American Oncology Network’s Strategic Conference Presence Signals Growth in Community Oncology Leadership

The American Oncology Network (AON) is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of community oncology through its prominent participation in the 2025 Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Annual Conference, held April 29–30 in Orlando, Florida. With 14 speaking sessions across critical topics—from payer contracting to mental health integration—the event underscores AON’s role as a strategic partner to independent oncology practices. This visibility not only amplifies AON’s influence but also highlights opportunities for investors to capitalize on trends driving the sector’s growth.

Key Sessions Reveal Strategic Focus Areas

AON’s sessions at the COA conference align with its mission to empower independent practices through operational efficiency, clinical innovation, and advocacy. Notable topics include:

1. Payer Contracting and Value-Based Care
   Alti Rahman, AON’s Chief Strategy Officer, addressed strategies for negotiating sustainable payer contracts. This is critical as value-based care models increasingly dominate reimbursement, with 75% of Medicare Advantage plans now incorporating value-based payments (CMS, 2024). AON’s expertise in navigating these dynamics positions it to help practices thrive in a shifting reimbursement environment.

2. Clinical Trial Expansion
   Sessions on clinical trial infrastructure, led by Sunil Babu and Katie Goodman, emphasize AON’s push to bring cutting-edge treatments to community settings. Community oncology practices conduct ~40% of all cancer clinical trials in the U.S., and AON’s support could accelerate this growth, attracting patients and revenue streams tied to trial participation.

3. Mental Health Integration
   Brian Mulherin’s session on operationalizing mental health programs reflects a growing recognition of psychosocial care’s role in oncology. With 30% of cancer patients experiencing depression or anxiety (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 啐2023), AON’s focus on holistic care aligns with demand for integrated services, enhancing practice viability.

Operational Strengths and Market Positioning

AON’s value proposition lies in its comprehensive support services—including in-house pharmacies, lab services, and back-office operations—allowing physicians to focus on patient care without hospital system reliance. This model directly addresses the consolidation pressures threatening independent practices, which account for ~60% of U.S. oncology care delivery but face margin pressures from larger systems.

While AON is a private entity, its business model mirrors trends in healthcare infrastructure investment. The rise of oncology-focused companies and REITs reflects investor confidence in specialized healthcare services, a space AON dominates through its 160+ affiliated practices.

Advocacy and Industry Influence

As a co-chair of the COA conference, AON’s leadership in policy advocacy is evident. Sessions like Lisa Poiry’s on state/local advocacy highlight efforts to shape regulations that protect community practices. With $150 billion in annual U.S. cancer care spending, the sector’s health depends on policies that balance innovation with accessibility—a space where AON’s voice is increasingly influential.

Conclusion: AON’s Multi-Faceted Growth Drivers

AON’s 14 sessions at COA 2025 signal its strategic dominance in addressing the three pillars of community oncology success: financial resilience, clinical innovation, and patient-centric care. By equipping practices to thrive in value-based models, expand trial access, and integrate mental health, AON is not only mitigating risks for partners but also capturing $20 billion in annual market opportunities tied to oncology services.

Investors should note AON’s 2,000+ attendee reach at the conference, underscoring its network effect and ability to scale partnerships. While private equity continues to eye oncology assets—$8.7 billion was invested in oncology tech and services in 2023—AON’s established footprint and operational expertise position it as a consolidator or high-value acquisition target.

For those tracking the sector, AON’s leadership in the COA conference is more than a branding exercise; it’s a roadmap to navigating a $150B market where independent practices remain the backbone of cancer care. Investors who align with AON’s strategy stand to benefit as the industry pivots toward patient-centric, sustainable models.

In a sector where 70% of practices report margin pressures (COA, 2024), AON’s support services and advocacy are not just advantageous—they’re essential. This conference participation marks a milestone in its journey to becoming the go-to partner for community oncology’s future.