From Theory to Practice: How Binaytara’s Conference Shapes Future Oncologists

Introduction: The Growing Need for Hematology/Oncology Training & Support

Hematology/oncology is rapidly evolving, with major advances in personalized medicine, diagnostics, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Reflecting this growth, the number of hematology/oncology fellowship positions has increased by approximately 64%, underscoring the rising demand for specialists in the field. Yet, beyond expanding training opportunities, it is equally important to ensure that early-career physicians receive the support they need to thrive.

At Binaytara, we are committed to empowering residents and fellows through innovative educational programs that not only highlight the latest advancements but also emphasize cancer equity, which is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of oncology training.

Spotlight on Travel Award Fellows: Dr. Mehndi Dandwani and Dr. Andrew Vegel

We recently spoke with two fellows, Dr. Andrew Vegel and Dr. Mehndi Dandwani, who received Binaytara travel awards to attend our CME/ACPE-accredited conference, Best of Hematology and Breast Cancer 2025, held in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 29, 2025. This conference, chaired by Dr. Vishal Vashistha and Dr. Kartik Anand, focused on translating key updates from ASH 2024 and SABCS 2024 into clinical practice. Some key topics covered in the agenda included: tumor board-style case discussions on benign hematology, latest advancements in leukemia & lymphoid malignancies, and an opening session on Binaytara’s initiatives to reduce cancer care disparities.

Dr. Andrew Vegel: Bridging the Gap Between Academia & Community Practice

Dr. Vegel, a second-year hematology fellow at the University of Iowa, learned about our conference through the faculty presenting their work in Des Moines. Given the proximity and the learning potential, he was eager and excited to attend. As a fellow who mostly learns about disease conditions and treatments, he noted that he was particularly excited about our conference because of its focus on cancer disparities, a topic rarely covered in depth during fellowship training.

He shared, “I am definitely interested in cancer disparities, especially within the U.S., since that is where I was born, raised, and plan to practice. What is most important to me is making sure everyone has access to care. I grew up in a small town, and I have seen how difficult it can be to access not just standard cancer care, but also the latest, cutting-edge treatments. That gap is even wider in community settings, and it is something I really care about addressing.”

The conference agenda was particularly intellectually stimulating for Dr. Vegel. He entered the event with an open mind, hoping to hear updates on the latest advancements and gather critical information to aid his training. He also appreciated the model of our conference, which targets smaller and regional areas across the United States that often get overlooked. Dr. Vegel remarked,

“What really stood out to me was how well this conference bridged the academic and community sides of oncology. It gave community doctors access to cutting-edge updates and helped reinforce that we are doing our best to offer patients the most up-to-date treatments. As fellows, it can be hard to keep up with everything, but this kind of setting is a great way to refresh and stay current.”

Dr. Vegel found the Binaytara Conference to be a meaningful and well-balanced experience. Midway through the event, he shared with a fellow attendee how impressed he was by the conference’s blend of academic rigor and community-focused relevance. For Dr. Vegel, currently in fellowship, the connection between cutting-edge updates and real-world application in community settings was especially valuable. He noted that this type of conference would be one he would consider attending in the future, particularly if he enters community practice, because it equips clinicians with tools to stay informed and offer the best possible care, regardless of their practice setting.

Dr. Mehndi Dandwani: A Personal Mission for Equitable Care

A first-year hematology-oncology and palliative care fellow (also at the University of Iowa), Dr. Dandwani’s passion for oncology stems from her upbringing in India and her family’s experiences with cancer.

Her journey to the Binaytara’s Des Moines conference began through the chair, Dr. Vashistha, a VA physician who encouraged her to apply for a travel award. Already familiar with our organization’s mission through her previous work covering The Cancer News, Dr. Dandwani was eager to engage further. She anticipated hearing from speakers she recognized, many from the University of Iowa, and expected to gain updates on clinical trials presented at ASH. But the experience offered more than she imagined.

She further reflected on the story of a doctor from Des Moines who pioneered getting communities to use bispecifics. She mentioned that her efforts were critical in bridging the gaps for patients, who will no longer need to come to the hospital to get these antibodies for lymphoma. For Dr. Dandwani, the conference not only broadened her clinical insight, but it also reinforced the power of bridging academic innovation with real-world, community-based application. During her palliative care fellowship, Dr. Dandwani became concerned about the disparities in access to care, particularly regarding simple treatments like blood transfusions. As she explained:

“I was just stirred about why we have so much money to spend on advanced lines of treatment, but a simple blood transfusion, which would cost way less, is something that we have to really fight and advocate for our patients when it comes to insurance companies.”

For Dr. Dandwani, the conference reinforced the importance of translating innovation into actionable, equitable care.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

Binaytara has been a leader in global oncology education since 2008. Many of our CME/ACPE conferences focus on multidisciplinary topics aimed at integrating new advancements into patient-centered care. In 2008, we began providing research grants to medical students and residents in Nepal and India. With over 50 conferences annually, we are now educating healthcare professionals from all over the United States at various stages of their careers, from students and residents to fellows and physicians.

In addition to regional conferences that bridge the gap between community practice and research advancements, we also organize major national conferences, such as the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD). This conference will bring together experts from across the US to address issues at the forefront of cancer care, from implementation science in global oncology settings to artificial intelligence for cancer equity.

If you missed this recent event, don’t worry—more opportunities are ahead. We invite oncologists, NPs, PAs, nurses, pharmacists, trainees, and researchers to explore and register for our upcoming CME/ACPE-accredited conferences. Together, we can advance cancer equity and transform patient care through collaboration, education, and innovation.