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Advanced practice providers (APPs) play an increasingly vital role in delivering high-quality, team-based care. APPs need the right support and structure when stepping into the complex world of oncology, through thoughtful onboarding programs. It is essential to spotlight effective APP onboarding models across various practice settings, including academic, comprehensive, and community settings. Multidisciplinary oncology teams in all settings for APP programs highlight structure, support, and sustainability as key aspects of successful integration. This podcast, supported by state society oncology programs, discusses different approaches to onboarding, mentorship, and role optimization tailored to each institution’s unique needs and resources. CANCER BUZZ speaks with Jennifer Gray, DNP, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, assistant director of advanced practice at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute on her experience onboarding APPs with different experience levels in a comprehensive settingand onboarding APPs in clinical research. CANCER BUZZ then speaks with Glen Peterson, DNP, ACNP, RN, APP education & quality director and hematology quality director at the University of Colorado Cancer about effective strategies in a large academic environment. The podcast concludes with Jonathan Catrona, MS, PA-C, advanced practice clinical education specialist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists on retaining APPs in a community setting.
“We do believe that mentorship is key to building a resilient workforce and for retaining APPs, and it’s really an investment in supporting APP development and helping create the environment and workforce that you want in the future” – Jennifer Gray, DNP, ACNP-BC, AOCNP
“I think one of the most important things in onboarding APPs in a complicated academic medical center environment is that we have a very clear system and a clear structure to how we orient and onboard our APPs.” – Glen Peterson, DNP, ACNP, RN, APP
“My goal is to help you learn… [and] my goal is to make sure that you’re able to help patients and help people.” – Jonathan Catrona, MS, PA-C
Guests:
Glen Peterson, DNP, ACNP, RN,
APP Education & Quality Director, Hematology Quality Director
University of Colorado Cancer Center
Aurora, CO
Jennifer Gray, DNP, ACNP-BC, AOCNP
Assistant Director of Advanced Practice
Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute
Charlotte, NC
Jonathan Catrona, MS, PA-C
Advanced Practice Clinical Education Specialist
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
New York, NY
This program is part of the Optimizing the Role of the APP in Oncology Care initiative, made possible with support from the Rocky Mountain Oncology Society, Empire State Hematology & Oncology Society, North Carolina Oncology Association, Iowa Oncology Society, Nevada Oncology Society, and Washington State Medical Oncology Society.
Additional Resources:
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
June 30, 2026
