Our Speakers
Experts in advocacy, policy, treatment and more.
Robert E. Baird, Jr.
RN, MSA
President
National Cancer
Treatment Alliance
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Robert Baird, Jr. - RN, MSA
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| Robert E. Baird, Jr., R.N., M.S.A., has extensive experience in health care management, developing strategic plans and directing financial, operational, and clinical initiatives. He is currently working for the National Cancer Treatment Alliance (NCTA) positioning community oncology practices for success in the changing health care environment. Prior to joining NCTA, Robert was the CEO of Dayton Physicians Network, where he merged 3 independent physician practices (Medical Oncology/Radiation Oncology/Urology) to create a large multi-specialty practice. He grew the network from 18 to over 40 providers, generating $170 million in annual revenues. Robert received his Master of Science in Hospital and Health Service Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Nursing Degree from Excelsior College. |
| SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM) Role: Moderator Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For? |
Antonio Ciaccia
BS
Chief Strategy Officer
3 Axis Advisors
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Antonio Ciaccia - BS
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| Born and raised in pharmacy, Antonio Ciaccia has been crawling around pharmacies his entire life. After three years as a pharmacy technician and two years of pre-pharmacy curriculum, Antonio diverted course, graduating from The Ohio State University in 2007 with dual degrees in communications and political science before moving into the world of association management.
Thinking that pharmacy would be in his rear-view mirror forever, he ended up making his way back to his pharmacy home, heading up government affairs for the Ohio Pharmacists Association, a trade organization with a strong track record of advocating for drug pricing transparency. After years of studying the pharmacy marketplace, Antonio became increasingly perplexed and concerned as he saw drug costs spiking while payouts to pharmacies were declining. Knowing something was being lost somewhere in the middle of an ever-growing transaction, Antonio was a driving force that helped uncover hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden middleman markups in the Ohio Medicaid program in 2018. Through his experience in pharmacy, work in public policy, consulting at 3 Axis Advisors, and studies at 46brooklyn Research, he has spent years working to crack the drug pricing code and pull the rug out from what he believes is one of the most dysfunctional marketplaces in the world. |
| SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM) Role: Panelist The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform? |
Marc Cohen
Manager, Value Partnerships
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
David Contorno
Founder / CEO
E Powered Benefits
Michael Diaz
MD
Director of Patient Advocacy
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
President
Community Oncology Alliance
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Michael Diaz - MD
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| Dr. Michael Diaz joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) in 2011 and currently serves on the FCS Executive Board and as Director of Patient Advocacy for the practice. Dr. Diaz also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, as Vice-Chair, which provides non-medical financial assistance to qualified cancer patients in Florida. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors and as the Immediate Past President for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO). Dr. Diaz also provides leadership on the Board of Directors for Community Oncology Alliance (COA) as Vice-President, serving on the Payment Reform Task Force working to champion Medical Oncology Health Care Reform and as a Co-Medical Director for the COA Patient Advocacy Network. He is active with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on multiple Work Groups and as a member of ASCO's Clinical Practice Committee. Dr. Diaz donates many hours as an active Medical Missionary and has participated in numerous medical missions to Kingston, Jamaica. |
| SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (12:00 – 12:50 PM) Role: Moderator Assessing the Patient Impact of Insurer Mandates: White/Brown Bagging, Step Therapy, Home Infusion, & Other Strategies |
A. Mark Fendrick
MD
Director
Center for Value-Based
Insurance Design
University of Michigan
Nicolas Ferreyros
Director of Communications
Community Oncology Alliance
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Nicolas Ferreyros
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| Nicolas Ferreyros is Director of Communications at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible community cancer care. He is responsible for all internal and external communications activities at COA, including media relations, policy communications, and digital strategy. A seasoned communications counselor and strategist with more than 13 years of experience in public relations, Nick has a deep understanding of the people, policies, and processes that affect America’s health care system. Since 2006, he has been engaged in nearly every major health policy issue before Congress and regulatory agencies, including the Affordable Care Act, the 340B Drug Discount Program, Medicare policy, and more. He has worked closely with Democratic and Republican legislators on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Department of Health & Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institutes of Health.
