SWFL cancer services network goes big with debut in Texas

Fort Myers cancer services firm American Oncology Network is expanding to Texas for the first time, with the opening of Lone Star Oncology. 

The community oncology clinic is in Georgetown, outside Austin. The clinic, accepting patients with all types of cancer and blood disorders, is led by Board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Brian Shimkus, according to a statement. He brings over 20 years of experience in health care, the release adds. 

"I am eager to continue serving my community not only as a physician but by opening a clinic dedicated to delivering high-quality cancer services to patients in need,” says Shimkus in the release. “We are honored to provide care that is patient-centered and focused on treating the whole person not just the cancer.”

LSO is a partner practice of AON, a rapidly growing national network of community-based oncology practices. AON, the release states, “supports hometown practices, their physicians and patients to ensure the latest in cancer care and treatments are readily available and accessible at the local level.” Through the partnership, LSO will provide multiple services to patients such as infusion therapy, centralized laboratory and pathology, oral cancer medications and financial counseling.

“Expanding into Texas is an opportunity for us to continue working toward advocating for accessible and affordable cancer care in these new communities,” AON CEO Todd Schonherz says in the release. 

Launched in 2018, AON represents 106 physicians and 86 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 states .