Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

 (FLASCO) Dorothy Green Phillips Legacy Award 2022. The recognition was announced at FLASCO’s Annual Gala held on May 6 in Orlando.

, who retired in 2019 after serving as FLASCO Executive Director, is presented annually to a FLASCO member whose contributions leave a lasting legacy. Phillips, known nationally as a trailblazer of innovative collaboration and a passionate advocate for cancer patients and providers, personally selected Dr. Diaz as this year’s honoree.

In announcing her selection, Phillips cited Dr. Diaz’ tireless efforts to be an example for his peers and an advocate for his patients. “Dr. Diaz has spearheaded FLASCO’s patient advocacy initiatives, leading to thousands of patients increasing their understanding of their disease journey,” she said. “He continually educates FLASCO members and partners on legislative policy issues that impact the practice of oncology. His passion has created a mindset that will continue into the future.”

Dr. Diaz is a frequent presence in Tallahassee and in Washington, D.C., working to ensure that cancer patients have access to state of the art, affordable cancer care that is close to home. He served as FLASCO President from 2015-2017 and currently serves as Director of Patient Advocacy and as Federal Legislative Committee Chair.

 said, “Dr. Diaz is an exceptional physician and recognized nationally as a leader in community oncology. His contributions through the years have had enormous positive impacts that will benefit patients, providers and communities for years to come.”

Dr. Diaz joined FCS in 2011 and provides care at two FCS office locations in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was named President & Managing Physician in 2021, after serving as Assistant Managing Physician for the statewide practice. He currently serves on the FCS Executive Board and as Director of Patient Advocacy. He is a Board member and Immediate Past Chair of the FCS Foundation, which provides non-medical financial assistance to qualified cancer patients in Florida.

The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) is a statewide non-profit organization committed to facilitating and promoting multidisciplinary efforts for oncology practitioners and industry professionals to improve patient care in Florida.

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)

Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

Articles

Michael Diaz, MD Recognized by Florida Society of Clinical Oncology For Advocacy Achievements & Leadership

 (FCS) announced a dynamic new partnership that will help prepare a diverse population of students for job opportunities and support them while they continue their education. Our partnership with Strayer University’s 

 will tap individuals interested in long-term employment in the health care sector who may not otherwise have means to support their education and provide them with a pathway to a non-clinical associate degree as they pursue their career goals.

After successfully completing a five-week workforce readiness course, candidates will initially be eligible to interview for open positions at Florida Gulf Coast locations. Additional positions will become available throughout the practice’s nearly 100 locations as the program develops. Those who are hired will pursue an associate degree at Strayer at no cost to them, while gaining on-the-job experience as patient service representatives. Additionally, FCS will provide mentoring opportunities. For FCS, this is an opportunity to employ entry-level diverse talent, a critical asset especially today as the healthcare market continues to experience ongoing staffing shortages.

 said, “Our statewide practice is at the forefront of cancer care and clinical research. We believe that combining employment and educational opportunities will create enormous opportunity and positive change in communities across Florida.”

The diversity, talent, skills and expertise of our team members are our greatest assets,” said 

, FCS Chief Administrative Officer. “Grads to Work will enable us to expand and diversify our talent pool to fill critical job openings while providing a results-oriented pathway for students to receive the foundation they need to thrive and grow in their future careers.”

“We’re thrilled to bring Grads to Work to a talent-focused organization like FCS,” said Andréa Backman, President of Strayer University. “Providing no cost pathways to a degree along with access to top employers can offer a unique opportunity to underserved young adults as they work to build their careers.”

FCS employs more than 4,000 team members at nearly 100 locations throughout Florida.

Strayer University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

(ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. Over the past 5 years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, MD Anderson, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians, and staff.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expanding Employment & Educational Opportunities For Underserved Students

 (Upsher-Smith) today announced that Taku Nakaoka has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Upsher-Smith, effective May 13. Additionally, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Rich Fisher, has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Upsher-Smith. Mr. Nakaoka succeeds Rusty Field, who previously served as President and CEO and recently departed the Company to pursue another opportunity.