With a knack for translating the “wonkery” of science and policy into plain language and understandable concepts that people care about, Nick specializes in developing successful strategies to address complex issues. Working closely with thought leaders, stakeholders, reporters, and editors, his work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS Evening News, PBS NewsHour, and other leading national outlets. Prior to joining COA, Nick was a managing supervisor at GYMR Public Relations, a boutique Washington, DC communications firm specializing in health care, science and social issues. While there, he oversaw high-profile, award-winning campaigns for clients including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Board of Internal Medicine, Consumer Reports, and numerous federal agencies. |
| SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM) Role: Moderator The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform? |
John Fox
MD
Chief Boundary Spanner
Foxworthy Healthcare
Consulting, LLC
Bo Gamble
Director of Strategic
Practice Initiatives
Community Oncology Alliance
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Bo Gamble - BS Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives Community Oncology Alliance |
| In his current position with COA, Bo Gamble has been responsible for the development of the principles and metrics associated with the Oncology Medical Home (OMH) program. Working with COA members and payers, the OMH program was developed in 2012 and participating practices began using this practice model immediately. Robert “Bo” Gamble joined the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) in May 2011 as the Director of Strategic Practice Initiatives. Mr. Gamble brings a diverse range of cancer practice expertise at the national and local levels. His extensive experience includes 13 years’ experience as administrator at a multi-physician, multi-location oncology practice, and medical IT consulting to Big Eight accounting firms. Prior to that, he served in various health care capacities as an independent consultant for hospital patient accounting and IT implementation projects, National Director of Client Support for a health care software company, and business office manager for a 300+ bed hospital. He got his beginning as a hospital orderly during his college years. Bo has also served as the President and Legislative Chairperson for the North Carolina Oncology Practice Management Society, a member of the COA Board of Directors, and the co-chair of the national COA Administrators’ Network. Bo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University. |
| SESSIONS Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:00 – 12:10 PM) Role: Presenter Day One Welcome & IntroductionsTuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:10 – 12:50 PM) Role: Presenter The State of Oncology Payment Reform: Ongoing Models, Pilots, & Projects Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (1:50 – 2:40 PM) Role: Moderator Deep Dive: Updates From Three Ongoing Oncology Payment Reform Projects Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:00 – 9:10 AM) Role: Presenter Day Two Opening Remarks Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (1:20 – 2:10 PM) Role: Moderator Update on COA’s Oncology Care Model 2.0: A Comprehensive Solution for Providing High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM) Role: Moderator Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (4:00 – 4:15 PM) Role: Presenter Closing Observations & Remarks |
Neil Goldfarb
President / CEO
Greater Philadelphia Business
Coalition on Health
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Neil Goldfarb
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| Neil Goldfarb is Founding President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, established in 2012 to help employers develop best practices for maintaining a healthy workforce, and to improve healthcare safety, quality, and value. GPBCH represents over 1.5 million covered lives in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. Mr. Goldfarb has over 40 years of healthcare research and management experience. Previous positions include Associate Dean for Research in the Jefferson College of Population Health, and Vice President of Health Services for the Philadelphia region’s first Medicaid managed care plan. Mr. Goldfarb has authored over 60 articles in the peer-reviewed literature. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM) Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology |
Lucio Gordan
MD
President / Managing Physician
Florida Cancer Specialists
& Research Institute
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Lucio Gordon
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Dr. Lucio Gordan earned his medical degree from the State University of Londrina College of Medicine (Londrina, State of Paraná, Brazil¬), and subsequently, completed his Internship and Residency at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA). After finishing his Residency, Dr. Gordan was awarded a Fellowship in Medical Oncology/Hematology at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida). He is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine. Currently, Dr. Gordan serves as the President & Managing Physician of Florida Cancer Specialists and practices at the Gainesville Cancer Center. Also, Dr. Gordan serves on the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) Executive Board and Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Board of Directors. As a cancer researcher, Dr. Lucio Gordan is actively engaged in clinical studies, has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and has received research grants. In 2013, Dr. Gordan was awarded the prestigious FRIST Award from the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in recognition of his service in the Gainesville community and North Florida Regional Medical Center. Frequently, he participates in national and international meetings as a speaker and key-opinion leader. Married with one child, Dr. Gordan enjoys traveling, reading, horseback riding, and photography. |
