Infusing Care Across the Miles

For Anthony “Tony” Gonzalez, BSN, RN, each work week begins at the airport with a boarding pass to a new city.

As an infusion registered nurse lead for Intrafusion by McKesson, Tony plays an important role in helping medical practices deliver more than 100,000 specialty infusion therapies to neurology, rheumatology, gastroenterology and immunology patients every year. He travels among 95 physician-office infusion centers around the country, onboarding new infusion nurses and filling in when a nurse is absent.

Whether he’s training new nurses in New York or administering infusions in California, he makes sure physicians and patients experience the same high standards, trusted service and compassionate care they’ve come to expect from Intrafusion.

“It’s challenging but exhilarating because I know I’m there for a purpose: to make sure patients receive their treatment and get the care they need,” Tony says. “My goal is to jump in from the first minute I arrive and provide seamless care, so physicians and patients never feel a disruption.”

Helping Physicians Keep Patients Close to Home

Tony travels around the country so patients don’t have to. Intrafusion works with physicians to deliver infusion therapy at their offices instead of sending patients to distant hospitals or infusion centers.

“We want to keep patients healthy and independent, whether they need short-term or lifelong treatment,” Tony says. “By offering these services, they can stay close to home and receive care in a familiar, supportive environment.”

The proximity to their physician offers more than convenience. Removing the hassle of travel could save patients time, money and stress. They don’t have to worry about missing work or arranging care for loved ones in their absence. For patients who need infusion treatment for months or even years, it can make a difference in whether they stay on track and have positive outcomes.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Tony says. “Patients can continue their normal lifestyle while receiving treatment. And physicians appreciate the opportunity to oversee their patients’ treatments directly, address concerns immediately and maintain continuity of care.”

Connecting a Community of Nurses Across the Miles

Tony shares his insights with new nurses during their onboarding with Intrafusion.

“Mentoring is important to me,” he says. “I love being someone others can depend on to help expand their knowledge of infusion nursing.”

It’s one of the driving forces behind Tony’s decision to join Intrafusion in 2021. Similar to his approach with patients, he personalizes his experience with every infusion nurse he mentors so they feel confident and prepared once he moves on to a new location.

“I want our nurses to be successful, so I tailor the training to their needs and the realities of a busy infusion center.”

Tony’s commitment to his colleagues extends beyond the initial training period, with ongoing support and networking. He’s particularly proud of a mentorship program he helped develop that connects infusion nurses nationwide, allowing them to learn from each other.

“We take our responsibility to patients and physician providers seriously,” he says. “We listen to our nurses and are constantly improving so we can deliver the best care.”

These meaningful interactions are what keeps him energized and excited after nearly four decades in the nursing profession.

“Every patient is unique, every nurse is unique and every day brings something new,” he says. “It’s rewarding to know that I can make a difference.”