Education Committee Highlight: Dr. Fengting Yan

Local Oncologist Involved with the Binaytara Foundation Since 2019

Meet Dr. Fengting Yan, one of our wonderful Education Committee members! Dr. Yan is an oncologist who specializes in women’s cancer practicing at the True Family Women’s Cancer Center at the Swedish Cancer Institute. She has been involved with the Binaytara Foundation in various capacities since 2019.

Dr. Yan is a strong advocate for cancer research and education, which is why she aligned with the mission of the Binaytara Foundation. In 2019, she was asked to help plan a breast cancer conference and decided to become more involved after meeting Dr. Binay and Tara Shah, the founders of the organization, and learning about their efforts and vision.

Currently, she is a member of the Binaytara Foundation Education Committee, a group of oncologists tasked with identifying oncology educational needs across the US and planning continuing education conferences to address them.

Dr. Yan’s committee responsibilities are centered around the ongoing planning and promotion of the Foundation’s women’s cancer conference offerings. She has organized several meetings, including the Northwest Women’s Cancer Conference in Portland, OR in September 2022 and the 2^nd Annual Highlights from SABCS 2022 meeting in January 2023.

Doctors do not always have access to large women’s cancer conferences such as the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in Texas, which is why she has organized the yearly Highlights from SABCS meetings in Seattle.

“Going to San Antonio each year for the SABCS conference is very important for breast cancer oncologists, but we know it is not for everyone and can be very time consuming. What we are trying to do with the Highlights from SABCS meeting is bring the most relevant and interactive case discussions and updates to our local community. It was very successful last year. Dr. Nancy Davidson of Fred Hutch, a breast oncologist, even messaged me after the conference about how impactful it was, and I was very happy to hear that.”

Dr. Fengting Yan

These conferences have not only increased education for local oncologists, but have also brought them closer as a community, which Dr. Yan finds to be encouraging and rewarding. Her vision is to continue to offer women’s cancer conferences that are highly organized and interactive.

The global efforts of the Foundation also speak to Dr. Yan, “The oncology treatment in Asia is very different and the disparities are still prevalent today. I have a lot of Asian patients. I always feel motivated when I see the cancer center in Nepal and how it is helping people. Some of my patients have family members in Asia who were treated at the Cancer Center in Nepal, and it’s very rewarding to hear from patients that the global efforts of the Foundation are helping others.”

Dr. Yan enjoys volunteering with the Binaytara Foundation because she is able have a greater impact outside of her career.

“I have an inner reward. I am helping and contributing to the community, along with treating my patients, which is rewarding by itself, but it is on a different level when I can help the larger community as well.”

When she isn’t helping patients or volunteering with the Foundation, she enjoys spending time with family and participating in outdoor activities such as biking and running.

Our organization has been blessed by Dr. Yan and her tireless efforts, and we are excited to see the continued impact and expansion of her efforts to the oncology community.  

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The Binaytara Foundation is a global cancer non-profit dedicated to improving access to cancer care in the United States and abroad through education and innovative program models that break down barriers and advance best practices in hematology and oncology. Binaytara Foundation’s major projects include hematology and oncology conferences, and the establishment of a cancer hospital in Nepal. Donate here to change lives!