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SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM) Role: Panelist The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform |
Janelle Hamilton
Director of Payer Relations, Compliance Officer
Illinois Cancer Care, PC
Cheryl Larson
President / CEO
Midwest Business Group on Health
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Cheryl Lawson
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Cheryl Larson is President and CEO of the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH), an employer coalition of over 130 mid, large and jumbo, self-funded, public and private companies who represent more than 4M lives. She oversees all coalition activities including advocacy, membership, administration, research projects and educational activities, working closely with MBGH’s employer-led Board of Directors to establish the strategic direction of the coalition. She also leads MBGH’s National Employer Initiative on Specialty Drugs, the first major purchaser-driven research project that supports employers in managing the higher costs of biologic and specialty drugs by helping them make critical and informed decisions. Cheryl joined MBGH in 1983 and served as the Director of Membership Development for almost 14 years. She then spent 10 years with a population health management company, returning to MBGH in 2006 as Vice President. In 2018, she became President & CEO. Cheryl is a nationally recognized speaker on employer best practices in managing specialty drugs, value-based benefit design, wellbeing, consumerism, engagement and benefit communications. She currently serves on multiple boards and committees representing the purchaser perspective, including the Institute of Medicine Chicago – Board of Directors and Fellow, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions – Board of Governors, University of Michigan Value Based Insurance Design (VBID) – National Task Force on Low-Value Care. |
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SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:55 - 1:45 PM) Role: Panelist The Employer Perspective on the State of Cancer Care & Payment Reform |
Jonathan E. Levitt
Esq.
Founding Partner
Frier Levitt, LLC
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Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.
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Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq., co-founded the boutique Healthcare law firm of Frier Levitt, LLC in 2000. Frier Levitt enjoys a national foothold in Life Sciences and Healthcare. Beginning with a 2003 nationwide class action of independent pharmacies, Jonathan began his journey to both understand all aspects of the drug space and develop skills relevant to multiple stakeholders. Frier Levitt has grown to more than 35 Healthcare-focused attorneys, including clinician attorneys, with offices in New York City and Pine Book, New Jersey. At Frier Levitt, Jonathan has dedicated his practice to representing pharmacies, physician-dispensers, national provider associations, manufacturers, wholesalers, and plan sponsors. He has an established track record of challenging abusive practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and speaks at Life Sciences conferences across the country in an effort to share his firm’s specialized knowledge. Jonathan is the author of the LinkedIn Group “Hot Topics in Pharmacy Law” and has been published in internationally circulated publications. He commits himself to pro bono and public service assignments. For the last 13 years, Jonathan’s peers have elected him as a Super Lawyer. Jonathan is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Jonathan has competed in triathlons, including the 2012 New York Ironman U.S. Championships, as well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (9:15 – 10:05 AM) Role: Panelist The PBM Conundrum: Are PBMs the Solution or Problem in Oncology Payment Reform? |
Chris Manzi
President
Pequot Health Care
Barbara McAneny
MD
CEO
New Mexico Oncology
Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
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Barbara L. McAneny, MD
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Barbara L. McAneny, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist/hematologist from Albuquerque, N.M., became the 173rd president of the American Medical Association in June 2018. She has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since June 2010, serving as its chair in 2015–2016. Dr. McAneny is a fellow and former member of the board of directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), a master of the American College of Physicians, and a past president of the New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS), the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association and the New Mexico chapter of the American College of Physicians. In addition, she has served as a member of the Community Oncology Alliance Board of Trustees and on the board of directors of the Cancer Center Business Summit. She became the delegate to the AMA from ASCO in 2002 and was elected to the AMA Council on Medical