In a significant development for cancer care in northeastern Indiana, Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology (FWMOH) has officially joined the American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AON). This partnership marks a pivotal moment for FWMOH, which has been a trusted provider of oncology services since 1977, allowing the practice to expand its patient-focused services while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.
Dr. Praveen Kollipara, president of FWMOH and a board-certified medical oncologist, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing that this partnership comes at an exciting time for the organization. Recently, FWMOH has welcomed leading gynecologic oncologists to its team and expanded its reach into Peru and Warsaw, Indiana. With AON’s backing, FWMOH aims to pursue further growth initiatives and innovations to enhance care for patients across the region.
FWMOH operates nine locations staffed by 16 board-certified medical oncologists and two gynecologic oncologists, Dr. Iwona Podzielinski and Dr. Scott Goodrich. The latter joined AON as part of the Fort Wayne Gynecologic Oncology division in anticipation of this partnership.
Dr. Podzielinski highlighted the shared commitment between FWMOH and AON to deliver innovative and personalized cancer care within community settings. This collaboration is expected to improve convenience for patients while enhancing treatment outcomes.
FWMOH provides a wide range of cancer care services, including laboratory testing, PET/CT imaging, oral and IV infusion treatments, clinical trials, survivorship programs, and patient support, all designed to minimize travel burdens for patients and their families. The clinics are equipped with private exam rooms and on-site infusion suites to ensure patient comfort during treatment.
The integration into AON is seen as a strategic move that aligns with AON’s mission of expanding access to high-quality cancer care in local communities. Todd Schonherz, CEO of AON, welcomed FWMOH into the network, praising its exceptional reputation for community-based care and its commitment to individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
As part of AON’s rapidly growing network, which includes over 290 providers across 21 states, FWMOH is poised to leverage additional resources and support systems that enhance operational efficiency while focusing on patient care. Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer, expressed confidence in the benefits this partnership will bring to both patients and providers.
The collaboration aims to improve existing services as well as seeks to address disparities in cancer care by ensuring all patients have access to necessary treatments. As FWMOH providers begin accepting new patients under this partnership, they are set to continue their legacy of compassionate care informed by cutting-edge research.
The joining of Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology with the American Oncology Network signifies a transformative step in community oncology. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations are committed to enhancing the quality of cancer care available in northeastern Indiana while ensuring that patient-centered approaches remain at the forefront of their mission.