As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Nakaoka is responsible for the strategic direction, operating performance and growth of Upsher-Smith. Mr. Nakaoka also serves as Corporate Officer and Group Chief Officer of Corporate Strategy of Sawai Group Holdings Co., Ltd., Upsher-Smith's parent company, and Corporate Officer and General Manager of Corporate Strategy at Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Prior to Sawai, he held several executive-level positions at Sumitomo Corporation.

"I am honored to assume this role as Chairman and CEO and look forward to working alongside the executive team to drive the strategic direction of the company, expand global partnerships and enhance programs critical to future growth," said Taku Nakaoka, Chairman and CEO of Upsher-Smith. "Rusty's strong and determined leadership over the past eight years was integral to building a strong foundation for Upsher-Smith and Rich Fisher's previous role as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy makes him well-positioned to successfully lead the company as President and COO."


Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC is a trusted U.S. pharmaceutical company that strives to improve the health and lives of patients through an unwavering commitment to high-quality products and sustainable growth. The company brings brands and generics to a wide array of customers, always backed by its attentive level of service, strong industry relationships, and dedication to uninterrupted supply. For more information, visit 

Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Rich Fisher, to Assume Day-to-Day Leadership as President & COO.

Taku Nakaoka Named CEO of Upsher-Smith Laboratories

Camber Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce the addition of Atazanavir Capsules to their current portfolio.

Atazanavir Capsules are indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients 6 years and older weighing at least 33 lbs.

Atazanavir Capsules from Camber are available in 150 mg and 200 mg- 60 count bottles and 300 mg- 30 count bottle.

To find out more about Atazanavir Capsules please visit

Camber Pharmaceuticals is a fully integrated international pharmaceutical company that maintains quality and integrity in all its products. Its parent company, Hetero Drugs of Hyderabad India, is one of the world’s leading API and finished dosage manufacturers. Camber’s commitment to the consumer is to bring the highest quality generic pharmaceuticals to the market to improve quality of life through cost-effective medications.

Camber Pharma Launches Generic Reyataz®

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) recently published a case study showcasing the practice’s multi-year track record of delivering savings as a participant in the Oncology Care Model (OCM) when compared to OCM and non-OCM practices nationally. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) developed the OCM to positively shift oncology care by encouraging practices to improve care quality, reduce costs and ultimately be held accountable for their performance against a core set of standardized measures. FCS has delivered on its commitment to be the leader in value-based care oncology, standing out amongst more than 125 participating practices nationwide as having successfully reduced Medicare expenditures by nearly $170 million in aggregate.

The study further details improved outcomes and experience for patients following the implementation of enhanced supportive services such as 24/7 clinician access, patient navigation, and additional care management services delivered through multi-modal, multi-channel communications to meet patients where, when and how they want to be met, resulting in sharp reductions in unnecessary or avoidable emergency department visits. 

FCS’ multimillion-dollar investment into scaling a purpose-built molecular laboratory spurred rapid adoption of genetic sequencing and has led to improvements with respect to timeliness of care and care management planning, enabling providers to effectively prescribe targeted therapies based on a tumor’s genetic profile. FCS also pioneered a shift in the utilization of biosimilar drugs during a time when prices for the brand-recognizable clinical equivalents were surging, significantly lowering the drug-related expenditures.

“We are extremely proud of our consistent performance throughout OCM, and these results firmly support the fact that community oncology works – for payors, for providers and most importantly, for patients” remarked FCS Chief Executive Officer Nathan H. Walcker. “An outsized contributor to our success in OCM and other commercial-based models has been our people. Scaling a collaborative, patient-focused culture is hard work given the sheer complexity of oncology. Looking ahead we are hopeful that next-gen models will align stakeholders not around short-term tradeoffs for transitory ‘savings’, but rather a commitment to shared incentives by placing the patient at the center of each and every decision.”

“Our success in this program is indicative of the resources, dedication, investment and overall integrity of FCS’ commitment to healthcare reform,” says FCS President and Managing Physician Michael Diaz, MD. “Patients can find reassurance knowing that we have put elaborate measures in place to not only utilize state of the art technologies and therapeutics to maximize treatment outcomes but optimize care delivery to positively influence their overall cancer journey.”

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians, and staff.


