Tennessee Oncology, one of the largest providers of oncology care in the country, announced that Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) effective January 1, 2022. Natalie Dickson, MD, President and CMO, will remain in her role as President of the company while taking on the newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).
In their new roles, Dr. Dickson will focus on Tennessee Oncology’s growth and long-term strategy, and Dr. Schleicher will oversee clinical programs to promote the high-quality, innovative, and patient-centered care Tennessee Oncology is known for delivering throughout Tennessee and North Georgia.
Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA
Natalie Dickson, MD
A Growing Endeavor
“As Tennessee Oncology continues to grow—with over 190 oncology providers across 33 clinics—Dr. Dickson’s strategic leadership through this transformational period is crucial to our continued success,” stated Ron Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer. “Together, these two physician leaders will continue to shape Tennessee Oncology into one of the largest and most innovative practices in the country.”
During her time as CMO, Dr. Dickson helped Tennessee Oncology enter Medicare’s Oncology Care Model (OCM), created an internal palliative care program that is now one of the largest of its type in community oncology, grew a dedicated financial counseling team, and launched integrative oncology and genetics counseling programs. “Our vision was for patients in Tennessee to have access to high-quality, comprehensive cancer care wherever they live,” said Dr. Dickson. “And Tennessee Oncology has consistently delivered on this vision.”
Unique Background
Dr. Schleicher, who joined Tennessee Oncology 3 years ago, has already served as Medical Director of Value-Based Care across both Tennessee Oncology and OneOncology, a national platform for independent community oncology practices that now includes more than 700 oncology providers across the United States. Under his leadership, Tennessee Oncology has saved millions of dollars in the OCM, notched perfect quality scores in the OCM as well as ASCO’s certification program, and formed one of the largest commercial oncology medical home programs in the country through its partnership with Ascension and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. In addition to his roles as Medical Director, Dr. Schleicher also serves as President of the Tennessee Oncology Practice Society.
“Dr. Schleicher brings a unique background to oncology. As a graduate of Harvard Business School and an ex-McKinsey consultant, Dr. Schleicher is always looking for new ways to deliver care to maximize quality and patient experience,” commented Dr. Dickson. Dr. Schleicher received his medical training from Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York before returning to his hometown to join Tennessee Oncology.
“Tennessee Oncology is a special place,” stated Dr. Schleicher. “We have doctors who trained at the best institutions in the country and strive to bring care one would receive at a top academic center to the communities where patients live.”
