settings, announced today that it has closed on a financing agreement with PNC Bank, one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. The $85 million financing deal will facilitate AON’s continued growth and the ability to provide exceptional cancer care to patients.

“Our credit facility with PNC Bank is an important part of our effort to ensure that we remain well-positioned to execute on our strategic imperatives and continue providing exceptional cancer care to our communities,” said Todd Schonherz, AON chief executive officer. “We appreciate the leadership and commitment of PNC and our own finance, accounting and legal teams for the countless hours spent over the past few months to get this agreement closed.”

This financing will allow AON to continue to execute on strategic imperatives including:

• Investing in state-of-the-art information technology platforms and resources dedicated to providing services and support to its national footprint of 60 plus clinics;
• Expanding AON’s ability to benefit from strategic pharmaceutical purchasing opportunities;
• Increasing the organizations capacity to strategically grow its national practice and preserve its position as one of the fastest growing oncology networks in the United States; and
• Exploring new service offerings to facilitate ongoing diversification of AON services ensuring patients continue to have access to the latest advances in care in the community setting.

“There is a correlation between the health of individuals and the economic health and vibrancy of a region,” said Chris Whitis, PNC Bank executive vice president and co-head of Corporate Banking for Texas and the Southeast. “We are privileged to support ventures that improve quality of care for oncology and hematology patients in our region. AON’s insightful oncology treatment and healthcare diversification advances are an asset well worth our involvement.”

AON currently serves an expanding network of partner practices across 17 states, providing dedicated end-to-end administrative support, access to an extensive array of centralized ancillary services, and proven practice management expertise. Delivered through its local market, physician-led model, AON empowers community-based oncology practices with the necessary tools, support and capital to effectively navigate today’s increasingly dynamic healthcare landscape and practice high-quality, value-based care within the community at scale.

David Gould, AON chief financial officer added, “This credit facility represents a significant financial commitment to AON by one of the largest banks in the nation and we are excited to work with PNC Bank as we continue to provide best-in-class cancer care to patients in their local communities. We’re very pleased this relationship will help to elevate community oncology care for the benefit of our patients.”

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PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

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 growing AON network represents 102 physicians and 68 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 states. The executive management team of AON brings 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.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

Abstract # e13071, 2552, 2513, e19506, 7506, 7507, e19502, 9027, 502, 501, 3140, 1563

Fort Myers, Fla., June 7, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that 12 research studies co-authored by AON physicians will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Annual Meeting, which will be held June 4-8, 2021. The program will feature more than 4,900 abstracts covering advances in the treatment of prostate, breast, lung, and renal cancers as well as screening, prevention, access to care, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. This year’s theme is “Equity: Every Patient. Every Day. Everywhere.” The following AON physician investigators will present their research results during poster discussions and/or presentations.

• Dr. Ruemu E. Birhiray of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, who co-authored a study on metastatic breast cancer (Abstract # e13071)
• Dr. Ralph V. Boccia of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who co-authored a study involving developmental therapeutics in immunotherapy (Abstract # 2552)
• Dr. Arvind Chaudhry of Summit Cancer Centers, who served as co-author of several studies that involved developmental therapeutics in immunotherapy (Abstract # 2513) and hematologic malignancies in lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Abstract # e19506)
• Dr. Bruce D. Cheson of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who co-authored several studies on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Abstract # 7506), hematologic malignancies in lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Abstract # 7507 and # e19502)
• Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers of Genesis Cancer Center, who co-authored a study on non-small cell metastatic lung cancer (Abstract # 9027)
• Dr. Mark L. Graham of Waverly Hematology Oncology, who served as co-author on several studies involving breast cancer (Abstract # 502 and # 501)
• Dr. Gary Palmer of Hope Cancer Care of Nevada, who co-authored a study on developmental therapeutics, molecularly targeted agents and tumor biology (Abstract # 3140)
• Dr. Victor M. Priego of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, who co-authored a study on clinical research design, care delivery and regulatory policy (Abstract # 1563)

AON CEO Todd Schonherz said, “Though the AON network spans across the country, our oncologists are interconnected and focused on driving change. To have eight AON physicians’ research studies being shared at this prestigious program confirms that our physicians are not only uniting in collaboration, they’re at the forefront of new discoveries and findings that will expand and improve cancer treatment options for every patient.”

“The physicians within our network are dedicated to bringing innovative treatment options to patients, close to home. The fact that we have so many publications accepted by ASCO reflects our physicians’ strong commitment to advancing cancer care treatments with evidence-based medicine and research,” added Dr. Stephen Orman, AON Board Member & Chairman.

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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 growing AON network represents 102 physicians and 68 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 states. The executive management team of AON brings 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.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

National community oncology network appoints Chief Growth & Relationship Officer and Vice President of Laboratory Services

Fort Myers, Fla., May 6, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of oncology treatment in community-based settings, recently announced two key leadership appointments. Longtime marketing and sales executive Shelly Glenn has been named Chief Growth & Relationship Officer and laboratory management expert Curtiss McNair has come on as Vice President of Laboratory Services.

In this newly created role, Glenn will be responsible for driving a collaborative approach with AON management and practice leadership to ensure the organization continues to create and deliver differentiated services and capabilities, as well as gain market leadership. Glenn will oversee referral base management and physician recruitment, as well as foster deeper relationships and better engagement within the communities AON and its practices serve as well as within the organization.

Prior to joining AON, Glenn was the Chief Development & Community Partnership Officer at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), where she played a key role in bringing the organization to the forefront of community oncology. She oversaw critical growth initiatives as well as efforts to strengthen patient advocacy and community partnerships. Glenn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Lehigh University, as well as a Global Leadership designation from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Dedicated to increasing cancer awareness and education, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Suncoast Chapter, American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Board and as the Marketing Chair for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO).

