On August 4, 2020, Messino Cancer Centers (MCC), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), announced that medical oncologist and the 2011-2014 member of the North Carolina Oncology Association (NCOA) Board of Directors Michael Messino, MD, received North Carolina’s highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is an honor granted by the State of North Carolina to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. Senator Terry Van Duyn presented the award to Dr. Messino on July 31, 2020.
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To better reach its patients living in rural communities throughout Georgia with targeted interventions, 2026 ACCC Innovator Award winner Winship Cancer Institute developed an Embedded Community Staff model, which leverages the experiential knowledge of local community members.

2026 ACCC Innovator Award Winner UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center noticed a common pain point among patients who received oncolytic virus treatment for advanced melanoma: time spent in appointments. To minimize the need for multiple lengthy appointments, the center developed a pharmacist-led strategy that utilized virtual visits and premixing doses prior to in-person visits.

In a recent article from Oncology Issues, authors conducted a systematic literature review and found that two main drivers of care disparities exist for transgender and nonbinary individuals with cancer: rigid binary gender frameworks and gaps in mental health care.

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