The California Medical Association (CMA) announced that Shagun Bindlish, M.D., a nationally recognized internist, diabetologist and community health advocate, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Compassionate Service Award. The annual award recognizes a physician whose career exemplifies extraordinary dedication to community and charity care. 

Dr. Bindlish has dedicated her career to addressing systemic health inequities through both clinical practice and policy advocacy. She is the founder and president of the Golden State Obesity Society (GSOS), a nonprofit focused on obesity and lifestyle medicine through community-based education and multidisciplinary provider engagement. Under her leadership, GSOS established chapters in underserved communities across the state. 

In addition to her clinical role as Medical Director at One Medical in Dublin, CA – where she provides inclusive obesity and diabetes care and trains multidisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care – Dr. Bindlish is a formidable voice in public health policy. She collaborated closely with the American Diabetes Association and state Senator Scott Wiener to champion SB 40 to make insulin more affordable and accessible for patients. Dr. Bindlish served as an expert witness to help secure the bill's unanimous passage through the Assembly and Senate before it was eventually signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. 

“Her commitment extends beyond direct care to meaningful structural change,” said Irene J. Lo, M.D., president of the Alameda Contra Costa Medical Association. “In her leadership roles with the American Diabetes Association, Obesity Medicine Association, and the American College of Physicians, Dr. Bindlish champions policy initiatives to improve access to obesity and diabetes treatment.” 

A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Bindlish serves as adjunct faculty at Touro University California and has earned the Peter G. Lindner Award for Outstanding Contribution to Obesity Medicine Education. Her commitment to shaping future advocates is further exemplified by the GSOS Youth Ambassador Initiative, which engages high school and college students in public health advocacy. 

“What makes Dr. Bindlish especially deserving of this award is not just the scope of her work, but the heart with which she serves,” said Valerie Kovacovich, Executive Director of American Diabetes Association, Northern California. “She gives her free time, balancing the demands of her medical profession with an unwavering dedication to community impact. Her work is not motivated by recognition but by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”