American Oncology Network Expands Arkansas Presence, Adds Conway Hematology Oncology to National Network

Rhea-AI Summary

American Oncology Network (NASDAQ:AONC) has expanded its presence in Arkansas by welcoming Conway Hematology Oncology (CHO) to its network of community-based oncology practices. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Sue Tsuda, CHO has been providing hematology and oncology care in Conway for over 25 years.

The partnership will enable CHO to expand patient services, increase clinical trial offerings, and explore new market opportunities while maintaining their commitment to high-quality care. The practice features comprehensive oncology services, including advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, an onsite laboratory, and private infusion suites.

The medical team includes Dr. Tsuda, a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, along with two experienced Board-certified nurse practitioners, Christine Lightfoot and Courtney Nash.

Positive

• Partnership expands CHO's ability to offer advanced treatments and clinical trials
• Strengthens AON's presence in Arkansas market
• Adds experienced medical team with 25+ years of community service

Negative

• None.

Insights

Healthcare Business Analyst

AON expands network by adding Conway Hematology Oncology, strengthening its Arkansas presence and community-based cancer care model.

American Oncology Network (AONC) has expanded its national footprint by adding Conway Hematology Oncology (CHO) to its network of community-based oncology practices. This strategic addition in Arkansas represents AON's continued execution of its growth strategy through practice partnerships.

CHO brings 25+ years of established market presence in the Conway area, led by Dr. Sue Tsuda, a highly credentialed oncologist with impressive qualifications including fellowships at prestigious institutions and consistent recognition on The Best Doctors in America list since 1996. The practice includes two board-certified nurse practitioners with deep local experience.

This partnership follows AON's community-based care model, allowing CHO to maintain clinical autonomy while gaining access to expanded services. For AON, the transaction provides:

• Geographic expansion into a new Arkansas market
• Addition of experienced oncology specialists to its network
• Enhanced clinical trial capabilities in the region
• Strengthened competitive position in community oncology

The acquisition aligns with industry trends of consolidation in oncology practices, where smaller independent practices join larger networks to gain operational support, technology access, and negotiating power with payers. AON's ability to continue attracting established practices demonstrates its value proposition in the community oncology space, potentially strengthening its market position against competitors like US Oncology and OneOncology.

CONWAY, Ark., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conway Hematology Oncology (CHO), a trusted provider of hematology and oncology care in Conway, Arkansas, is proud to announce it has joined American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community-based oncology practices.

This partnership enables CHO to expand patient-focused services, grow clinical trial offerings, and pursue new market opportunities—while continuing to provide the high-quality, compassionate care that has defined the practice for more than 25 years.

Dr. Sue Tsuda, a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, co-founded Conway Hematology Oncology in 1998 and has cared for patients in the Conway area ever since. She earned her medical degree from Northwestern University and completed her residency at Evanston Hospital. Dr. Tsuda completed fellowships in hematology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, blood banking at Barnes Hospital, and medical oncology at Washington University in St. Louis. She has conducted research at Washington University and previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Tsuda is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Southern Association of Oncology and has been recognized on The Best Doctors in America list annually since 1996.

Christine Lightfoot, a Board-certified nurse practitioner, earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in family nurse practice from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She has been caring for patients in Arkansas since 2010.

Courtney Nash, a Board-certified nurse practitioner, earned her Master of Science in nursing from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She has been providing care in Arkansas since 2006. 

“We’re proud to join American Oncology Network,” said Dr. Tsuda. “AON’s commitment to personalized, high-quality care delivered in a community setting mirrors the mission we’ve upheld for decades. This partnership enables us to broaden our services and bring advanced treatments to our patients, while continuing to provide the compassionate care they’ve come to expect.”

Conway Hematology Oncology offers comprehensive community-based oncology services to patients in Conway and surrounding areas, including the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, private exam rooms, an onsite laboratory, and infusion suites designed for comfort and privacy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Conway Hematology Oncology to the American Oncology Network,” said  Todd Schonherz, AON’s chief executive officer. “CHO is well known for its outstanding patient-centered care, and their clinical expertise is a perfect fit with AON’s mission to make high-quality, individualized cancer treatment accessible in local communities.”

“On behalf of AON, I’m excited to welcome the CHO team to our network,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “Their dedication to delivering excellent care in a community setting has made a lasting difference in Conway. Their experience and values will strengthen our collective efforts to improve community cancer care across the country.”

Dr. Tsuda, Christine Lightfoot, and Courtney Nash are now accepting new patients. For more information about AON, visit AONcology.com. To learn more about Conway Hematology Oncology, visit conwayhematologyoncology.com.

About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 300 providers practicing across 20 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

About Conway Hematology Oncology
Conway Hematology Oncology (CHO) has been a trusted name in Conway, Arkansas cancer care since 1998. In August 2025, the practice joined American Oncology Network (AON). Conway Hematology Oncology is the longest running full-time cancer clinic in Faulkner County, Arkansas. The practice understands the profound effects cancer can have on a person and is dedicated to the physical and mental health of cancer patients and their families, working hard to provide patients with the best cancer treatment in an atmosphere of caring encouragement. Conway offices are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies including an onsite laboratory, CT scanning and chemotherapy administration. Learn more at conwayhematologyoncology.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fabb13b2-7819-4fdd-8dc2-613eb4b47ecd

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

FAQ

What does American Oncology Network's (AONC) acquisition of Conway Hematology Oncology mean for patients?

The partnership will enable expanded patient services, increased clinical trial offerings, and access to advanced treatments while maintaining the same high-quality, compassionate care CHO is known for.

Who are the key medical providers at Conway Hematology Oncology after joining AONC?

The medical team includes Dr. Sue Tsuda, a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, along with Board-certified nurse practitioners Christine Lightfoot and Courtney Nash.

What services does Conway Hematology Oncology offer under AONC?

CHO offers comprehensive oncology services including advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, private exam rooms, an onsite laboratory, and infusion suites designed for comfort and privacy.

How long has Conway Hematology Oncology been operating in Arkansas?

Conway Hematology Oncology was founded in 1998 by Dr. Sue Tsuda and has been providing care in the Conway area for more than 25 years.

What is Dr. Sue Tsuda's background and experience?

Dr. Tsuda is Board-certified in medical oncology and hematology, earned her medical degree from Northwestern University, completed multiple fellowships, and has been recognized on The Best Doctors in America list annually since 1996.