Southern Cancer Center, a physician-owned multi-site medical oncology practice serving the Alabama Gulf Coast region, has joined The US Oncology Network. The Network provides strong and comprehensive practice management capabilities and value-based care expertise that are critical for independent practices such as Southern Cancer Center navigating today’s challenging healthcare landscape. The Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, an industry provider of solutions that empower the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Southern Cancer Center and The US Oncology Network share a vision of keeping independent physician groups strong and viable, while aiming to improve patient health.

“Our top priority was, is and always will be the health of our patients,” said Michael W. Meshad, M.D., president and founder of Southern Cancer Center. “That’s why joining forces with The US Oncology Network was an easy choice and the right fit for our practice. I, as well as my fellow physicians and care team, can focus on what’s most important, our patients, all while knowing that the health and viability of our practice is being cared for by The Network. Additionally, because of this affiliation, our practice can remain independent and physician-owned, caring for patients in the community in which they live.”

As part of The US Oncology Network, Southern Cancer Center will have access to expertise and resources from The Network typically only available in large academic medical centers. The practice will have access to state-of-the-art technology and programs to support oncology practices as they transition to value-based care delivery models, including iKnowMedSM Generation 2 electronic health record and Clear Value PlusSM chemotherapy regimen support tool. Additionally, physicians will be able to collaborate on difficult cases with their colleagues across America through eTumor Boards and The Oncology Portal, tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of more than 1,400 physicians.

Southern Cancer Center will participate in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, a leader in bringing innovative therapies to patients in local communities across the nation. The organization manages approximately 300 active trials at any given time and has played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, about one-third of all those approved by the FDA to date.

The Network also benefits from the collaboration. The addition of Southern Cancer Center’s eight highly-credentialed and specialized medical oncology physicians extends the reach of The Network, broadening and strengthening the capabilities and knowledge-base of the organization throughout the Gulf Coast Region of Alabama.

“The US Oncology Network is committed to supporting independent community oncology practices to remain viable and thrive in a complex and evolving healthcare environment,” said Kirk Kaminsky, president of The US Oncology Network and Practice Management for McKesson Specialty Health. “Our innovative and comprehensive practice management solutions allow providers to overcome business challenges and ensure long-term practice health so the physicians can focus on their top priority—helping their patients fight cancer. We are excited for Southern Cancer Center to join the Network and look forward to our work together toward our common goal of improving healthcare.”