Podcast Summary: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast — Cory Jones, System AVP of Oncology Services at Banner Health (Nov 30, 2025)
Episode Overview
This episode features Cory Jones, System AVP of Oncology Services at Banner Health, in a conversation with host Elizabeth Gregerson. The discussion centers on current trends, innovations, and leadership insights in cancer care, with particular emphasis on Banner Health’s partnership with MD Anderson, advances in oncology therapeutics, operational integration across a multi-state health system, and Cory’s advice for the next generation of oncology leaders.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to Banner Health and Oncology Line (00:31–01:54)
- Banner Health Profile: One of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the U.S., serving over 3.5 million people across 5 states with 33 hospitals and more than 450 care sites.
- Role and Reach: Cory oversees oncology services linked to the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, which operates at 10 sites focusing on Arizona and Colorado.
- MD Anderson Partnership: Partnership for over 10 years, sharing best practices and protocols to deliver advanced cancer care.
Quote:
"We really are sharing and providing best practices and protocols and delivering cancer care services. It's been a relationship that we're very excited to be a part of..."
— Cory Jones [00:50]
2. Current Trends and Innovations in Oncology (02:27–05:05)
- Therapeutic Innovations: Growth in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, as well as new technologies enabling better treatment options.
- Care Delivery Evolution: Emphasis on delivering care closer to home, utilizing telemedicine and virtual care to expand reach and patient monitoring.
- Artificial Intelligence: Banner is exploring AI applications in cancer care, with a cautious but forward-looking approach.
- Diagnostics & Prevention: Enhanced focus on accessible diagnostics, precision medicine, genetic testing, and next-generation imaging (including blood-based cancer screening).
Quote:
"Therapeutics specifically, as we look about targeted therapies and immunotherapies... is obviously changing the landscape."
— Cory Jones [02:45]
Quote:
"AI continues to be a big part of the conversation... we’re very much focused on how to kind of take advantage of that, but being very cautious about how to apply it."
— Cory Jones [03:25]
3. Recent Achievements at Banner Health (05:37–08:09)
- Scaling Innovations Across Sites: Successful integration of advancements across the network, aided by strong multidisciplinary teams and seamless collaboration between experts.
- Research Growth: Expanded research capabilities in partnership with MD Anderson and the University of Arizona.
- Talent Recruitment: Banner has significantly strengthened its physician and specialist teams over the last 6–18 months, enhancing care and innovation.
Quote:
"Our achievements is really creating that integrative team... that model that really kind of supports that kind of conversation and care delivery capability."
— Cory Jones [06:19]
4. Advice for Physicians and Emerging Leaders (08:48–11:26)
- Understanding Complexity: Oncology is complex—leaders must appreciate the intricate web of clinical and administrative roles.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Building relationships across disciplines is key to driving program success and innovation.
- Operational and Clinical Acumen: Leaders should “get in the weeds” to understand both operational and clinical sides, enhancing decision-making and teamwork.
Quote:
"The most important thing is to understand the dynamics of that ecosystem intimately... really diving into understanding all the different parts of that ecosystem."
— Cory Jones [09:04]
Quote:
"If it's the physician, understand the administrative side... From an administrative side, again, understanding the clinical space as much as possible..."
— Cory Jones [11:11]
5. Hopes and Future Focus in Oncology (12:05–14:07)
- Therapeutic Progress: Continued advancement in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and novel surgical technologies brings hope for improved outcomes.
- Harnessing Data and AI: Growing data sets enhance both clinical and operational decision-making, with AI anticipated to increase utility and accessibility.
- Coordinated, Patient-Centered Care: Ongoing innovation in care coordination and outreach to underserved areas, utilizing technology and home-based care models.
Quote:
"I'm very excited about what's happening with immunotherapies and... the advancements in new technologies for surgical interventions... have really kind of helped create opportunities to fight this disease."
— Cory Jones [12:23]
Quote:
"The amount of data that continues to be produced and developed—obviously AI is going to play an extremely important part... breaking down that data in more usable fashions..."
— Cory Jones [13:11]
Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes
- "Therapeutics specifically, as we look about targeted therapies and immunotherapies and how those are being leveraged to support the care delivery is obviously changing the landscape."
— Cory Jones [02:45] - "Our achievements is really creating that integrative team amongst our caregivers and our experts... has been really kind of an achievement that I think a lot of programs probably envy."
— Cory Jones [06:19] - "The most important thing is to understand the dynamics of that ecosystem intimately... get in touch with the weeds a little bit more and understanding all the different parts."
— Cory Jones [09:04]
Important Segment Timestamps
- Introduction & Banner Health Overview — 00:00–01:54
- Emerging Innovation Trends — 02:27–05:05
- Achievements & Research Expansion — 05:37–08:09
- Leadership & Career Advice — 08:48–11:26
- Future Hopes for Cancer Care — 12:05–14:07
Tone and Style
The conversation is professional yet optimistic, marked by a collegial and collaborative spirit. Cory Jones consistently emphasizes teamwork, multidisciplinary integration, and the excitement of ongoing innovation in cancer care. His advice is pragmatic and invested in continuous learning and relationship-building, offering encouragement to both clinical and administrative professionals.
This summary provides a comprehensive yet accessible look at the episode’s substance and flow, offering value to anyone seeking insights into leadership and innovation in contemporary oncology care.