Dr. Arvinder Bhinder Receives Distinguished Service in Medical Oncology Award
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Arvinder Bhinder received OhioHealth’s Distinguished Service in Medical Oncology Award on Oct. 9 for his contributions to cancer care.
- Since joining OhioHealth in 2014, Dr. Bhinder has helped expand cancer services in Marion, including starting the OhioHealth Precision Tumor Board.
- Dr. Bhinder continues to advance cancer care through clinical research, new treatment options and a commitment to helping patients receive care close to home.
During his first year of medical school in India, Arvinder Bhinder, MD, learned that his mother had breast cancer. His family worked tirelessly to find specialized care, but access was limited, and the nearest cancer center was a two-day train ride away. Less than a year later, she passed away. The experience profoundly shaped his future and ultimately inspired a career dedicated to ensuring that patients can access exceptional cancer care close to home.
"For a long time, I was afraid of cancer," Dr. Bhinder said. "But during my training, I saw how research and innovation were transforming outcomes for patients. It opened my eyes to the possibility of making a real difference in people's lives."
Following residency training at the University at Buffalo, Dr. Bhinder joined a research program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and later completed a fellowship in Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Guided by both personal experience and a passion for advancing cancer care, he committed himself to bringing academic-level oncology services to regional communities.
In November 2014, Dr. Bhinder joined OhioHealth as its first employed medical oncologist in Marion. Over the following decade, he helped build and expand comprehensive cancer services across the region, earning the trust of patients who had traditionally traveled to larger metropolitan centers for specialized cancer care and second opinions.
"Building trust was one of the most important challenges," Dr. Bhinder said. "Patients needed to know that they could receive the same evidence-based, high-quality care close to home. Over time, they realized they no longer needed to travel long distances to receive outstanding treatment."
As Director of Cancer Services and the Infusion Center, Dr. Bhinder played a key role in the development of the new building for the OhioHealth Marion Cancer Center, which opened in 2022. Working alongside OhioHealth leadership, physicians, architects, and clinical staff, he helped create a patient-centered facility that integrates medical oncology, infusion services, and radiation oncology under one roof, simplifying care for patients and their families while enhancing the overall treatment experience.
Dr. Bhinder emphasizes that these achievements reflect the vision of OhioHealth leadership and the dedication of an entire multidisciplinary team.
"Every milestone has been made possible by the contributions of countless people across our organization," he said. "From receptionists, medical assistants, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, nurse navigators, research personnel, and office managers, every team member plays an essential role in delivering exceptional care to our patients."
In 2019, Dr. Bhinder founded the OhioHealth Precision Tumor Board, a multidisciplinary program that brings together oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, pharmacists, genetic counselors, and research staff to review complex cancer cases. Through advanced genomic profiling and precision medicine approaches, the board helps identify targeted therapies and clinical trial opportunities for patients throughout the health system while fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among providers.
In addition to leading precision oncology initiatives, Dr. Bhinder serves as a principal investigator on multiple clinical trials, helping provide local patients with access to emerging therapies, novel immunotherapies, and cutting-edge research without requiring travel to major academic medical centers.
These efforts were recognized on Oct. 9, when Dr. Bhinder received the Distinguished Service in Medical Oncology Award at OhioHealth's Fall Cancer Conference.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this award," he said. "Oncology is a team effort, and I share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to improving cancer care across OhioHealth. What continues to inspire me every day is the opportunity to do a little better for each patient and family we serve."
"Dr. Bhinder has had a tremendous impact on cancer care in Marion and throughout OhioHealth," said Jim Parobek, president of Marion General Hospital. "His commitment to innovation, research, and compassionate patient care has helped transform cancer services in our region. We are fortunate to have him, and this recognition is well deserved."