Service in 2003, serving as its chair in 2009–2010. Dr. McAneny is one of the founders and current chair of the board of the National Cancer Care Alliance, a group of independent practices collaborating to use innovation to deliver high-quality, high-value cancer care and to develop new alternative payment models based on sound data-driven principles. Prior to this, she was a founding member of Oncology Circle, a group of oncology practices using data to promote best practices. Dr. McAneny’s interest in using data to improve practice sustainability began when she was appointed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, where she served from 2002 to 2006. In 2012 Dr. McAneny received a $19.8 million grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to demonstrate how oncology practices could use triage pathways to dramatically lower costs while improving outcomes. This award, named COME HOME (for Community Oncology Medical Home), later was incorporated into Medicare’s Oncology Care Model. Innovative Oncology Business Solutions Inc., the company she created to manage the award, is now assisting physician practices in developing the process changes needed for MACRA. Among other volunteer activities, she has served on the governor of New Mexico’s Task Force on Prenatal Care, the board of Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, and as chair of the joint task force of the NMMS and the New Mexico Bar Association on domestic violence. A recipient of a New Mexico Woman on the Move Award in 2005 and Woman of Influence Award in 2009, Dr. McAneny has been voted several times by her peers as Albuquerque The Magazine’s “Top Doc” in her specialty. Dr. McAneny also co-founded New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants Ltd. in 1987 with Clark Haskins, MD. A managing partner since 1999, she built New Mexico Cancer Center as the first physician-owned multi-disciplinary cancer center in the state with clinics in Albuquerque and Gallup. She also founded the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, which provides grants to help patients with nonmedical expenses. Dr. McAneny graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and with honors from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1977. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa in 1980 and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of New Mexico in 1983. She is married to Steven Kanig, MD, a nephrologist and chair of the New Mexico AMA delegation. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (12:00 – 12:50 PM) Role: Panelist Assessing the Patient Impact of Insurer Mandates: White/Brown Bagging, Step Therapy, Home Infusion, & Other Strategies |
Ted Okon
MBA
Executive Director
Community Oncology Alliance
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Ted Okon, MBA
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Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. He is quoted extensively in the press, including guest appearances on TV and radio news shows. Ted has testified before Congress on cancer issues and is frequently on Capitol Hill discussing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. Ted’s target areas of expertise include the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug shortages, and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States. Ted has dedicated his career to healthcare business and policy. He has worked for several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Warner-Lambert, now part of Pfizer, and IMS Health. He co-founded and took public the health care information business Medical Marketing Group. He also founded two oncology companies (an oncology clinical research network and an information network) and has traveled extensively to China, India, Singapore, the U.K., and the Middle East, analyzing and discussing cancer care delivery. As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Ted oversees the strategic direction of this non-profit organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting, under the direction of a dedicated board of oncologists and practice administrators. Ted also travels the country speaking to state oncology societies, professional organizations, and companies about the challenges facing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. He has authored numerous articles and studies relating to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement, and clinical issues. Ted holds a BS degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from the Carnegie-Mellon University Tepper School of Business. His wife is a full-time practicing oncology nurse. |
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SESSIONS Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM) Role: Moderator The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (3:10 – 4:00 PM) Role: Panelist Is Direct Contracting the Solution? New Initiative Connecting Employers & Providers Directly in High-Quality, Affordable Cancer Care |
Kathy Oubre
MS
Chief Operating Officer
Pontchartrain Cancer Center
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Kathy Oubre, MS
