Redefining Research: Meet Binaytara Research Officer Dr. Aman Shah

Redefining Research: Meet Binaytara Research Officer Dr. Aman Shah

For Dr. Aman Shah, improving cancer care isn't just about generating new knowledge — it's about sharing it, building partnerships, and creating systems that last. As Binaytara's Research Officer, the Nepal-based physician works across cancer research, international conferences, and educational initiatives, all while watching a world-class cancer center take shape in the city where he grew up.

Dr. Aman Shah Wants You to Rethink the Limits of Research

Dr. Aman Shah’s title at Binaytara is, officially, Research Officer. But to the Nepal-based doctor, the value of his role lies in definition-defying variety. “I have the opportunity to contribute to projects that extend well beyond traditional research,” he explained of his day-to-day at Binaytara. “One day I might be working on a research project, another day helping organize an international conference, and the next collaborating with colleagues on educational initiatives. It has shown me that improving cancer care isn’t just about generating new knowledge, it’s also about sharing that knowledge, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for learning and collaboration.”

During his tenure at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Nepal, Dr. Shah discovered that his interest in healthcare went beyond clinical practice. “Alongside medicine, I found myself drawn to research, public health, community outreach, and leadership,” he shared. “I became increasingly interested in implementation science: understanding how evidence can be translated into everyday clinical practice, and how education and partnerships can help make that happen.”

Experiences like organizing a TEDx event and attending the Oxford Winter Neuroethics School taught him that medicine was a powerful tool, but not the whole picture. His clinical training could be leveraged for the most impact when combined with diverse partnerships and collaboration, thoughtful healthcare education, and durable healthcare delivery systems designed for equity.

Close-to-Home Cancer Health Equity

Having solidified an interest in global health across disciplines, Binaytara was a natural place for Dr. Shah to land: “It’s an organization that brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, and institutions with a shared goal of improving cancer care… Being part of an organization that values those principles felt like a very natural fit for me.”

Binaytara’s mission to improve cancer care across the globe drew Dr. Shah in. But the opportunity to see that mission at work in a familiar place was especially impactful. “It’s hard to put into words how meaningful it is to now be part of an organization that’s investing in cancer care in the city I call home,” Dr. Shah said. “Growing up, I would never have imagined that Janakpur could one day have a world-class cancer center. Watching that become a reality has been both inspiring and deeply personal.”

Now, Dr. Shah is one of the key organizers for the International Cancer Congress. The 2026 meeting, which will take place in October 2026, marks Binaytara’s 8th annual convening, bringing oncology experts from across the globe to Janakpur to discuss advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and supportive care. He is also an integral part of the Binaytara Cancer Research Institute, Binaytara’s in-house research unit.

“I’ve always believed that where a patient lives shouldn’t determine the quality of care they receive,” he said. “While every healthcare system is different, there’s so much we can learn from global experience. If we can build stronger collaborations, adapt the best evidence to our own context, and continue raising the standard of cancer care and research here at home, that’s something I’m genuinely excited to be a part of.”

Listening, Watching, Connecting: Dr. Shah After Hours

Outside of his work improving cancer care through diverse Binaytara research initiatives, Dr. Shah is drawn to the arts: slice-of-life films, music, and theater. Instead of grand moments and dramatic twists, the doctor appreciates “stories that celebrate the quiet moments of everyday life. They remind me that everyone is carrying a story of their own, often hidden beneath the surface.” He added: “I think that appreciation for people’s stories has stayed with me both inside and outside of medicine.”