Dr. Deepti Behl: 2026 Binaytara Distinguished Faculty of the Year Spotlight

Dr. Deepti Behl, a Mayo Clinic medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer and melanoma, has been named the 2026 Binaytara Distinguished Faculty of the Year. Recognized for her excellence in oncology education and unwavering commitment to cancer health equity, Dr. Behl’s leadership at Binaytara conferences and her advocacy for underserved communities continue to shape the future of equitable cancer care worldwide.

Dr. Deepti Behl is one of the 2026 recipients of the Binaytara Distinguished Faculty Award. Selected from more than 700 faculty members with whom Binaytara has worked over the past year, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated long-standing excellence in teaching and have made significant contributions to Binaytara’s educational activities, enhancing access to education for healthcare providers.

She is among the honorees of the Binaytara Annual Gala Celebration held at the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26) on Saturday, March 27th, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington.

Meet Dr. Deepti Behl

Dr. Deepti Behl is a medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer and melanoma at Mayo Clinic. She completed her residency and fellowship in hematology/oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and a fellowship in Integrative Medicine from the Andrew Weill University of Arizona Integrative Medicine program. She is also a member of the Tobacco Control and Cessation Committee (TCSC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).

She initially started supporting Binaytara’s mission through her involvement as a faculty member at our conferences, presenting compelling case studies and leading molecular tumor board presentations on lung cancer. Now, she serves as a visionary leader, co-chairing our 2026 Northern California Hematology Oncology Conference, which brought recent updates on hematology and oncology to the region. Dr. Behl exemplifies the type of educator whose commitment extends far beyond the lecture hall. Her passion for making a difference in how oncology care is delivered and understood across communities has been palpable and truly exceptional.

Honoring Excellence in Oncology Education: What the Distinguished Faculty Award Means to Dr. Behl

For Dr. Behl, receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award is deeply meaningful on both a personal and professional level. “Personally, it is a great honor to receive the Distinguished Faculty Award. Binaytara brings cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatments to an area of the world that had no way to access such treatments otherwise, while offering quality education to health care professionals worldwide. It is a privilege to be part of such a mission.”

Professionally, the recognition has only deepened her commitment. As she reflected, “This recognition strengthens my desire to continue working with Binaytara and others who make a real difference in the lives of people by working with sincerity and purpose.”

From Lung Cancer Conferences to Global Health Equity: Dr. Behl's Journey with Binaytara

Dr. Behl’s journey with Binaytara began when she was invited to chair a session at a lung cancer conference held in a smaller community setting, far from the typical big-city conference circuit. That experience opened her eyes to the depth of our mission. “I realized Binaytara was doing much more than just hosting a conference; they were making a very real difference in the lives of some of the most underserved people on the planet, while making medical education more accessible for the local community.” Over time, her involvement expanded across Binaytara’s educational programs, each engagement reinforcing her belief in the organization’s extraordinary impact.

Dr. Behl on Cancer Care in Rural Nepal and Underserved Communities

When asked about her most impactful experience with Binaytara’s educational programs, Dr. Behl recalls a moment during a conference that left a lasting mark. “I listened and watched tearfully when, during the conference, Dr. Binay Shah presented his powerful narrative on the ‘why’ behind his endeavors. He showed pictures and videos of people in rural Nepal who suffered the devastating consequences of cancer and received real, timely help from Binaytara. They were the people always left behind in every society. Binaytara saw them and acted for them. This realization was moving and humbling.”

It is this kind of grounding moment, one that connects clinical expertise to the lived reality of patients who are often left out, that defines why Dr. Behl continues to show up for Binaytara’s mission year after year.

A Vision for Cancer Health Equity in the Next Decade

Looking ahead, Dr. Behl holds a powerful and urgent vision for the future of cancer health equity. “In the next decade, I hope cancer health equity becomes foundational to oncology, and that the younger generations work as much on health equity as drug discovery or other research topics.”

She is unsparing in her assessment of the current landscape: “At present, outcome is heavily determined by birthplace, income, race, and geography. We urgently need to provide access to diagnostics, treatment, trials, and supportive care much more broadly. Ultimately, equity is about restoring dignity, and my deepest hope is that no patient feels invisible or left behind.”

Join Us in Honoring Dr. Deepti Behl at Binaytara’s Annual Gala

Binaytara congratulates Dr. Deepti Behl on receiving the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award and is grateful for her continued dedication to advancing cancer education and health equity worldwide. Our recognition awards reflect the compassionate, scholarly, and community-driven spirit of Binaytara. We will celebrate the awardees at our annual Binaytara gala at SCHD26. To attend this event, register for SCHD26 here.