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Kathy Oubre has been the Chief Operating Officer for Pontchartrain Cancer Center since September 2005. In this role, she provides non-clinical leadership for all aspects of the practice, including financial counseling, policy/procedure development, billing, nutrition programs and survivorship care. Kathy is currently overseeing the newest addition to PCC – the integration of clinical trials for individuals looking to receive access to new treatment options for cancer or blood disorders. After graduating from Louisiana State University, Kathy received her Master of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is the President of the Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP), President-Elect of the Louisiana Medical Group Managers Association (MGMA) and President of MGMA Northlake Chapter. Kathy is also the Advisory Board President for You Night Empowering Events which is a year-round cancer survivorship program for women. Other memberships include the Association of Community Cancer Centers, Medical Group Managers Association, Community Oncology Alliance, and the Junior League of Greater Covington (past board member.) Kathy was also the co-chair for the 2015 Relay for Life in East St. Tammany. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (10:10 – 11:00 AM) Role: Panelist Biosimilar Opportunities, Challenges, & Realities |
Jason Parrott
Senior Manager
Global Healthcare &
Well Being Strategy
Boeing
Kashyap Patel
MD
CEO
Carolina Blood and
Cancer Care Associates
Co-Chair
COA Payment Reform
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Kashyap Patel, MD
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Kashyap Patel, is the CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates. Dr. Patel is a full time practicing medical oncologist, board certified in Hematology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. He is vice president for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He is also chairman of the newly formed Biosimilars committee for the COA. He is a chairman for the clinical affairs and trustee for the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). He is also a member of the CPC committee for the ASCO. He has been an advisor for the large payers including DHHS (SC), Palmetto GBA. He also serves on and advisory board for Medicaid HMOs. He has a special interest in health care policy and economics and the end of life care. He recently joined International oncology network as medical director. He has expertise in Value Based Care and has successfully led Oncology Care Model pilots with two payers including with CMMI (new division of CMS). Dr. Patel is the Associate Editor in Chief for the AJMC and Evidence Based Oncology. He is a certified trainer for physicians “Education in Palliative and End of life Care” and has been a speaker at several different CME events. He is involved in healthcare economics and is working with major commercial payer on AAPM. He is also contractor medical director for Palmetto GBA (consultant). He is past president of the South Carolina Oncology Society. He has been working directly with cancer patients for the last twenty years. He has served as chairman of several committees in numerous South Carolina hospitals. He has had extensive research experience in the field of oncology and have published and presented articles in journals (nationally and internationally) and has had research merit awards for research in cancer including ASCO merit awards during fellowship. Dr. Patel has extensive legislative experience both at the local and national level. He has testified in state senate as well as has carried out capitol hill briefing on precision medicine. He has also carried out senate and congressional staff briefing on multiple issues. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (10:10 – 11:00 AM) Role: Panelist Biosimilar Opportunities, Challenges, & Realities |
Debra Patt
MD, PhD, MBA
Vice President, Medical Oncologist, Hematologist
Texas Oncology
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Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA
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Dr. Debra Patt is a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and a vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. She is an active leader in breast cancer research, serves on the US Oncology Research breast cancer committee, and chairs the breast cancer subsection of the pathways task force for The US Oncology Network as well as the leader locally for breast cancer research. She has expertise in healthcare policy and has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She is a leader in clinical cancer informatics, and is involved in system innovations to enhance care delivery. She is the Editor In Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology-Clinical Cancer Informatics. She led healthcare informatics for The US Oncology Network from 2008-2015 and continues to lead analytics as a medical director for McKesson Specialty Health. In addition to a substantial background in informatics and health economics and outcomes research, she directs public policy for Texas Oncology. Nationally, she is the past-chair of ASCO’s clinical practice committee and serves on ASCO’s nominating committee as well as the health IT work group and guidelines committees. Dr. Patt serves on the national board for the Community Oncology Alliance and local board of The Shivers Cancer Foundation. She serves on the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Legislation and frequently speaks on healthcare policy at the state and federal level. She is a past chair for the Texas Medical Association’s committee on cancer and has served on the council on science and public health. She is a former board member of Komen Austin and the breast cancer resource center. Dr. Patt is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research, has published many articles, and leads the service line for breast health services for the Dell Medical School in addition to leading multidisciplinary breast cancer conferences and directing breast cancer services for the Seton Family of Hospitals.
