AON announces several senior leadership appointments solidifying the organization’s commitment to community oncology and practice success.

Fort Myers, Fla., Mar. 30, 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 several new senior leadership appointments. Key changes include:

• Positioning the Information Technology function, under the leadership of AON Chief Information Officer Mark Moch, as a direct report to the Chief Executive Officer given the importance of technology and informatics as a growth enabler for the organization.
• Appointing Michael Essik as Vice President, Finance to improve practice performance and financial reporting.
• Naming Melody Chang as Vice President, Pharmacy Operations, representing the importance of pharmacy operations and revenue to the network’s growth plans.
• Appointing Guy Messer as Vice President, Radiation and Radiology Services to enhance and expand diagnostic imaging across the network.
• Naming Katie Goodman as Vice President, Clinical Research to expand clinical research program development across AON strategic sites.
• Naming Caroline Hewitt as Vice President, Marketing to strengthen the AON and partner practice brands.

Moch is responsible for overseeing information technology across AON and has established an outstanding reputation for innovation and results in the realm of informatics, an area that will continue to be a critical part of the effective delivery of care for our patients. Prior to joining AON, he served as Chief Information Officer for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and as Vice President of Information Technology at Promise Healthcare, Inc. A native of Poland, Moch holds a Master of Arts degree in literature from the University of Wroclaw in Poland.

Essik will lead AON’s financial reporting and analysis team including the analysis for acquisitions as AON continues to grow at an exponential rate. In his prior role with FCS, he played a vital part in their growth from nine regions to more than 50 over his eight-year tenure. His over 20 years of prior experience includes progressive financial roles with McKesson and Cardinal Health, the Timken Company, and the acquisition and management of charter schools throughout the southeastern U.S. Essik earned his bachelor’s degrees in finance, business and education from Walsh University and his MBA from Ashland University.

Chang will lead AON’s pharmacy operations and is uniquely qualified for this role, having successfully established the pharmacy operational program in her prior role at FCS, including drafting the pharmacy training manual and instituting the regional trainer program that enabled a standard practice throughout nearly 100 locations. Chang also worked as a lead pediatric oncology pharmacist at Lee Health in Florida and as an oncology pharmacist at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando (now UF Health Cancer Center). Chang received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from China Medical University in Taiwan and earned her MBA degree from Tulane University in New Orleans.

Messer will lead AON’s radiation and radiology services. With more than 25 years’ experience in a variety of roles Messer has a deep understanding of how today’s healthcare is delivered particularly within the diagnostic imaging space. Prior to joining AON he served as Chief Executive Officer of Trident Medical Imaging, a multi-modality diagnostic imaging organization with a primary focus on PET/CT and oncologic imaging. During his tenure at Trident, he also served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Sales. In addition, Messer served on the Technical Assessment Committee for Georgia’s Department of Community Health tasked with developing the state’s Certificate of Need Rules for PET/CT scanners and volunteered his services as Chief Financial Officer for the non-profit Outpatient Imaging Coalition. Messer received his MBA from Georgia State University and his Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University.

Goodman will oversee AON’s current and future clinical research initiatives. Goodman brings over 25 years of healthcare experience including oncology nursing, clinical research, and program development. Most recently she worked at FCS where she developed processes which supported a network of 37 community-based clinical research sites throughout Florida, enrolling over 500 patients annually to phase 1-3 protocols. During her tenure she was responsible for many initiatives including opening two fully dedicated phase 1 clinical trial units and implementing technology solutions used to successfully match patients to clinical trials using clinical and genomic data. Goodman earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University.

Hewitt will lead marketing and communications strategies for AON and its partner practices to strengthen brand and support the organization’s long-term growth initiatives. With over 15 years of successful marketing management and leadership experience, she is a data-driven and creative marketer, having achieved excellent results driving demand generation and business growth. Since joining AON in July 2019 as Director of Marketing, she has devised and implemented numerous impactful external and internal initiatives and campaigns. She was instrumental in the creation of the organization’s refreshed brand strategy and website, launched in 2020. Prior to joining AON, she managed the strategic direction of the marketing plan for Harmony Healthcare, oversaw the brand, product and content marketing for Spectrum Enterprise, and online marketing for Greenway Health. Hewitt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies from the University of London and earned her MBA from Durham University, England.