AON President & Chief Development Officer Brad Prechtl, MBA said, “Over the years, Shelly has helped nurture key relationships bringing people and organizations together and has had tremendous success in boosting new patient growth. We look forward to leveraging her expertise as we seek to enhance the overall growth strategy.”

McNair will oversee AON’s laboratory and pathology services. McNair comes to AON from BayCare Health System in Tampa, Fla., where he served as the East Division Laboratory Director managing the inpatient, outpatient, and outreach testing for nine hospitals consisting of two women’s hospitals and a children’s hospital. He began his laboratory career while serving in the U.S. Army as a Medical Laboratory Specialist. He has also worked in other roles as Manager of Laboratory Quality and Point of Care Testing at United Memorial Medical Center and as a Senior Laboratory Manager at DaVita Labs in Deland, Fla. McNair received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Victory University, Memphis, Tenn., a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Piedmont International University, Winston Salem, N.C., an MBA from Ashford University and is currently a second-year Doctoral student at Carolina University specializing in Organizational Leadership. 

“Curtiss’s vast experience in training and supervising teams, his experience in quality management to ensure quality outcomes and patient focus, and knowledge of accreditation and certification processes makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” said AON CEO Todd Schonherz. “Both Shelly and Curtiss will play key roles as we embark on our next phase of growth. As we bring new capabilities and programs to our practices, we will solidify our role as a leader in the community oncology space and bring meaningful value to our partner physicians, practices and ultimately our patients.”

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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 currently represents 102 physicians and 65 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 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.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
941.224.8736

Fort Myers, Fla., May 3, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that Summit Cancer Centers, a leading cancer center in Spokane, Washington, has joined AON effective May 1, 2021.  AON is an alliance of physicians and veteran healthcare leaders uniting to ensure the long-term success of community oncology.

Summit Cancer Centers (Summit) provides care at eight locations, serving patients in eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and western Canada. Summit offers comprehensive cancer services from diagnostic imaging, cancer treatments with the most advanced therapies and technologies, clinical trials to onsite oral chemotherapy and lab services. Cancer treatments include surgical oncology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other medical oncology therapies.

“Our approach is to treat the whole person rather than only focusing on the cancer itself. As part of this commitment, we offer complementary wellness therapies including acupuncture, cancer massage and nutrition counseling. This approach is at the core of our mission,” said Summit Medical Oncologist Arvind Chaudhry, MD, PhD.

The Summit team includes Medical Oncologists Arvind Chaudhry, MD, PhD, Bruce Cutter, MD, Carolyn Aks, MD, Stephanie Hodson, MD, Mirela Andrei, MD, Janelle Bennett, MD, Surgical Oncologist Aaron Saunders, MD, MAS, DABS, Surgical Breast Oncologist Anne Kieryn, MD, Radiation Oncologists Karie-Lynn Kelly, MD and Jonathan Sharrett, MD.

AON CEO Todd Schonherz stated, “We are excited to have Summit Cancer Centers join AON, through this partnership patients will continue to get high quality cancer care with enhanced services including diagnostic technologies, an oral oncolytic outpatient pharmacy providing home delivery of medications and care management services.”

Additionally, Summit goes beyond traditional medical care by collaborating with all healthcare professionals such as primary care physicians, acupuncturists, dietitians and naturopathic physicians helping to provide the best overall cancer care for their patients. 

AON President & Chief Development Officer Brad Prechtl, MBA added, “We are excited for the entire Summit Cancer Centers team to join our growing network of community oncologists helping to bring the very best in cancer care and treatment to patients, close to where they live.”

With a mission to ensure that everyone has access to exceptional cancer care, AON was founded by well-respected leaders in the oncology community with decades of experience helping oncology practices to thrive by providing proven solutions.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC

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 102 physicians and 65 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 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 Summit Cancer Centers

Summit Cancer Centers is a community-based medical and surgical oncology practice providing care for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinical support staff providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and western Canada. 

Services include diagnostic testing, pathology and lab services, specialty pharmacy and a complimentary wellness program with acupuncture, cancer massage and nutritional counseling.

Proudly serving patients at:

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC

Caroline Hewitt
Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

Fort Myers, Fla., May 3, 2021 – Messino Cancer Centers (MCC) team of 14 medical oncologists welcome Dr. Joshua Baru to the community oncology practice.  MCC, an American Oncology Network (AON) partner, has six office locations in Western North Carolina, in Asheville, Brevard, Franklin, Spruce Pine, Marion and Sylva.

Dr. Baru is Board certified in internal medicine and palliative care.  He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.  He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Chicago Hospital and his fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Maclean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics.

Dr. Michael Messino founder of Messino Cancer Centers said, “Dr. Baru brings years of experience in this complex symptom management and palliative care.   He will work closely with our team of oncologists, advanced practitioners, nurses, dietitian and behavioral health therapist—ensuring our patients have resources to handle the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of their cancer diagnosis.”

For over 30 years, the MCC physicians have been providing a full range of exceptional cancer care in the Western North Carolina region.  MCC offers convenient access to comprehensive treatments and support services close to where the patient lives.

“Dr. Baru is passionate about partnering with patients and their families to help improve their quality of life, “said AON CEO Todd Schonherz.  “He will be an invaluable asset by adding palliative care to the array of enhanced patient services including care management, home delivery of oral oncolytic medications, pathology and laboratory services, access to clinical trials and 24/7 pharmacy assistance.”

MCC is a leading independent medical oncology/hematology practice that provides a caring environment with advanced cancer treatments in a setting close to home so patients can be surrounded by their support system of family and friends. 

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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 growing AON network represents 102 physicians and 65 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 states. The executive management team of AON brings 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.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736