Education She received her medical degree in May 1999 from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She completed her residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in July 2003. She completed her bachelor of science in zoology in May 1995 at The University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with special honors in the Plan I honors program. She also received her MBA from The University of Texas in Austin, Texas, in 2014. She is completing her PhD in health economics and health services research at The University of Texas School of Public Health. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:45 – 3:35 PM) Role: Panelist The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology & Payment Reform |
Alti Rahman
MHA, MBA
Practice Administrator
Oncology
Consultants
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Alti Rahman, MHA, MBA
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Alti Rahman is the Practice Administrator for Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas. He holds a dual Masters degree in Healthcare and Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB). Oncology Consultants has 17 physicians, 4 advanced practitioners operating out of 9 full-service Medical Oncology offices including a large International Cancer Center located in the Texas Medical Center. Ancillary services include 2 Radiation Oncology office, 2 Diagnostic Imaging centers, 3 Retail Pharmacy’s, and Clinical Research programs all supported by a central administrative office. Alti’s business strategies focus on continuous quality and risk assessment of the patient/physician relationship and the advancement of value-based payment models to align quality and economic objectives. Alti holds additional supplementary roles including Six Sigma course instructor for Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Steering Committee Member for McKesson Specialty Health, Treasurer for the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA), Board Member of the Oncology Circle Advisory, Board Member of Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP), and Co-Chair of COA (Community Oncology Alliance) - Administrator Network. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM) Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology |
Barry Russo
MBA
CEO
The Center for Cancer
& Blood Disorders
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Barry Russo, MBA
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Barry Russo, MBA, has been with The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, a private community practice based in Fort Worth, Texas, since 2002. Barry has over 25 years of healthcare experience – he has worked in academic and community practices as well as academic and community hospitals. The Center has 30 providers & over 200 employees at 11 facilities in the DFW area. The Center offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology, breast oncology surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, integrative medicine, imaging, laboratory services and retail pharmacy. Barry is a current board member of QCCA & Advisory Board for the Cancer Center Business Summit (CCBS) and current member of ACCC, current member and past board member of COA and TXMGMA. Barry has an MBA from the University of Dallas and resides in Southlake, Texas. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (11:05 – 11:55 AM) Role: Panelist Applying Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) in Oncology |
Bhuvana Sagar
MD
National Medical Executive
Cigna Health Care
Frederick M. Schnell
MD, FACP
Chief Medical Officer
Community Oncology Alliance
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Frederick M. Schnell, MD, FACP
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Frederick M. Schnell, MD, FACP brings the physician perspective and practice management experience to his role as Medical Director. Dr. Schnell is helping community oncology practices address the future of oncology payment reform. The rapidly changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States demands insight like his to craft the future strategies for community oncology. Board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, Dr. Schnell practiced for 34 years at Central Georgia Cancer Care where he served as CEO. His primary focus areas related to breast and genitourinary cancer. Dr. Schnell is a past president of both COA and the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. He is currently the Medical Director of the Georgia Center for Research and Oncology Education, a prior member of the Board of Directors of the Patient Access Network Foundation and served for eight years as a member of the Board of Directors and the Chief Clinical Officer, Cancer Clinics of Excellence. He was named the Distinguished Cancer Clinician award from the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Dr. Schnell received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. He completed his internship and residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology, also at Emory University. Additionally, he served in the National Health Service Corps, United States Public Health Service. His academic appointments include Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology at the Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Dr. Schnell has authored numerous studies and was a recipient of the ASCO Clinical Trials Award (ECOG affiliate), has presented at numerous oncology meetings, and was notably an invited speaker at the Korean Cancer Study Group Meeting. |
