FCS Institute Drives Critical Conversations on Emerging Trends Impacting Community Oncology

Fort Myers, Fla., April 3, 2025–Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC  (FCS) physicians are participating in the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) 2025 Business of Oncology Summit & Spring Session this week in Orlando. The two-day gathering of cancer care stakeholders from across the state will address current and emerging challenges in the rapidly evolving cancer care environment, with a focus on leveraging AI to shape the future of oncology business and care.

Lucio N. Gordan, MD, FCS President & Managing Physician, said, “We are able to draw from our expansive clinical research and experiences as a leading provider of community oncology and contribute to shaping the future delivery of care that will continue to enhance the quality of life and outcomes for patients worldwide.”

FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Faithlore Gardner, MD, FLASCO executive committee member and program committee chair, will make opening remarks at the presentation of annual awards and recognition. Dr. Gardner will also moderate a session titled, “Checkpoint Inhibitors—Navigating Difficult Toxicities,” and co-moderate a session titled, “Management of HER2 Low Metastatic Breast Cancer—When to Introduce Trastuzumab Deruxtecan.”

Richard McDonough, MD, FCS director of patient advocacy, will moderate a panel session titled, “Using AI for Cancer Detection.” Dr. McDonough, a past president of FLASCO, serves as chairman of the FLASCO nominating committee and as director of fellowship programs.

Cesar Augusto Perez, MD, director of the Drug Development Unit at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute at FCS in Lake Nona, Florida, is a panelist for the session, “Updates on the Management of Endocrine/Thyroid Cancer.”

FCS Medical Director of Value-Based Care and FLASCO President Maen Hussein, MD said, “Engaging in conversations about emerging challenges in cancer care is crucial. In particular, our focus on leveraging AI’s potential will enable us to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and build a more efficient, accessible and personalized future for cancer care.”

The following FCS physicians and senior leaders also hold leadership positions with FLASCO:

• Michael Diaz, MD, past president, legislative chairman (federal) and director of advocacy
• Paresh Patel, MD, legislative chairman (state)
• Nalini Hasija, MD, board member
• FCS Vice President of Marketing Michelle Robey, marketing & communications liaison, and FCS Director of Pharmacy Operations Kristen Boykin, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, pharmacist liaison.

The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) is a member-supported statewide non-profit organization committed to facilitating and promoting multidisciplinary efforts for oncology practitioners and industry professionals to improve patient care in Florida.