Our Spruce Pine location is temporarily closed. For continued patient care and new patient referrals, our physicians and staff remain fully available at nearby locations to accommodate appointments, support care, and answer questions as needed. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

For new appointments call 833.758.0023

Messino Cancer Centers & American Oncology Network, LLC Welcome Joshua Baru, MD

May 3, 2021 – Messino Cancer Centers (MCC) team of 14 medical oncologists welcome Dr. Joshua Baru to the community oncology practice.  MCC, an American Oncology Network (AON) partner, has six office locations in Western North Carolina, in Asheville, Brevard, Franklin, Spruce Pine, Marion and Sylva.

Dr. Baru is Board certified in internal medicine and palliative care.  He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.  He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Chicago Hospital and his fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Maclean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics.

Dr. Michael Messino founder of Messino Cancer Centers said, “Dr. Baru brings years of experience in this complex symptom management and palliative care.   He will work closely with our team of oncologists, advanced practitioners, nurses, dietitian and behavioral health therapist—ensuring our patients have resources to handle the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of their cancer diagnosis.”

For over 30 years, the MCC physicians have been providing a full range of exceptional cancer care in the Western North Carolina region.  MCC offers convenient access to comprehensive treatments and support services close to where the patient lives.

“Dr. Baru is passionate about partnering with patients and their families to help improve their quality of life, “said AON CEO Todd Schonherz.  “He will be an invaluable asset by adding palliative care to the array of enhanced patient services including care management, home delivery of oral oncolytic medications, pathology and laboratory services, access to clinical trials and 24/7 pharmacy assistance.”

MCC is a leading independent medical oncology/hematology practice that provides a caring environment with advanced cancer treatments in a setting close to home so patients can be surrounded by their support system of family and friends. 

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About Messino Cancer Centers: (MessinoCancerCenters.com)

Messino Cancer Centers (MCC) provides treatment for adult patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders.  We are experienced physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and clinical support staff dedicated to providing the most advanced and innovative treatments of the highest quality. We work together as a team and recognize that each patient is not just a person with cancer, but a unique individual. Care is provided with the utmost concern and consideration of what is best for the whole person throughout their cancer journey.

MCC physicians provide state-of-the-art evidence-based medicine for patients, incorporating personalized medicine, standard and nationally accepted guidelines, and clinical trials. Through care management and dedicated oncology certified staff, we provide support for patients through all phases of their diagnosis and treatment. The physicians of MCC are grounded in the region of Western North Carolina and devoted to providing care to patients in their communities.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)

American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 102 physicians and 65 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(941) 224.8736