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SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (12:55 – 1:45 PM) Role: Moderator The Employer Perspective on the State of Cancer Care & Payment Reform |
Lee Schwartzberg
MD, FACP
Executive Director
West Cancer Center & Research Institute
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Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP
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Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP is the Executive Director of the West Cancer Center, a multispecialty oncology practice comprising over 50 medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, palliative care experts, radiologists and other oncology related physicians located in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Schwartzberg also serves as Professor of Medicine at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Schwartzberg received his medical degree from New York Medical College. After completing his internal medicine residency at Cornell University/North Shore University Hospital, Dr. Schwartzberg continued his training with a medical oncology and hematology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). During his tenure at MSKCC, Dr. Schwartzberg served as Chief Medical Resident and was a founding member of the institutional ethics committee. Dr. Schwartzberg specializes in the treatment of breast cancer, with a specific research focus on new therapeutic approaches, targeted therapy, and supportive care. Dr. Schwartzberg has published more than 230 peer reviewed articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Lancet Oncology, and Annals of Oncology. Dr. Schwartzberg was the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Community Oncology and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of the Practice Update Oncology website. He serves on the editorial board of both the Journal of Supportive Oncology and The ASCO Post, in addition to serving as a reviewer for many prominent medical journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Schwartzberg serves on the NCCN Board of Directors, the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee. |
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SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM) Role: Panelist Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For? |
Thomas Sondergeld
Senior Consultant
TS Consulting Services
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Tom Sondergeld, MHA
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Tom Sondergeld, MHA is the past Vice President of Global HRIS, Benefits & Mobility for Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). Tom has directed employee benefits for over 20 years. He has led successful implementations of wellness programs and on-site Health Centers/Services as well. In his most recent role at WBA, he was responsible for the overall HRIS Technology, healthcare & global mobility strategy for the over 357,000 global team members. He was also charged with developing an integrated disability model for the organization. Tom has spoken at many local and national events on topics ranging from HR Software solutions, Human Resources process improvement, benefit outsourcing, benefit plan design, wellness integration, and on-site health centers in the workplace. Tom holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA). He is an active member of many HR groups with SHRM, HRMAC and SHRP among them and serves on the Board of Directors for Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM) Role: Panelist Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings |
Lalan Wilfong
MD
Executive Vice President
Texas Oncology
COA Payment Reform Co-Chair
Value Based Care & Quality Programs
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Lalan Wilfong, MD
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Dr. Lalan Wilfong is a medical oncologist/hematologist with Texas Oncology, PA. In addition to patient care, he serves as the Executive Vice President for quality programs and value-based care for Texas Oncology and as a physician liaison for value-based care for McKesson Specialty Health. |
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SESSION Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (3:40 – 4:30 PM) Role: Panelist Assessing Provider Quality & Value in Cancer Care: What Should Employers & Self-Funded Companies Be Looking For? |
Kim Woofter
Executive Vice President
Advanced Centers for Cancer Care
Jeffrey Vacirca
MD, FACP
CEO, Managing Partner
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
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Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP
