Dr. Dan Milner: Championing Global Oncology Advocacy at the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities

Dr. Dan Milner
Partner of Binaytara
Executive Director of the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition,

On April 25th, Dr. Dan Milner will join healthcare professionals and researchers from across the United States in Seattle, Washington, to address cancer health disparities. Drawing on his years of experience in global oncology, Dr. Milner is set to chair a session at the 2025 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities that focuses on the development of an effective advocacy campaign.

Dr. Dan Milner, Executive Director of the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition and a longtime partner of organizations like Binaytara, brings a deep expertise to SCHD25. His work reflects the conference’s goal: sustainable global cancer care depends on local leadership, equitable advocacy, and a deep commitment to mentorship.

Dr. Milner’s path into global oncology began with hands-on work in clinics across Africa, where he quickly recognized the devastating impact of diagnostic limitations and the late-stage cancer diagnoses that followed. His career has since focused on improving access to timely, accurate diagnostics, and equally on building the systems and mentorship pipelines that sustain long-term global oncology efforts. He noted,

“A lot of our success depends on the people we empower. Mentorship does not only mean sharing knowledge, but also learning from the local context and respecting the lived experiences of patients and providers on the ground.”

That commitment to inclusive advocacy means amplifying local voices, not just as collaborators but as co-leaders. Through his work with organizations like Binaytara, Dr. Milner has helped shape strategies that center patient perspectives and local health systems to create lasting change.

A prime example is Binaytara’s work in Nepal, where the organization is building the country’s first comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Milner worked with the architects on where the pathology laboratory should be located and what it should include. Through his involvement in the hospital’s planning, he developed a deep passion for seeing Binaytara reach its goal of completion as soon as possible, because he understands the enormous impact the hospital will have and how dire the need is in Nepal. He notes, “The need is urgent. We are talking about patients traveling for days to receive care or, worse, not traveling at all because the care simply does not exist.”

Dr. Milner will lead a featured panel on advocacy at SCHD25 in Seattle, sharing concrete strategies for health professionals looking to take action. Attendees can expect to walk away with practical tools and a renewed sense of responsibility. “Advocacy is not just something we do on the side,” says Dr. Milner. “It is the core of global health equity.”

At SCHD25, Dr. Milner will be recognized as the Binaytara Humanitarian of the Year for his years of service in global oncology. This award honors individuals who embody Binaytara's core values through their volunteerism, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to advancing Binaytara's efforts to improve access to cancer care. When asked how he felt upon being notified about the award, he remarked, “I volunteer for Binaytara, Max Foundation, and Partners in Health. I even donate to them because their missions are so important. So when an organization I care deeply about says, ‘Hey, we see what you’re doing,’ it really does make you feel valued.”

Dr. Milner’s leadership exemplifies how an individual can make a lasting global impact by having a bold vision and collaborating with grassroots leaders. His work continues to shape the future of global oncology, inviting others to join him.

To join the conversation that will shape the future of how we treat and manage cancer patients, register here for the SCHD25 conference.