National medical group appoints two executives

FORT MYERS — Australian cancer treatment giant GenesisCare, which entered the U.S. in late 2019 when it acquired Fort Myers-based 21st Century Oncology, has named two top domestic medical officials.

The Sydney, Australia-based firm named Dr. Bridget Koontz U.S. Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Group CMO and Dr. Neal Shore U.S. Chief Medical Officer of Surgery and Urology.

Koontz will focus on expanding the breadth and depth of GenesisCare USA's physician group, according to a statement, incorporating an increased focus on clinical trials and research, while Shore will provide leadership for GenesisCare's growing cadre of surgeons and urologists.  

"GenesisCare's patient-centered care, supported by an innovative technology platform, provides an array of treatment options for our patients," Koontz says in the statement. "I am thrilled to expand our patients' access to clinical trials, results of which can advance the care of all cancer patients."

GenesisCare is one of the leading oncology providers in the United States, Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom — seeing more than 400,000 people at more than 440 locations, including the U.S. After the deal to acquire 21st Century Oncology, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017, GenesisCare committed more than $300 million to upgrade technology and cancer treatment services nationwide.  

With origins in radiation oncology, GenesisCare has, in recent years, expanded its services to include medical oncology, urology and surgery, and a cutting-edge form of nuclear medicine. "GenesisCare is a global leader in providing innovative treatments aligned with research while focusing on strong physician leadership to optimize patient care," says Shore in the statement. "I look forward to supporting both evidence-based pathways and research opportunities for our patients, our healthcare teams, and communities throughout the U.S."

Koontz currently serves as an Associate Professor at Duke University and as Director of Radiation Oncology for Duke Cancer Institute's Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers. She has over 13 years of leadership experience, with a professional focus on leading the care of patients with prostate, kidney or bladder cancer. Formerly GenesisCare's National Urology Research Director, Shore has served on numerous executive, urology, government and administrative boards throughout his career, including the Society of Urologic Oncology and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. His clinical expertise has positioned him as an internationally recognized expert and researcher in systematic therapies and treatments for patients with advanced urologic cancers for the prostate, kidney, and bladder, the release states.

"Dr. Koontz and Dr. Shore will play critical leadership roles as GenesisCare advances its cancer care mission through innovation and research," GenesisCare Global Chief Medical Officer Dr. Wally Curran says in the release. "Their leadership will support GenesisCare in providing life-changing care for our many patients and families across the U.S."

GenesisCare has 293 locations in the United States; 38 locations in Australia; 14 in the United Kingdom and 21 in Spain. Globally, the organization employs more than 5,500 people. The company leads or is a part of more than 150 clinical trials worldwide.