“This organizational announcement is another step forward in our networks transformational journey,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “We are moving quickly to position our organization for continued growth and to ensure we can respond to the fast-changing needs of our patients, physicians and employees across the country. Each of these leaders is highly capable and we look forward to leveraging their expertise as we transform our business for the future.”

AON President & Chief Operating Officer Todd Schonherz added: “These appointments support our efforts to create an organization that is focused on vital strategic initiatives, operations, and growth. This is an exciting time for AON. Above all our shared focus remains unchanged as we move forward: providing best-in-class cancer care to patients in their local communities.”

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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 92 physicians and 62 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 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

Fort Myers, Fla. & Bethesda, Md., Mar. 8, 2021 – The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), an American Oncology Network (AON) partner, is pleased to announce it is now offering THOR® Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the prevention and treatment of mouth sores in cancer therapy patients. Patients can now receive light therapy at both office locations in Maryland, Bethesda at 6410 Rockledge Drive, Suite 660 and in Germantown at 19735 Germantown Road, Suite 255.

The positive effects of PBM therapy on oral mucositis have been reported in 42 randomized controlled trials and nine systematic reviews, reducing the incidence of severe mucositis. Guidelines issued by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) in 2019 recommend the use of PBM for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis caused by radiation.

“Cancer patients deal with many side effects when they go through treatment,” said Dr. Mark G. Goldstein of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. “Head and neck cancer patients receiving a high dose of chemoradiation treatment are almost 100 percent guaranteed to get a high level of oral mucositis. These painful mouth sores can make everyday tasks like eating, swallowing or brushing teeth difficult. Being able to offer our patients light therapy can bring therapeutic benefit. Without sores, patients can maintain their treatment schedules and may be able to avoid feeding tubes as well as narcotics. Maintaining treatment schedules can improve cancer control and overall outcome, along with reducing any long-term side effects.”

Each light treatment takes about 60 seconds and is painless. The light unit is shaped like a flat popsicle which is placed inside the mouth. With this single light unit, the entire mouth can be treated including the tongue as well as the areas near and behind the tonsils. Research done in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, India and Europe, shows no side effects.

Medical Director and CEO of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Dr. Ralph Boccia added, “New developments continue to improve a patient’s quality of life. Currently only a handful of medical universities offer this light therapy. We’re excited to be one of the first community medical oncology practices in the country to be able to offer and treat mucositis, a major side effect suffered by many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.”

AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA said, “Bringing the most advanced and innovative technologies to patients is an essential part of CCBD’s mission as a community oncology practice to provide exceptional cancer care to patients close to home.”

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. It consistently strives to find innovative ways to connect with patients. AON’s community oncology model allows physicians to focus on what matters most — their 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 growing AON network represents 92 physicians and 62 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16states. 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.

About The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders: (CCBDmd.com)
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer, The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has been serving patients in the communities and surrounding areas of Bethesda and Germantown, Maryland for more than 25 years. Their individualized approach to patient care includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and when appropriate, cutting edge therapies on clinical trials. The practice regularly performs more than 300 clinical trials on new and developing diagnostic devices and techniques for cancer and diseases. Patients receive home delivery of oral cancer medications, in-house lab and pathology and on-site infusion therapy. The practice also offers comprehensive support with nutrition guidance and financial counseling.

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

Fort Myers, Fla., Mar. 1, 2021 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth national network of independent community oncologists, is pleased to announce that Greater Washington Oncology Associates in Silver Spring, Md. joined AON effective March 1, 2021. This community-based practice is now the fourth practice in the greater Washington D.C. metro area to partner with AON.

Greater Washington Oncology Associates (GWOA) has four medical oncologists/hematologists and one nurse practitioner who deliver a comprehensive range of treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Making care easily accessible with four locations in the greater Washington D.C. metro area and suburban Maryland. The main location is in Silver Spring with satellite offices in Rockville, Washington D.C., and Germantown.

“The physicians and staff at GWOA are known for providing the highest level of cancer care in a caring and compassionate environment for patients and their loved ones,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “We welcome Drs. Trehan, Sharma, Cross and Kelly and their entire team to our growing network of community oncology practices.”

