PHILADELPHIA (October 17, 2025) — Fox Chase Cancer Center has been honored with the 2025 Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Innovator Award for its pioneering Ambulatory Care Excellence (ACE) model. Developed by Fox Chase nurses, the initiative is designed to improve efficiency, care coordination, and patient outcomes in ambulatory cancer care.
- Ambulatory Care Excellence (ACE) program recognized for advancing patient-centered ambulatory oncology care.
- The program streamlines workflows, clarifies team roles, and strengthens provider collaboration.
- ACE serves as a replicable model for cancer programs across the U.S.
“The ACE model was designed to address inefficiencies in patient access, clinic workflows, and care coordination,” said Anna Liza Rodriguez, MSN, MHA, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing and Patient Services at Fox Chase. “We are proud that the ACE model serves as an example of how thoughtful system design can have a meaningful impact on patients and care teams alike.”
What Is the ACCC Innovator Award?
The ACCC Innovator Award recognizes cancer programs that demonstrate measurable improvements and innovative approaches in patient care. To qualify, programs must:
- Improve patient outcomes or experience.
- Support sustainable staffing and financial models.
- Show potential for replication by other cancer care providers.
Winners are selected through a rigorous peer-review process.
Why the ACE Model Stands Out
Ambulatory oncology care often faces challenges with patient access, care coordination, and workflow efficiency. The ACE model addresses these issues by streamlining processes, clarifying care team roles, and strengthening collaboration among providers. By reducing bottlenecks and improving continuity of care, it ensures patients receive timely, coordinated, and high-quality services throughout their treatment journey.
“The ACE model represents a major step forward in addressing these challenges, allowing us to improve the patient experience while also supporting clinicians in practicing at levels that fully leverage their expertise,” said Rodriguez. “This alignment between patient needs and clinical capabilities is critical for sustainable care delivery.”
Driving Innovation in Cancer Care
Beyond efficiency and coordination, the ACE model enhances clinical outcomes, supports workforce well-being, and promotes long-term sustainability in ambulatory care.
“This award reflects the dedication of our teams and their commitment to innovation in cancer care,” said Rodriguez. “We hope the ACE model inspires other organizations to implement similar improvements and drive progress nationwide.”
Fox Chase nurses presented insights on the ACE model at the ACCC 42nd National Oncology Conference, that took place October 15–17 in Denver.