On October 20, 2025, the California Medical Association (CMA) announced that Dr. Shagun Bindlish has been awarded the Compassionate Service Award. This annual honor is given to a physician whose career demonstrates exceptional commitment to community and charity care.
Dr. Bindlish is recognized for her efforts to address health inequities through both clinical work and policy advocacy. She founded and leads the Golden State Obesity Society (GSOS), a nonprofit organization focused on obesity and lifestyle medicine by promoting education and collaboration among healthcare providers in communities across California.
In her role as Medical Director at One Medical in Dublin, California, Dr. Bindlish provides inclusive care for patients with obesity and diabetes. She also trains multidisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care. Beyond her clinical duties, she has played an active role in public health policy by working with the American Diabetes Association and state Senator Scott Wiener to support SB 40, legislation aimed at making insulin more affordable and accessible. Dr. Bindlish contributed as an expert witness during the legislative process, which led to the bill’s unanimous approval in both legislative chambers before being 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.”
Dr. Bindlish also serves as adjunct faculty at Touro University California and has received recognition for her contributions to medical education, including the Peter G. Lindner Award for Outstanding Contribution to Obesity Medicine Education. Through GSOS’s Youth Ambassador Initiative, she encourages high school and college students to participate 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.”
