How do we deliver high-quality cancer care in a system under pressure? Meagan O'Neill, Executive Director of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), joins us to talk about workforce empowerment, technology as a multiplier, and building sustainable oncology systems for the future.
Meagan shares her journey from oncology business consulting to national advocacy, shaped by her own personal experience with cancer care. With two-thirds of U.S. cancer programs in its network, ACCC plays a pivotal role in driving change across the oncology landscape.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why personal experience can reshape how we design cancer care
Strategies to address workforce shortages through empowerment
Using technology to amplify—not replace—clinical teams
Building upstream cancer care capacity to improve community health
Making value-based care real in oncology practices
Interoperability and integrated models for better patient outcomes
The role of diversity in improving adherence and patient engagement
Key Takeaways
Workforce empowerment is essential to meet rising patient needs.
Technology should act as a force multiplier for clinicians.
Patient-centered care must be prioritized at every level.
Interoperability and upstream investment are critical for sustainable oncology systems.
About the Guest Meagan O'Neill is the Executive Director of ACCC, which represents more than two-thirds of U.S. cancer programs. She previously worked in oncology business consulting and brings both professional and personal perspectives to driving systemic change in cancer care.
Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to ACCC and Meagan O'Neill 04:58 – A Personal Cancer Journey 12:11 – Workforce Empowerment in Oncology 20:19 – Building Capacity in Cancer Care 25:25 – Patient-Centered Care 26:12 – Data-Driven Approaches 28:10 – Expanding Capacity with Nursing and APPs 30:37 – Leveraging Technology 34:36 – Navigating Claims and Denials 37:18 – Interoperability and Integrated Care 39:02 – Tailoring Oncology Models 43:09 – Telehealth and E-Consults 45:39 – Designing Future Oncology Care 51:35 – Reflections on ACCC's 50th Anniversary
Keywords ACCC, cancer care, oncology, workforce empowerment, technology in healthcare, patient experience, healthcare systems, cancer treatment, healthcare innovation, patient-centered care, value-based care, interoperability, nursing, APPs, telehealth