Local Oncologist Named Advocacy Champion by the Association for Clinical Oncology

Sakeer Hussain, MD, of Heartland Oncology & Hematology, was recognized for his involvement at the 2024 Advocacy Summit event.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa, May 14, 2024 –  Sakeer Hussain, MD, Board-certified medical oncologist at Heartland Oncology & Hematology, a partner practice of the American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC), one of the nation’s fastest-growing community oncology networks, was named an Advocacy Champion by the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) during the Association’s 2024 Advocacy Summit in April.

Advocacy Champions are ASCO volunteers who have made meaningful contributions to ASCO’s advocacy activities throughout the year to ensure that every patient with cancer has access to high-quality, high-value cancer care, no matter who they are or where they live. Advocates speak with federal lawmakers and agencies, send personalized letters to Members of Congress through ASCO’s ACT Network, engage with state lawmakers on policy priorities at the state level, and host site visits for lawmakers in their home states and districts.

“ASCO’s Advocacy Champions are instrumental in making lasting policy changes that positively impact cancer care and research,” said Piyush Srivastava, MD, FASCO, chair of ASCO’s Government Relations Committee. “They have worked tirelessly this year to advance policy that would end drug shortages, provide robust federal funding for cancer research, and expand telehealth flexibilities permanently. Their efforts will affect cancer care providers, researchers, and patients for years to come.”

Throughout the past year, Dr. Hussain has participated in a variety of advocacy activities, including annual visits to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congress representatives and speak on patient care challenges and opportunities such as prior authorization and telemedicine expansion flexibilities. Additionally, he gave testimony in the Iowa House of Representatives against medical switching and has hosted the local congressman at the clinic.

“Being named an ASCO Advocacy Champion is an honor and incredibly humbling, and it is a privilege to contribute to such a worthy cause as ASCO’s advocacy initiatives,” said Dr. Hussain. “Receiving this recognition means a lot to me and is a testament to my ongoing commitment to closing the cancer care gap and removing barriers to accessible cancer care and services. I look forward to continuing to fight for a system where everyone has access to the cancer care they need, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

“We are proud to learn that Dr. Hussain has been named an ASCO Advocacy Champion, and it is a well-deserved recognition of his passion and commitment to patient care and community oncology,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “Dr. Hussain’s work with ASCO bridges the critical gap between community oncology practices and federal lawmakers and aligns with our company mission to ensure the viability of independent oncology practices. His involvement directly impacts health policy decisions and calls attention to the importance of having local cancer care options available. It is an honor to have Dr. Hussain in our network, and we are excited to witness what he accomplishes next through this platform.”

For the news, advocacy, and analysis on cancer policy, please visit www.asco.org/ascoaction.

For more information about AON, visit www.AONcology.com. For more information about Heartland Oncology & Hematology, visit www.heartlandoncology.com.

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About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at AONcology.com.

About Heartland Oncology & Hematology
Heartland Oncology & Hematology is a community-based medical oncology and hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. Through compassionate care that centers around the patient, we strive to provide the best treatment options, state-of-the-art equipment and best possible experience to patients and their families throughout the healthcare journey. Learn more at www.heartlandoncology.com.

Contact for more information:
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
American Oncology Network
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com