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Expanding Reach: Leveraging National Resources to Strengthen Local Oncology
Expanding Reach: Leveraging National Resources to Strengthen Local Oncology
In the world of community-based oncology, a practice is more than just a healthcare provider—it’s an integral part of the community it serves. Patients, families, and caregivers take solace in knowing this resource exists close to home, but when that local practice joins AON, it gains the strength and resources of AON's national community while preserving its unique local identity.
Embedded in their local communities, these practices now tap into a larger, nationwide community, further enhancing their ability to provide patient-focused care.
A Strong Local Identity, Now with National Support
Practices that join AON go from having the support of their local community to becoming part of a much larger, nationwide network of oncology professionals. This unique combination allows for the best of both worlds: maintaining the local presence and community connections while benefiting from AON's national resources. AON emphasizes the importance of local identity, ensuring that each practice retains its name and continues to be recognized as an integral part of the community.
Beth Gann, senior regional director of operations, explains, “That local name stays the same because we recognize the value of that practice’s relationship with their community. We value that sense of community and ensure continuity for our patients. I think that speaks to our patient first mission and is a value of community oncology.”
Supporting Practices Through Seamless Integration
While the thought of joining a larger national network may raise concerns for some practices, AON prioritizes smooth integration. The goal is to enhance, not replace, the practice’s existing operations. Rather than imposing changes, AON listens closely to each practice’s needs. “It starts with listening—every practice has its own culture and history, so we take the time to understand what they need and how we can best support them,” says Karen Quick, vice president of human resources. “We don’t mandate changes; instead, we ask, ‘What would be most helpful to you?’”
The AON team works closely with practices to learn their business operations, helping fill gaps with national resources. “From there, we provide resources and tools to make their jobs easier, whether that’s streamlining administrative processes, enhancing benefits, or offering compliance support,” Quick adds.
Building Relationships Across a Larger Network
While the integration process may feel overwhelming at first, the personal connections made within AON create a strong sense of community. “Before joining AON, I worked for nine years in a large oncology office. While I was excited for a new role, I was very nervous about the prospect of working remotely for a large organization after being an 'in-office' employee,” says Anne Marie F. Rainey, director of value-based care. “My nervousness and worry could not have been more misplaced. So many have been welcoming, inclusive, and enthusiastic about the work our team does each day. The AON team always works to put patients and practices first, fostering connectedness across the network.”
Gann also highlights the importance of personal relationships within the network. “I was fortunate to be part of planning the first AON operations meeting last year. Local clinic leaders were invited to learn and grow with each other. They were able to form connections with their peers and interact with our executive and senior management teams. It creates that larger sense of community where you are not on an island, but part of this bigger group of islands that are connected.”
The Power of Technology and Tools for Better Care
One of the largest transitions for new practices is adopting AON’s technological systems. While some practices may be accustomed to paper-based processes, AON introduces digital tools like Workday and SharePoint that enhance efficiency. “One of the biggest adjustments for new practices is technology,” says Quick. “It can be a shift, but these systems ultimately make things more efficient and give practice leaders real-time insights into their operations. We guide them through that transition so it’s as smooth as possible.”
Reid Helgemo, IT project manager at AON, shares a firsthand experience about the value of these systems and the support within the AON community. “Having opened over 40 clinics, one thing that stands out to me in every single location is the unwavering dedication of the clinic staff to their patients. I know that when I’m on-site, it’s a challenging time for them—learning new systems, adjusting to new workflows—but despite all of that, patients never miss a beat with their care. It’s a constant reminder that the work we do in IT isn’t just about technology—it’s about supporting the people who make quality patient care possible.” From
Access to National Resources for Local Impact
When a practice joins AON, they gain access to a wealth of resources that help them provide even greater patient care. These resources support everything from streamlining operations to enhancing human resources. “Recruiting also plays a big role,” says Quick. “We support practices in finding the right people for key roles, leveraging sourcing tools and recruiting resources that many practices wouldn’t have on their own.”
Moreover, practices maintain that local connection that is vital to patient care, but with the benefit of national support. “When the practice joins AON, they retain all their community connections that benefit the patient, but now they have access to even more resources, allowing them to provide an additional layer of patient care,” Quick explains.
Strength in Numbers
The value of being part of a larger community network goes beyond the resources and support—it’s about connection, trust, and shared commitment to patient care. As Gann puts it, “We need a community. We create our own community and develop those trust relationships. So, for me, that's the biggest part of the community, the network, just helping practices know that they're not alone and that they have a large support system behind them.”
At the end of the day, our job is about connection—connecting people to the resources they need, to each other, and to the larger AON community. When employees feel supported and know they’re part of something bigger, that’s when we truly become one team. And that’s what makes AON special.
The AON team always works to put patients and practices first, fostering connectedness across the network.
Being part of this community has given me a deep appreciation for the resilience and commitment of the clinic teams I work with. It’s a constant reminder that the work we do in IT isn’t just about technology—it’s about supporting the people who make quality patient care possible.
We need a community. We create our own community and develop those trust relationships. So, for me, that's the biggest part of the community, the network, just helping practices know that they're not alone and that they have a large support system behind them.
