From Our Partners: February 2023

Epic Care and Nexus Health Join The US Oncology Network

Two multidisciplinary practices, Epic Care, based near San Francisco, California, and Nexus Health, centered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, have joined The US Oncology Network.

According to a January 2023 news release, Epic Care has 21 sites of service with 47 physicians, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, multispecialty surgeons, and other providers. Nexus Health has 9 physicians who practice across a range of specialties, and the practice has plans to expand.

“We are excited to welcome Epic Care and Nexus Health to The Network,” Jason Hammonds, president of The US Oncology Network, said in the news release. “With the addition of these well-respected multidisciplinary practices, we are entering new communities and expanding our ability to empower high-quality care that benefits patients, as well as physicians.” The US Oncology Network, which is supported by McKesson Corporation, provides resources to practices as they make the transition to value-based care, giving them access to clinical pathways, business consulting services, and specialized technology.

Founded more than 30 years ago, Epic Care offers oncology and hematology services as well as services in family medicine, breast health and surgery, general surgery, bariatric surgery, endocrinology, infectious disease, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Other services including lab, theranostics, and diagnostic imaging.

Joining The US Oncology Network will offer “the backing of one of the largest community oncology networks in the nation,” Uma Swamy, MD, chief executive officer of Epic Care, said in the news release. “Not only will we have more access to novel, cutting-edge treatments for our patients, we also will gain vast resources and expertise, enabling us to thrive and remain independent during these challenging times.”

Scott Herbert, MD, practice president, Nexus Health, said in the news release, “By joining The Network, we strengthen our ability to deliver specialty services in a community setting, giving more patients convenient access to better care. The organization’s clinical and business expertise, as well as The Network’s technologies, enables high-quality patient care that will help us succeed now and long into the future as we expand our service offerings.”

In 2023, Nexus Health plans to add urology, gynecology, radiation oncology, and hospitalist medicine to its current services, which include oncology, orthopedics, infusion services, and lab operations. In the future, Nexus Health expects to add more services, including some visiting specialties, such as bone marrow and liver transplant services. 

Reference
The US Oncology Network continues its rapid growth into new communities, adding Epic Care and Nexus Health. News release. The US Oncology Network. January 17, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2023. http://bit.ly/3WO7Nl4

Lucio Gordan, MD, Returns as President and Managing Physician of FCS

Lucio Gordan, MD, has returned to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) as president and managing physician. He previously served in the roles from 2018 to 2021.

“Dr Gordan is a highly respected leader across our practice and throughout the entire industry. His vision for FCS—cultivating a culture that embraces innovation, technology, and altruism—perfectly aligns with our organizational strategies that will continue to place our practice at the forefront of oncology care,” Nathan H. Walcker, CEO of FCS, said in a January 16, 2023, news release.

Michael Diaz, MD, who had served as president since 2021, stepped down from that role to focus on patient care and advocacy. “It has been both an honor and a privilege to have served our practice in this capacity,” Diaz said in the news release. “There are so many opportunities to make a difference in oncology, between patient care, research, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts, I look forward to this next chapter.”

Gordan said in the news release, “We are well positioned for continued success here at FCS, as we are focused on the singular goal of providing the best possible cancer care to patients throughout the state. My sincere thanks and gratitude to my colleague and friend Dr Diaz for his many efforts and significant contributions toward this end.”

Reference
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute reappoints Lucio Gordan, MD, as president and managing physician of statewide practice. News release. Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. January 16, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2023. https://prn.to/3jl0PGn

AON Names Chief Development Officer, Board Leadership

The American Oncology Network (AON) has named Anthony Belott, MBA, as its new chief development officer, replacing Brad Prechtl, who retired January 1, 2023. Prechtl will remain as a special adviser to the network and the board, according to an AON news release.¹

Belott joins AON from after serving as LifePoint Health’s vice president of in-market development. According to an AON news release, in this role, Belott drove acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic initiatives to diversify LifePoint’s services for its 65 acute care hospitals in 28 states. He previously was chief development officer for CleanSlate and senior vice president of business development for DSI Renal, now US Renal Care, and held senior leadership roles with companies now known as Concentra and Fresenius Medical Care.

“We’re delighted to welcome Anthony to our executive leadership team in this crucial role as we enter the next phase of growth at AON,” Todd Schonherz, chief executive officer, said in the news release.¹ “Anthony brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of health care acquisitions and joint ventures. We look forward to his contributions to expanding the network further.”

AON also announced the appointment of 2 medical oncologists in leadership roles for its Board of Managers.² Shalin R. Shah, DO, is chairman, and Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, is vice chairman. Shah practices with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute from its Tampa office. Divers is a medical oncologist at Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and has been AON’s chief medical officer since May 2022.²

References
1. American Oncology Network appoints news chief development officer. News release. AON. December 7, 2022. Accessed January 30, 2023. http://bit.ly/3JvKSr
2. American Oncology Network appoints chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Managers. News release. AON. January 25, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2023. http://bit.ly/3Dr34ie