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Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP is a board certified hematologist and oncologist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, where he serves as CEO and managing partner. His specialties include breast cancer, prostate cancer, and complicated cancers. Currently, Dr. Vacirca is the president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), medical director for Amerisource Bergen specialty group, a Scientific Advisory Board Member for Caris Life Sciences, president and co-founder of National Translational Research Group, and serves as a medical board advisor for Flatiron Health, located in New York City. Additionally, he is the vice-chairmen of the board for Odonate Therapeutics, a company dedicated to the development of best-in-class therapeutics that improve and extend the lives of patients with cancer. He has been the recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt award for outstanding dedication to patient care and has been named in Newsday’s Top Doctors. Long Island Association for Aids Care also honored him, where by serving as a consulting physician, he enables LIAAC’s staff to bring state of the art HIV testing to New York. Dr. Vacirca received his bachelor degree from the University at Albany and his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine along with his fellowships in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Stony Brook University Hospital and in his final year of training was named Chief Fellow. Dr. Vacirca has authored numerous articles on cancer treatment and currently is the Director of Clinical Research at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. He has published multiple research studies and implemented the Prostate Cancer Vaccine Therapy Center on Long Island, New York, and is a national speaker on both breast and prostate cancer. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (10:05 – 11:00 AM) Role: Moderator Biosimilar Opportunities, Challenges, & Realities |
Lauren Vela
MBA
Senior Director of Member Value
Pacific Business Group on Health
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Lauren Vela, MBA
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Ms. Vela is a Senior Director for the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH). Lauren works directly with the large purchaser members of PBGH to facilitate collaboration and to support their purchaser-driven initiatives impacting healthcare delivery in the US. In addition to translating PBGH’s ground-breaking work in transparency and accountability into workable solutions for PBGH member organizations, Lauren identifies opportunities to apply market leverage for improvement, currently focusing on the business model supporting pharmacy benefit management and low value care. Prior to this role, Lauren was the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Employers Forum (SVEF), a coalition of high tech employers that benchmark benefit designs and collaborate for improvement. During her SVEF tenure, Lauren systematized the group’s benchmarking practices and served as a facilitator and strategist for their joint projects with regard to both US-based and international employee benefit programs. To this day, SVEF and PBGH maintain a strategic alliance and Ms. Vela works closely with purchaser members of both groups. Prior to the SVEF role, Ms. Vela enjoyed a twelve-year tenure with PBGH serving in three distinct areas; multi-stakeholder health information exchange, provider group organization improvement, and employer value-based purchasing. Prior to her work with SVEF and PBGH, Ms. Vela was employed by organizations in the workers comp, TPA, and mental health fields where she held positions in product development, operations, marketing, and provider relations. Ms. Vela earned an MBA from the University of Houston and has completed all necessary coursework for her Dr.PH. with a focus on managed health care and health economics from the University of Texas. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (10:05 – 11:00 AM) Role: Panelist Biosimilar Opportunities, Challenges, & Realities |
Lynn Zonakis
RN
Consultant
Zonakis Consultants
Retired Managing Director, Health Strategy & Benefits
Delta Airlines
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Lynn Zonakis, RN
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Ms. Zonakis is an independent healthcare consultant, providing strategic consulting to employers, healthcare organizations, and startup companies. Her focus is on identifying innovative strategies, improving quality, and developing effective communications and marketing plans for all stakeholders. Prior to her independent consulting, she served at Delta Airlines as Managing Director, Health Strategy & Resources from 2004-2015. She was responsible for strategy, design, and performance of Delta’s health and welfare benefits provided to Delta’s 150,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. She was also responsible for disability, absence, workers’ compensation, occupational health and EAP programs provided to Delta employees. During her fifteen years at Delta, she managed Delta’s health and welfare benefits to maximize efficiency, lower the company’s costs and provide significant value and resources for Delta employees, retirees and dependents. She is known as an innovator of employee benefit design, care management, and cancer related initiatives. Prior to joining Delta Air Lines in 1998, Ms. Zonakis managed the Workers’ Compensation, Disability, and Occupational Health programs for the employees of a global insurance company. As a benefits professional with broad benefits experience, Ms. Zonakis is a frequent speaker at national meetings. Recent audiences have included the National Business Group on Health, The Conference Board, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and World Health & Productivity Congress. Ms. Zonakis is certified in occupational health and case management, and holds degrees in Psychology from Indiana University and Nursing from Emory University, Atlanta. |
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SESSION Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (2:15 – 3:05 PM) Role: Panelist Designing & Negotiating Insurance Benefits: Best Practices for Optimal Patient Experience, Performance, & Cost Savings |
