FCS Physicians Elected To Leadership Positions, Advancing Independent Community Oncology

Fort Myers, Fla., December 11, 2025 — The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has announced the election of Richard McDonough, MD, director of advocacy & policy for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS), to its board of directors for a three-year term. FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Michael Diaz, MD was re-elected to a one-year term on the COA Executive Committee. These appointments, effective January 1, 2026, mark the continuation of the physicians’ long-term involvement with COA to shape oncology policy at the national level.

“I am grateful for this meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of cancer care,” said Dr. McDonough. “I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues to advance policies that put patients first and elevate the quality and accessibility of care nationwide.”

Dr. McDonough has served on multiple COA committees, including as co-chair of the Drug Policy Committee and as a member of the Government Affairs Committee. He has long championed cancer patients and community oncology, working with policymakers and industry partners to advance public policies that ensure high-quality, affordable cancer care. Dr. McDonough is a past president and treasurer of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO), where he currently serves as nominating chairman and director of fellowship programs.

A recognized advocate for cancer patients, Dr. Diaz is past president of COA and co-chair of its reform workgroup focused on quality and value-based payment models. He also leads key advocacy efforts in Florida as director of patient advocacy and federal legislative committee chair for FLASCO, where he is also a past president. Dr. Diaz supports Medicaid patients through the state’s Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, advises state leaders as a member of the Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council, and partners with employers and coalitions as a board member of the National Cancer Treatment Alliance.

COA also extended its gratitude to FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Paresh Patel, MD, whose term on the COA board will conclude at year-end, nothing that his leadership “has helped shape COA during a time of significant change in cancer care, strengthening the voice of community oncology and ensuring independent practices can continue delivering for their patients.”

Dr. Patel serves as vice chair of the FCS Quality Committee and on the FCS Compliance Committee. Named FLASCO’s 2021 Advocate of the Year, he has chaired the FLASCO Legislative Committee since 2018, leading engagement with lawmakers and policymakers and advocating for cancer patients, providers, and sound oncology policy.

“COA is fortunate to be guided by such an exceptional group of clinicians and administrators who dedicate their time to ensuring that independent, physician-led community oncology continues to thrive,” said Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, president of COA and practicing oncologist at Texas Oncology.

About COA: COA, a nonprofit led by independent community oncologists, is dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and their patients, with its board, committees, and officers working to strengthen U.S. cancer care through advocacy and practice support.

For more information, visit CommunityOncology.org.