The Yvonne Awards 2025, presented by OncoDaily during the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, have become a much-awaited tradition in global oncology, honoring excellence, leadership, and advocacy. This inspiring event, known for its unique blend of celebration and purpose, took place once again on the Friday night of ASCO 2025 in Chicago. Among this year’s honorees was Jasmine Kamboj, recognized for her outstanding contributions to community oncology and her dedication to delivering equitable cancer care to underserved populations.
With the Chicago Riverwalk as its scenic backdrop, the 2025 ceremony brought together oncologists, researchers, advocates, and leaders worldwide. The Yvonne Awards – named in tribute to a legacy of courage and mentorship have, over the years, established a meaningful platform to spotlight individuals who drive change and elevate the cancer care community. Building on the tradition, this year’s event continued to highlight voices that challenge the status quo, mentor across generations, and push the boundaries of science and humanity in oncology.
Dr. Jasmine Kamboj: 2025 Community Oncology Award Winner
Dr. Jasmine Kamboj is a remarkable example of how one individual can bridge medicine, advocacy, and compassion to drive meaningful impact in community-based cancer care. Her work has centered on ensuring that quality oncology services are not a privilege, but a right especially for patients in rural and under-resourced settings.
As a leader deeply rooted in community oncology, Kamboj has demonstrated how innovative care models, patient navigation systems, and local partnerships can significantly improve cancer outcomes, particularly for populations often left behind in the healthcare system.
Dr. Jasmine Kamboj: A Champion of Community-Centered Cancer Care
Dr. Jasmine Kamboj serves as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minnesota and holds the academic title of Assistant Professor of Oncology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. As Lead to Northfield Hospital and a Senior Associate Consultant in the Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dr. Kamboj brings a deep sense of clinical excellence and compassionate care to the forefront of her work in rural communities.
Her career reflects a rare blend of academic leadership, frontline service, and community advocacy. Through her extensive roles, including Board Member and Treasurer of the Minnesota Society of Clinical Oncology (MSCO) and Lead of ASCO’s Communities of Practice on Policy, she has consistently championed policies and practices that center on equity, access, and inclusion in cancer care.
Don’t miss Jasmine Kamboj’s powerful conversations on the OncoDaily podcast, where she dives into topics like equity, climate, and community-driven cancer care amplifying voices that matter in oncology.
Leading Through Advocacy, Mentorship, and Equity
Dr. Kamboj’s efforts in oncology go beyond the clinic. As a past Chair of multiple cancer committees, site principal investigator, and department chief, she has developed and implemented care models that address the needs of rural and marginalized populations. Her leadership in precision oncology, climate and cancer policy, and decentralized clinical trials positions her at the intersection of science, sustainability, and human impact.
She has also been a powerful voice for advocacy at every level, serving on numerous ASCO committees including those dedicated to health disparities, clinical trials, climate change, and government relations. Her work on ASCO’s policy statements, including on climate change and cancer care, showcases her forward-thinking vision of oncology in a changing world.
As a mentor, Dr. Kamboj has guided numerous medical students, residents, and fellows through ASCO’s mentoring programs. She is widely respected for empowering early-career professionals with her insight, empathy, and integrity.
Recognitions, Scholarship, and Community Impact
Dr. Kamboj’s long list of honors speaks to the breadth of her impact: she is a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO), recipient of the ASCO Advocate of the Year Award, and a President’s Circle and Speaker’s Circle honoree for her advocacy contributions. She has also received multiple Guardian Angel Awards for patient care and institutional awards for clinical leadership.
As Editor-in-Chief, Podcast Host, and Board Member at OncoDaily, she has used media platforms to amplify voices in oncology and raise awareness on pressing issues like access, climate change, and rural care. Her role as a speaker and panelist at national and international forums—including ASCO Annual Meetings, policy panels, and grand rounds—has extended her influence far beyond the Midwest.
A Life Devoted to Equity and Hope
With her roots in India, medical training across the U.S., and a vision shaped by global health, Dr. Kamboj exemplifies what it means to be a community oncologist in the 21st century, where science meets empathy, and where care must be equitable, not elitist.
Her recognition with the Community Oncology Award at the Yvonne Awards 2025 honors a physician whose dedication transforms not only systems, but lives. From hospital boards to podcast microphones, rural hospitals to ASCO’s national stage, Dr. Jasmine Kamboj continues to lead with clarity, humility, and hope.