Olalekan Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer of Highlands Oncology Group and President of Association of Community Cancer Centers, made the following post on LinkedIn:

“Exciting Insights from Hospital Oncologico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

I’m thrilled to share my recent visit to the Hospital Oncologico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, alongside the leadership of Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Douglas Flora, Nadine Barrett, David Penberthy, Una Hopkins, Christian Downs, Nicole Tapay Our mission? To delve into the innovative cancer care delivery models in Puerto Rico, a venture pivotal in advancing equity in cancer care.

Key Highlights:

1. Innovative Navigation Model: Witnessing their well-conceived navigation model was a highlight. This model gives an insight into cancer care for the underrepresented populations, ensuring that quality care is not a privilege but a right for all.
2. Medicare Advantage Insights: A fascinating discovery was that 94% of their Medicare plans are Medicare Advantage. This is a critical foresight into what the United States might experience soon. Understanding this landscape is crucial for shaping future healthcare policies and practices.

Learning and Collaboration:
Our visit was not just about observation but also about collaboration and learning. The insights gained here are invaluable in our continuous effort to bring about change in cancer care, making it more accessible and equitable.

Gratitude and Reflection:
A heartfelt thank you to Marcia Cruz-Correa, and the Hospital Oncologico team for their warm hospitality and openness. Their dedication to advancing cancer care, while facing unique challenges, is truly inspiring.

As we reflect on this visit, it’s clear that the lessons learned here are not just applicable to Puerto Rico but have global resonance. It’s time to integrate these learnings into our systems, fostering a future where equitable cancer care is not just an aspiration but a reality.”

Source: Olalekan Ajayi/LinkedIn