As the field of oncology care grows ever more intricate, clinicians are navigating a labyrinth of new guidelines, evolving therapies, and rapidly advancing technologies. These developments are taking place against the backdrop of a broader challenge: delivering personalized care that is not only clinically effective but also financially sustainable. This confluence of complexity and urgency was a focal point at the 2025 Community Oncology Conference, hosted by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). At this landmark event, The American Journal of Managed Care® engaged with Stephen Speicher, MD, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and senior medical director at Flatiron Health, along with Kate Estep, head of product development at Flatiron’s health care business, to explore the seismic shifts reshaping oncology care today.
One crucial theme that emerged from their discussion was the transformation of oncology practices from relying on fragmented “point solutions” to embracing deeply embedded technological tools. Among the most promising of these are artificial intelligence (AI)–powered clinical decision support systems and ambient dictation tools, which aim to alleviate the administrative burden that often weighs heavily on oncologists. Dr. Speicher vividly highlighted that overwhelming burnout is a pervasive concern among oncology professionals: “The biggest thing that I hear about constantly as I talk to other oncologists…is just this idea of burnout is so overwhelming.” He underscored that technology is poised to be a vital ally in combating this burnout, offering hope to a workforce stretched to its limits.
Kate Estep’s insights further illuminated the nuanced ways technology is weaving into the fabric of oncology practice. She noted that conversations about the rapid pace of change in oncology care—ranging from increasingly personalized treatments to constantly updated clinical guidelines—have been ongoing for quite some time. However, with the proliferation of technology, clinicians have faced a new challenge: “point solution fatigue,” where multiple stand-alone systems create more noise than clarity. The recent advent of AI and ambient technologies, such as integrated dictation tools, presents a turning point. These innovations enhance the usability of electronic health records (EHRs) by enabling the extraction of structured insights from a sea of unstructured clinical data. Estep expressed optimism about the promise these tools hold in enriching patient-physician dialogues and improving overall care quality.
Burnout among healthcare providers is a complex and far-reaching issue, affecting not only clinician well-being but also patient outcomes. Dr. Speicher stressed this point, describing burnout as both “consequential and pervasive.” Yet, the tide appears to be turning thanks to strides in technological innovation. With AI’s burgeoning capabilities to process information, offer clinical decision support, and streamline documentation, the healthcare sector is on the cusp of transformative change. Speicher captured this momentum, affirming, “I think that's why we're seeing our practices so ready to adopt technology, ready to really lean into [AI], because they see this as their opportunity to make meaningful change in something that they're really scared about.” In essence, the clinical community recognizes technology not as a mere tool but as a vital partner in restoring balance and effectiveness to oncology care.
Looking beyond the conference, these developments signal a future where technology and human expertise are harmonized to enhance cancer care dramatically. The integration of AI is not just about automation; it's about elevating patient care by freeing doctors from administrative drudgery and allowing more focused, empathetic interactions. Ambient dictation tools reduce time spent on note-taking, and intelligent decision support systems ensure treatment plans align with the latest guidelines and personalized patient data. Moreover, as these technologies mature and become more deeply embedded into everyday clinical workflows, they hold the promise of transforming oncology into a more sustainable, responsive, and patient-centered discipline. In the words of Estep, “That’s really exciting as we think about the promise for patient care overall.” With the oncology community embracing this technological renaissance, there is a growing sense that burnout may finally be countered with innovation that truly supports the caregivers—and by extension, the lives they touch.
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