Recognizing the important contributions of oncology APPs

February 21, 2024

From Roxanne Payne, FNP-BC, AOCNP, director, oncology advanced practice and cancer clinical programs, Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

We join patients and healthcare professionals across the United States to celebrate the third National Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Week, Sept. 25 to 29. During this time, we recognize the important contributions of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists.

Whereas Doctors' Day and Nurses' Week were founded in 1933 and 1974, respectively, the recent establishment of APP Week reflects the increasing prominence of APPs in healthcare delivery. Indeed, since 2015 APPs across Providence have increased 46%. At Providence Cancer Institute, we have witnessed a similar growth among our APPs. They now number more than 25 across our clinics and programs.

These talented advanced practice providers serve alongside our physicians with clinical expertise and specialized training in caring for patients with cancer. They complete rigorous coursework and receive board certifications as family medicine or adult gerontology practitioners, and many receive additional certifications in oncology care. Their practice areas range from medical oncology, surgical oncology, and palliative care, including specialty care in breast, head and neck, thoracic, prostate, colorectal, gynecologic, blood, skin and other cancers.

As autonomous oncology providers, APPs are instrumental members of our multidisciplinary cancer care model at Providence. They participate in all steps of the cancer care continuum, attending to patients’ physical and psychosocial needs throughout treatment planning, care management, research, and survivorship.

Many of our APPs serve on professional boards and committees, present at national conferences, volunteer in the community and mentor students and trainees. Other notable contributions include publication in medical journals, advancing our research enterprise, championing patient education, providing culturally competent care, and serving on our institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Collaboration is a key strength of APPs; they thrive in team-based practices with their physician counterparts. As evidenced by high patient satisfaction scores and provider surveys, our APPs are beloved by their patients and care teams.

Each day they uphold our values and serve the poor and vulnerable with compassion, dignity, and high-quality care. We recognize each one and are grateful for their exceptional care and devotion to our patients.

On behalf of our Providence Cancer Institute leadership team and patients, thank you APPs! We wish you a wonderful APP Week and hope you enjoy the activities and celebrations planned for your campuses and practice groups.