The American Journal of Managed Care hosted its annual Patient Centered-Oncology Care conference on September 25-26, 2025, at the JW Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee. Themed “Finding Our Rhythm: Embracing Change in Oncology Care,” the two-day event featured more than 60 faculty members discussing clinical and policy topics. AJMC provided live coverage of select sessions and conducted faculty interviews; a full recap appears in Evidence-Based Oncology.
5. Oncology experts cited breakthroughs in bispecifics, cell and gene therapy, and clinical decision support as the most exciting advances in cancer care. Interviewees included Vishnukamal Golla, MD, MPH, vice president of clinical technology and performance at Evolent; Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL, vice president of ambulatory pharmacy at Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute; and Scott Soefje, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, director of pharmacy cancer care at Mayo Clinic.
4. Panelists emphasized that trust and transparency are essential to leveraging artificial intelligence to expand access in precision oncology. The session explored the technology’s impact on science and health policy and featured moderator Davey Daniel, MD, of OneOncology, with Vivek Subbiah, MD, of Sarah Cannon Research Institute; Stephen Speicher, MD, MS, of Flatiron Health; John L. Villano, MD, PhD, of the University of Kentucky; and Alyssa Schatz, DrPH, MSW, of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
3. Oncology pharmacists faced the spotlight as speakers addressed rising drug costs, increasing treatment complexity, and workforce shortages. Panelists discussed the growing demands on pharmacists, challenges recruiting new talent, and strategies to sustain high-quality care as therapeutic options expand.
2. Conference takeaways highlighted AI, innovation, and collaboration as drivers for advancing oncology care. Faculty discussed ways to strengthen payer-provider-manufacturer relationships, accelerate precision medicine and pathway development, and safely extend innovative therapies to broader patient groups. AJMC interviews with attendees, including Emory’s Ryan Haumschild, underscored both the potential and cautions around AI adoption.
1. A panel on primary care–oncology collaboration examined bidirectional handoffs to reduce care disruptions and improve patient experience. Moderated by AJMC co–editor in chief A. Mark Fendrick, MD, the session covered coordination from screening and diagnosis through navigation support, stressing shared responsibility between primary care physicians and oncologists.
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