HOA Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Caring for CNY Patients with Cancer and Blood Disorders

East Syracuse, NY – This month Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) celebrates 40 years of providing tens of thousands of patients with world-class care for cancer and blood disorders as a private, community-based practice that keeps patient care close to home. Founded in 1982 by John J. Gullo, MD, and Santo M. DiFino, MD, with a vision to serve the community by providing the highest level of quality care to patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders, Jeffrey J. Kirshner, M.D. and Anthony J. Scalzo, M.D. soon joined the practice in leadership roles. Today HOA includes 20 physicians and more than 25 Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants offering multi-disciplinary care in four locations, including a wellness center.

“In 40 years of operation, HOA has expanded services and improved care, but our founding principles remain unchanged: to care for patients’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. That mission propels our every decision,” says CEO Maryann Roefaro.

A proud member of the Community Oncology Alliance, HOA offersmodern, comprehensive centers in Auburn, East Syracuse and Syracuse, and is the only oncology provider in CNY Certified for Quality by The American Society of Clinical Oncology. HOA also serves as an oncology medical home (OMH), whereby all care plans center around what is best for the patient. With an emphasis on quality of care versus quantity, OMH patients generally experience lower costs, higher satisfaction, reduced medical errors, and are better-informed.

Also certified by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare (ACHC) with a Distinction in Oncology, HOA staff help coordinate patients’ pharmaceutical care with their physicians, as well as investigate available financial assistance resources on their behalf.

“Additional professional alliances HOA has fostered through the years center on research and clinical trials, cancer survivorship, supportive care and cancer genetics, all enhancing our comprehensive care,” adds Roefaro.

Comprehensive Care

• HOA’s comprehensive care providers include licensed and oncology-certified dietitians, physical therapists, social workers, and cancer survivorship specialists.
• We offer the most modern radiation therapy and imaging for improved accuracy and shorter treatment times, including CNY’s only non-surgical CyberKnife and TrueBeam technologies.
• Patients in all three locations have convenient access to a comprehensive on-site pharmacy and laboratory.
• Our robust clinical research department with over 35 years’ experience and some of the highest accruals to cancer clinical trials in CNY.
• Continuing investments in new services and prevention in the last few years, include:
• Expanded infusion services for non-cancer diagnoses like asthma, anemia, lupus and more
• Cancer genetics counseling and testing
• Lung cancer screenings and smoking cessation programs

About Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY

HOA providers are internationally recognized specialists in cancer care and blood disorders and research. Respected by their peers and sought after for consultations, HOA is able to keep patients close to home while simultaneously providing them with access to specialists around the world.

“While we always hope we’re never needed, we are also always available,” explained Roefaro. “In fact, we can usually see a new cancer patient within a week of a first appointment request.

Most important, we understand the privilege of serving our community and sincerely thank our patients for entrusting us with their care.”