Binaytara Foundation’s 2021 Awards Recognize Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Care in Underserved Communities
“It is an honor to recognize the inspiring achievements of this year’s award recipients. They have made exceptional contributions in improving access to cancer care in underserved communities. Together, we will save thousands of lives every year today, and for generations to come.”
Dr. Binay Shah, President of the Binaytara Foundation
Binaytara Foundation (BTF) held its 2nd Annual Charity Gala on July 24, 2021, at the Crowne-Plaza, Downtown Seattle and awarded four dedicated supporters and volunteers the foundation’s top honors.
2021 Eternal Service Award
Mark Pegram, MD, the Suzy Yuan-Huey Hung Endowed Professor of Medical Oncology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, received the 2021 Eternal Service Award for his contribution in improving access to education for healthcare providers. Dr. Pegram has been a faculty member at numerous BTF conferences over the past six years. Dr. Pegram enthusiastically received his award, saying it was the first time he was literally speechless. While comparing the foundation’s efforts to his work as a physician and researcher, Dr. Pegram said BTF’s efforts were “beyond his imagination”. Dr. Pegram dedicated his award to his patients who he referred to as his teachers.
BTF Excellence in Leadership Award
Dr. David Aboulafia, hematologist and medical oncologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center, in Seattle, was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Leadership Award for his contribution in establishment of the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center (Janakpurdham, Nepal), and BTF’s education efforts. Not only is Dr. Aboulafia a member of BTF’s board of directors, but he is also actively involved in establishing Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center (BTFCC) and an editor for IJCCD. Dr. Aboulafia spoke about his experiences traveling to Nepal. He stated that BTFCC’s efforts in improving access to cancer care in Province 2 of Nepal was the inspiration he needed to continue working towards BTF’s mission to improve cancer care disparities globally.
BTF Rising star for Health Equity
Dr. Sakti Chakrabarti, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Medical College of Wisconsin, and Dr. Siddhartha Yadav, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Oncology at Mayo Clinic, received the 2021 Rising Star for Health Equity Award for their contributions in improving access to cancer care in underserved populations. Dr. Yadav and Dr. Chakrabarti have been instrumental in expanding BTF’s education program. As co-chairs of the Binaytara Foundation’s Education Academy, they are involved in organizing numerous CME-accredited oncology conferences, and improving access to education for thousands of oncology professionals in the United States and globally. Dr. Yadav also chairs the weekly tumor boards, helping manage more than 150 patients each year.
Dr. Sakti Chakrabarti
Dr. Chakrabarti is the co-editor-in-chief of BTF’s International Journal of Cancer Care and Delivery (IJCCD).
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to receive the Rising Star for Health Equity Award from the Binaytara Foundation, and I am honored to be a part of the Binaytara Foundation team, who works tirelessly for the people forgotten by the rest of the world.”
Dr. Sakti Chakrabarti
Dr. Siddhartha Yadav
Dr. Yadav chairs the weekly tumor boards, helping manage more than 150 patients each year.
“Disparities in cancer care exist globally, including the United States, and it is our moral responsibility to ensure access to comprehensive oncology services to all cancer patients, irrespective of race, gender, finances, or geography. As a reminder of the important work ahead of us, I dedicate this award to the millions of men, women, and children with cancer, who lack adequate access to cancer care.”
Dr. Siddhartha Yadav
Congratulations to all the recipients!