FCS Supports Next Generation of Oncology Physicians

Fort Myers, Fla., March 21, 2025 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) is continuing its support of the next generation of oncology physicians with a lead role in the 2025 Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) Fellows & Residents Training Program this week in Orlando. Richard McDonough, MD, FCS director of patient advocacy, is the Fellows Program chairman; FCS Associate Director of Drug Development Alexander Philipovskiy , MD, PhD and FCS Senior Director of Partnerships, Managed Care Kiana Mehring, MBA will join Dr. McDonough as panelists.

“Oncology is a constantly evolving field, and the transition from training to practice can be daunting,” said Dr. McDonough. “FLASCO’s Fellows & Residents Training Program is designed to bridge that gap, providing the support, education and mentorship necessary to empower the next generation of oncology leaders. By investing in our fellows, we are investing in the future of cancer care that will benefit patients across our state and worldwide.”

The immersive event provides a unique opportunity for medical oncology and hematology fellows, residents and students from across Florida to gain invaluable insights and practical tools from esteemed thought leaders as they navigate their transition into the oncology workforce. For FCS, investing time with future providers is critical to advancing the growth of the practice and the field of medical oncology. Through events such as this, FCS is ensuring that the next generation of oncologists is equipped with the knowledge, mentorship, and experience needed to drive innovation, enhance patient care, and shape the future of cancer treatment.

Dr. McDonough will moderate the session, Bridging Research to Reality: The Roadmap for Trials & Real World Impact,” which will feature Dr. Philipovskiy, a principal investigator with the FCS Drug Development Unit in Lake Mary, as a panelist. The physicians will tap their extensive backgrounds and draw from real-world experiences with FCS’ expansive clinical trials program to review the many aspects of developing and conducting Phase 1 trials. The statewide practice conducts early-phase trials at three Drug Development Units and clinics across Florida, which continue to reveal innovative new discoveries in cancer treatment. In recent years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation prior to approval.

Kiana Mehring will present Cracking the Code: Billing and Coding Essentials to Getting Paid. Additional sessions will focus on mapping an oncology career path, enhancing collaborative care through pharmacy partnerships and navigating the challenges and opportunities of oncology training. Oncology nurses, social workers, patient advocates and practice administrators will also be in attendance.