Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Parvinderjit Singh Khanuja.
Hi Dr Khanuja, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in India, deeply inspired by my father—a refugee of the India Partition and an ophthalmologist whose resilience and compassion shaped my earliest understanding of what it means to serve others. When I came to the United States, I had little more than determination and a dream. I trained in oncology and was honored to serve as Chief Fellow at Wayne State University, where I contributed to cancer research and clinical advancements. But I knew my calling extended beyond the academic setting.
In 1993, I opened a solo oncology practice in Chandler, Arizona. From those humble beginnings, I built what is now Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, the largest oncology group in Arizona. Today, we have over 100 providers across 15 sites, including six comprehensive cancer centers, and we serve more than 85,000 unique patients and their families each year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
For more than three decades, I’ve been dedicated to expanding access to high-quality cancer care throughout Arizona. As Founder and President of Ironwood, my goal has always been to bring cutting-edge treatments into the community—close to where people live. Of course, there were challenges—scaling a practice, maintaining quality, and introducing a new model of care—but I never lost sight of the vision. Our team’s leadership and collaboration resulted in all Ironwood clinics achieving QOPI certification, demonstrating our collective commitment to quality and accountability. But what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built—one rooted in kindness, holistic healing, and a wide range of supportive services that go beyond traditional care. That philosophy has shaped everything we do at Ironwood and continues to guide our mission today.
We’ve been impressed with Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What distinguishes Ironwood is our deep commitment to treating the whole person—not just the disease. Our oncologists sub-specialize in specific types of cancer, allowing them to bring focused expertise to each diagnosis and treatment plan, ultimately helping patients achieve better outcomes. We were also among the first in the region to incorporate comprehensive supportive care services into our model, including wellness classes, nutrition counseling, genetic testing, and social work. Many of these services are provided at no cost to patients, because we believe that true healing encompasses both body and spirit. This integration of personalized care, clinical excellence, and holistic support is the foundation of everything we do.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Beyond Ironwood, I serve on the board of Select Medical, a national rehabilitation and critical care company, where I help shape national healthcare strategies. I’m also passionate about giving back. Through the 5 Rivers Family Foundation, we’ve awarded nearly 300 scholarships to underrepresented students and supported social and heritage causes. As a trustee of the Phoenix Art Museum, I helped establish one of only two Sikh art galleries in the Western world to raise awareness of the Sikh community. My book, Splendors of Punjab Heritage, co-authored with the Smithsonian, was named India’s Book of the Year in 2023.In 2024, I was honored by the Arizona Senate for my contributions to healthcare and the community. But the recognition I value most comes from the patients and families we serve every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ironwoodcrc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodcancer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodcancer
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ironwoodcancerandresearchcenters
- Twitter: https://x.com/IronwoodCancer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodCancerResearchCenters/
Image Credits
Lee Grant Photography