GWOA Medical Oncologist Ram S. Trehan, MD said, “Our affiliation with AON will help us deliver even better care to our patients with added services such as a centralized clinical laboratory and pathology and an oral oncolytic pharmacy with home delivery.”

AON President & COO Todd Schonherz said, “This new addition to our AON network team will offer patients easy access to the newest and most advanced treatments close to where patients live.”

AON was founded by well-respected leaders in community oncology with decades of experience helping oncology practices to thrive by providing proven solutions and ensuring that everyone has access to exceptional cancer care.

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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 represents 92 physicians and 62 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 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 Greater Washington Oncology Associates: (GWOA.com)
Greater Washington Oncology Associates (GWOA) has been providing the highest level of cancer care in the greater Washington D.C. metro area and suburban Maryland since 1990. The main location is in Silver Spring, Md. with satellite offices in Rockville, Washington D.C., and Germantown. GWOA is committed to providing patients with the latest in cancer detection and treatment options. Specializing in cancer and blood disorders, GWOA’s highly skilled team works together at every stage of the diagnosis offering personalized cancer treatment to help make the best decisions in the fight against cancer.

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

Fort Myers, Fla., Feb. 8, 2021 – The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), whose mission is to support the long-term viability of community oncology, is pleased to announce that Medical Oncologist Douglas Heldreth, MD has been named to its Executive Board, providing strategic guidance to its growing network of physicians and physician practices, currently in 15 states. He joins current Executive Board members: Stephen Orman, MD, Vipul Patel, MD, Craig Reynolds, MD and Daniel Spitz, MD. Dr. Roy Ambinder who joined the Board in August 2019, has stepped down from the position.

After graduating from West Virginia University School of Medicine, Dr. Douglas Heldreth completed his internship at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, W. Va. and his residency at Orlando Regional Medical Center/University of Florida in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Heldreth practiced internal medicine for over six years and, from 1992 to 1994, he also served as Medical Director of Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Fla. His experience with hospice patients strengthened his interest in oncology and inspired him to return to the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, Fla. to pursue further training in hematology/medical oncology. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Heldreth joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in 1996. He practices in Naples, Fla.

AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA said “With more than three decades of expertise in all areas of oncology practice management, AON enables physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.  The addition of Dr. Heldreth to our Board strengthens our ability to ensure the long-term success of community oncology.”

AON Board Member & Chairman Dr. Stephen Orman added “We’re grateful for Dr. Ambinder’s hard work and dedication and so pleased to have such an experienced and highly respected physician as an addition to the Board. Our Board members do an excellent job helping our partners successfully navigate today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape while serving the needs of their patients.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: www.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 88 physicians and 61 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 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
Director of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736

Fort Myers, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 – Drs. Joseph Ye and Dong Xiang of Partner Oncology are pleased to announce that Medical Oncologist Xinda David Wang, MD, PhD has joined the community oncology practice in Puyallup, Washington. An American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) practice, Partner Oncology provides comprehensive treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders at its clinic in Pierce county.

Dr. Wang earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University, School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. He completed his internal medicine residency at University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville, Florida followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wang also holds a Master of Science and PhD in biochemistry from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York. He is Board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine.

Partner Oncology Physician Dr. Joseph Ye said, “Dr. Wang is highly skilled with an excellent patient satisfaction record and will be an asset to our practice and patients.”

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Wang to Partner Oncology and the American Oncology Network,” said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “His 10 years of scientific research will help advance cancer treatments for our patients in the Washington area.”

“Adding Dr. Wang to the existing expert staff at Partner Oncology will only help elevate the level of care within the Puyallup community,” said AON President & COO Todd Schonherz. “We welcome Dr. Wang to our AON team, helping us deliver the highest quality cancer care close to home.”

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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 represents 88 physicians and 61 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 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 Partner Oncology: (PartnerOncology.com)
Partner Oncology (PO) offers convenient access to quality cancer and hematology care for patients in Puyallup, Washington. A community-based practice, PO provides medical oncology/hematology services and infusion therapy including immunotherapy for treating cancer and other diseases.

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