Meeting the Needs of a Growing Patient Population

On March 7, I was elected president of the association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) at the association’s House of Delegates meeting. For readers who are not familiar with my background, I am a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in oncology, 25 as a nurse practitioner. Currently, I serve as the director for research and evidence-based practice at the Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York, and I am fiercely dedicated to supporting and growing oncology teams. It is this dedication and passion that fueled my selection of Designing Oncology Care to Meet the Needs of a Growing Patient Population as the 2025-2026 ACCC President’s Theme.

This theme builds on the last 3 ACCC presidential themes, which focused on leveraging technology to improve the patient and provider experience; rebuilding the oncology workforce; and reimagining community engagement and equity in cancer. It is a natural progression that aims to integrate these elements into a cohesive strategy to meet the demands of a growing patient population. For the next 12 months, 4 key focus areas will collectively underpin this theme:

● Workforce Empowerment and Enablement.

Growing patient volume requires a fully utilized, well-supported workforce. To support this effort, ACCC will offer resources to help ensure all team members work in interdisciplinary collaboration and operate at the top of their license, as well as highlight how its members are supporting the oncology workforce by developing pipeline programs, innovative certification programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement pathways.

● Capacity-Building at Scale.

Health systems must scale their operations to meet the needs of a growing cancer patient population. ACCC will showcase how its members are implementing innovative care models such as community partnerships, virtual appointments, and decentralized care; elevating the role of advanced practice providers to expand care capacity and leadership within the cancer care team; and advocating for policies that support oncology capacity expansion.

● Technology as a Workforce Multiplier.

Integration of technology to enhance, rather than replace, the oncology workforce is crucial. We will share how our members are using AI and business intelligence tools to automate administrative and clinical tasks, improving efficiency and reducing burden. Enhancing interoperability for seamless information sharing across care settings and using digital tools to support provider efficiency and reduce burnout will lead to technology-driven care models that optimize resources, reduce clinician burden, and improve patient outcomes.

● Optimized Oncology Service Line Structures.

Comprehensive and coordinated or connected service lines are vital for ensuring reliable access to high-quality cancer care for all patients, regardless of who they are, where they live, or the location or setting in which they seek care. ACCC will showcase diverse examples of successful oncology care models tailored to different provider settings, establish governance structures for interdisciplinary service lines like oncology, and integrate clinical and nonclinical support services for a holistic patient experience. Expanding telehealth and virtual care will bridge geographic disparities, creating a seamless, equitable oncology care experience that prioritizes quality and accessibility for all patients.

I invite all ACCC member programs and practices to join us in designing oncology care to meet the needs of a growing patient population. Let us leverage our collective expertise, experience, and passion to create a future where every cancer patient receives the care they deserve.