SOURCE: Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC

Case Study Highlights Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Success as a Top-Ranking Performer in the Oncology Care Model

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY, along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) today announced the launch of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP, the generic equivalent of SOLU-MEDROL® (methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, USP) in the U.S. Market approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

The SOLU-MEDROL® brand and generic had U.S. sales of approximately $144 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in February 2022 according to IQVIA Health.*

Dr. Reddy’s Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP, is supplied in 40 mg/vial,125 mg/vial single-dose vials each carton containing 25 vials; 500 mg and 1 gm multi-dose vial each carton containing 1 vial.

Click here for full prescribing information

SOLU-MEDROL is a trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC.

*IQVIA Retail and Non-Retail MAT February 2022

: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY) is an integrated pharmaceutical company, committed to providing affordable and innovative medicines for healthier lives. Dr. Reddy’s offers a portfolio of products and services including APIs, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations. Our major therapeutic areas of focus are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetology, oncology, pain management and dermatology. Dr. Reddy’s operates in markets across the globe. Our major markets include – USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, and Europe.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Announces Launch of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP in U.S. Market

embecta Corp. (embecta) (NASDAQ: EMBC) and its employees around the world celebrate its launch today as one of the largest global pure-play diabetes care companies. The leadership team and other key members of the organization will be at the NASDAQ Stock Market to ring the closing bell.

embecta’s history in the diabetes care category dates back to 1924 and the development of the world's first specialized insulin syringe. Today, it is the leading producer of diabetes injection devices, manufacturing approximately 8 billion injection devices annually for an estimated 30 million patients.

“We are building on a nearly 100-year legacy as pioneers in diabetes care by becoming an independent public company,” said Devdatt “Dev” Kurdikar, CEO of embecta. “As the largest producer of diabetes injection devices in the world, embecta is an established leader with unmatched manufacturing expertise, global distribution and commercial capabilities in over 100 countries. We are now better positioned to drive shareholder value and accelerate growth by investing in both organic and inorganic innovation, which will help give people living with diabetes the knowledge and tools they need every day. We are thankful for our 2,000 employees, who are highly motivated and work tirelessly each day to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

embecta’s core business is driven by the chronic demand for insulin. Right now, approximately 1 in 10 individuals worldwide have diabetes

 and rates of diagnosis, treatment, and care are rising, especially in emerging markets, due to changing demographics, lifestyle factors, and increased access to care. Left untreated, people with diabetes face a host of medical complications and co-morbidities. embecta is an integral player in delivering treatment to people with diabetes worldwide and it is the company’s vision to help people live a life unlimited by diabetes.

As a standalone public company, embecta will now have the strategic, operational, and financial independence to optimize its product portfolio, and achieve more efficient resource and capital allocation to address the significant unmet need for chronic diabetes care. As an independent company, embecta has an opportunity to serve the large and growing insulin delivery market, which embecta estimates to be $6 billion to $8 billion per year.

With approximately 800,000 sq ft of manufacturing space across the United States, Ireland, and China, embecta is the global market leader in pen needles.

A live webcast of the closing bell will be available on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange website today at 4:00 p.m. EST.


embecta, formerly part of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), is one of the largest pure-play diabetes care companies in the world, leveraging its nearly 100-year legacy in insulin delivery to empower people with diabetes to live their best life through innovative solutions, partnerships and the passion of more than 2,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit embecta.com.

embecta Completes Spin-off From BD, Lists on NASDAQ as a Global Leader in Diabetes Care

 (LCCC), are pleased to announce the opening of their sixth cancer center located at 1206 Alice Street in Waycross, Ga. Medical oncologist and hematologist 

 will be joining LCCC and practicing at this new site.

Dr. Jha obtained his medical education from Grant Medical College, University of Bombay in India. He is Board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology.

Other LCCC locations are in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Ga., and Bluffton, S.C. Including Dr. Jha, the team now consists of five medical oncologists. LCCC offers a comprehensive range of treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

 of the LCCC Waycross office said, “This clinic will offer patients advanced treatment and care, close to where they live. Patients will not only have access to clinical research and innovative therapies, but they’ll also benefit from 24/7 pharmacy assistance and in-house pathology, laboratory and specialty pharmacy services.”

