OneOncology: What attracts you to OneR and its mission of empowering practices to bring clinical research closer to where patients receive care?

Annie Carter: What attracted me most to OneR is the opportunity to help expand access to clinical research in the communities where most patients receive their cancer care. Throughout my career, I've seen how difficult it can be for patients to travel long distances to participate in clinical trials, and I believe every patient deserves the opportunity to consider research close to home. OneR's mission aligns closely with my own passion for bringing innovative treatment options to more patients while supporting the physicians and research teams who make that possible every day.

OO: You've held leadership roles across the clinical research ecosystem. What experiences have most shaped your approach to clinical research and how do you want to apply them in the community setting?

AC: I've been fortunate to work across community health systems, academic partnerships, federal research programs, and national research networks. One lesson has remained consistent throughout all of those experiences: successful research programs are built around people. Engaged physicians, strong research teams, clear processes, and a culture of collaboration make all the difference. I've also learned that the best research programs make it easy for physicians and patients to participate. My goal is to help create the infrastructure, support, and consistency that allow practices to focus less on barriers and more on bringing clinical trial opportunities to patients.

OO: What opportunities do you see for OneR to help partner practices advance clinical research over the next several years?

AC: We're entering one of the most exciting periods in oncology research, with advances in precision medicine, molecular profiling, AI, and clinical trial design creating new opportunities for patients. Because community practices care for the majority of cancer patients, they are uniquely positioned to help shape the future of research. I see tremendous opportunity for OneR to help practices leverage shared infrastructure, expertise, and technology to make research easier to deliver, easier for patients to access, and more sustainable for physicians and care teams.

OO: What excites you most about partnering with physicians, research teams, and practices across the OneOncology platform?

AC: What excites me most is the opportunity to learn from and partner with people who are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients with cancer. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from helping teams overcome challenges, grow their capabilities, and achieve things they didn't think were possible. I'm excited to spend time with physicians, research professionals, and practice leaders across the network, understand what they need to be successful, and work together to build an even stronger research enterprise.

OO: What’s one thing about yourself that surprises people who work with you?

AC: People are often surprised by how much I enjoy getting to know what motivates others. I'm naturally curious, and I genuinely enjoy learning about people's goals, strengths, and aspirations. That curiosity has shaped my career in clinical research as well—some of the most rewarding moments for me have been helping physicians and research teams turn a vision for research into something that creates new opportunities for patients in their communities.