AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report

Expanding Clinical Trials Close to Home: Bringing Tomorrow’s Treatments to South Jersey Today

National Expertise, Local Care

For many, the words “clinical trial” conjure images of distant, big-city hospitals or sprawling academic research centers. But groundbreaking cancer treatments aren’t only happening far away—they’re happening right here, at AtlantiCare. Over the past few years, AtlantiCare’s clinical trials program has grown rapidly, opening doors to promising new therapies without requiring patients to travel for care. Under the leadership of Devon McKenzie, MD and Denise Sutor, MBA, BSN, RN, the number of open cancer trials has more than doubled—now including global industry-sponsored studies that are rarely available outside major metropolitan hospitals. “Every trial we open has one goal,” said Dr. McKenzie. “To make sure our patients have access to the latest, most effective care options, without leaving their community or the care team they trust.” Through our affiliation with Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, AtlantiCare has access to hundreds of trials. While some centers have large volumes of trials, we carefully select only those studies that truly benefit our patients here in South Jersey. This value-over-volume approach ensures that every trial we open addresses the real needs of our community—whether it’s innovative radiopharmaceuticals, cutting- edge targeted therapies or personalized treatments designed to fit each patient’s unique journey. And throughout it all, patients remain under the care of the same compassionate nurses and doctors who have supported them from the start. AtlantiCare’s clinical trials program proves that you don’t have to be the biggest to make the biggest difference. By combining world-class research access with the intimacy of community-based care, we’re delivering breakthroughs close to home... where they matter most.

The AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute and Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute affiliation brings globally recognized cancer expertise, advanced research and clinical trials to patients in South Jersey. Through this affiliation, our community has access to tumor-review boards, clinical trials and second opinions from world-renowned cancer experts—all without leaving the region. Together, we are strengthening cancer care in our community.

“When it comes to clinical trials,

we’re making sure we are delivering what’s best for the community we serve. That’s what matters most.” – Dr. Devon McKenzie AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute

AtlantiCare’s Oncology Pharmacy Sets a New Standard Behind the scenes, some of the most powerful work happens quietly by unsung heroes like David Borrone, AtlantiCare’s Oral Oncology Specialty Pharmacist. David helps patients understand their medication, make their treatments more manageable and access life-changing therapies by securing millions of dollars in grants to ease the financial burden of treatment.

David designed AtlantiCare’s integrated pharmacist model, which has become a hallmark of AtlantiCare’s patient- centered approach and a model now being studied by peers across the country. David is embedded within the care team, meeting directly with patients, answering questions in real time and ensuring they receive their medications quickly and affordably. The moment an oncologist finalizes a treatment plan, David steps in to sit down with patients and their loved ones to explain every detail, including when and how to take their medication, what side effects to look for and how to manage food or drug interactions. David’s team personally manages all prior medication authorizations, often getting approvals within 10 to 15 minutes—meaning most patients receive their medication within 24 hours compared to the industry standard of 2 weeks. Throughout a patient’s care journey, he is continuously meeting with patients to monitor side effects, ensure timely interventions and adherence to treatment plans. Beyond his clinical expertise, David serves as a financial advocate for every patient who walks through our doors. He identifies high co-pays early, applies immediately for diagnosis-specific grants and navigates patient assistance programs on their behalf. In 2025, his efforts resulted in $950,000 in grant funding and $4.4 million in no-cost medications. Since the program’s inception just four years ago, David has secured nearly $18 million in grants and free medication, ensuring no patient has to choose between financial stability and life-saving treatment.

“David and his team are building a model that not only transforms lives here in South Jersey but inspires what’s possible for health systems everywhere.” – Lacey Peterman, AVP, AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute

AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report 18

AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report 19