On October 20, 2025, the California Medical Association (CMA) announced that Dr. Shagun Bindlish has received its Compassionate Service Award. The award is given each year to a physician whose career demonstrates significant dedication to community and charity care.
Dr. Bindlish is recognized nationally as an internist, diabetologist, and advocate for community health. She leads the Golden State Obesity Society (GSOS), a nonprofit that promotes obesity and lifestyle medicine through education and collaboration among healthcare providers. GSOS has opened chapters in underserved areas across California under her leadership.
In her role as Medical Director at One Medical in Dublin, California, Dr. Bindlish provides care for patients with obesity and diabetes and trains teams to deliver patient-centered treatment based on evidence. She also plays a role in public health policy, working with organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and state Senator Scott Wiener to support SB 40, legislation designed to make insulin more affordable and accessible. Dr. Bindlish served as an expert witness during the legislative process of SB 40, which passed unanimously in both 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 been honored with the Peter G. Lindner Award for Outstanding Contribution to Obesity Medicine Education. Through the GSOS Youth Ambassador Initiative, she involves high school and college students in public health advocacy efforts.
“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.”