AON President & Chief Development Officer 

 said, “Dr. Jha moved to Waycross so he could provide high quality cancer care to patients living in rural areas where medical resources are scarce which is the foundation of Low Country Cancer Care and AON—making him a perfect fit to join our team.”

 added, “The addition of Dr. Jha and the expansion into the sixth clinic in Georgia will help ensure our patients have access to the latest advancements and affordable cancer care where they live.”

LCCC is committed to providing the community with innovative cancer care that is based on research, evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. Cancer patients will now have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship and patient support, giving them unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care, close to home.


Low Country Cancer Care has six locations, including an office in Savannah and Waycross and four satellite offices in Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina. The team includes five medical oncologists and five advanced practice providers who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.


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 expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses 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.

American Oncology Network and Low Country Cancer Care Expand to Waycross Georgia Opening New Office

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a world leader in Consumer Health, announced today the appointment of Rachel Marler as the new Chief Customer Officer, US. In her role, Rachel will lead GSK Consumer Health's customer engagement efforts to build strong, trusting retailer partnerships and deliver compelling category and shopper healthcare experiences across the customer channels. Rachel is a U.S. leadership team member and will become the first Chief Customer Officer for Haleon when GSK Consumer Health demerges in July 2022.

Lisa Paley, Head of GSK Consumer Health, North America, commented, "I am pleased to welcome Rachel, who is ideally suited for this critical role within our organization. As we continue our journey to become an independent, world-leading, consumer health-focused, stand-alone company, our purpose and mission are clear and established. Rachel, in her role, will help us sharpen and execute an effective strategy to deliver everyday health, with humanity, in close partnership with our customers."

Paley continued," At a time when consumer preferences for proactive health and self-care, retail experience, and engagement are fast evolving, Rachel will work to build our capabilities for the future. She will work with our retail partners to increase consumer inclusion and access through compelling shopper healthcare journeys, distinctive consumer experiences, while delivering our strong fundamentals for the next selling era."

Rachel brings with her significant experience in sales and general management across several consumer product goods companies such as Gillette, P&G, Tyson Foods, and most recently Kimberly-Clark where she was Vice President, Sales, and Strategy for the Paper Business Unit. She has also spent several years with Walmart, where she held various roles in U.S. Merchandising before moving to Vice President of Merchandising for Canada and Vice President of Merchandising, International. Rachel has a track record of building strong, trusting retailer partnerships across all channels and delivering exceptional results.

Rachel Marler commented, "I am excited to join GSK Consumer Health during this transformative period and drive the growth narrative of GSK Consumer Health, soon to be, Haleon. We are building on a strong foundation of enabling and elevating everyday health for millions of consumers in the US With an exceptional portfolio of category-leading brands, world-class competitive capabilities, and a strong commercial organization; I could not be more proud to join this team and complement the great work already in motion."

GSK Consumer Healthcare combines science and consumer insights to create innovative world-class health care brands that consumers trust and experts recommend for oral health, pain relief, respiratory and wellness.For further information please visit 

GlaxoSmithKline announced today the appointment of Rachel Marler as the new Chief Customer Officer, US.

GSK Consumer Health Appoints New Chief Customer Officer, US 

Bluebonnet Nutrition is excited to announce the newest addition to their whole food-based, structure-function Targeted Choice® line, 

Targeted Choice® Immune Support Vegetable Capsules

 that are designed to support immune function. 

This new formula delivers a complementary whole food-based combination of nutrients and herbal extracts in scientifically substantiated potencies to help support immune function, boost antioxidant levels in the body, protecting it from the damaging effects of harmful free radicals - working in tandem with the body’s own natural defense system to optimize immune and seasonal health. 

This formula is Kosher certified and is free of common allergens (soy, gluten & milk). Additionally, this product is formulated with non-GMO ingredients and is made without artificially-derived colors, flavors or sweeteners, and unnecessary binders, fillers, or additives to maintain nutrient integrity. This product is packaged in recyclable, environmentally-friendly materials and is available in 30- and 60-day supplies.

♦ The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation, headquartered in Sugar Land, TX, is a leading NSF GMP Registered® nutritional supplement manufacturer delivering a full line of award-winning, premium dietary supplements and nutritional solutions for every age, gender, life stage, lifestyle, and health concern distributed through fine natural product retailers and their sites in the U.S and select international markets.

Press Releases