Bringing Advanced Heart Care Closer to Home
For many in rural communities, accessing specialized heart care has often meant traveling far from home. At Forks Community Hospital, that’s changing.
We are proud to welcome Dr. Haroon Yousaf and Dr. Fahad Younas, two highly experienced cardiologists who are expanding access to advanced cardiovascular care in the West End. They will see patients on the first and third Monday of each month, making it easier for individuals and families to receive expert care close to home.
Together, they share a commitment to improving heart health across the region through prevention, early detection, and coordinated, patient-centered care.
Dr. Haroon Yousaf: Advancing Prevention and Community-Based Cardiac Care
Dr. Haroon Yousaf is a board-certified interventional cardiologist with expertise in coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac rhythm disorders, and other complex cardiovascular conditions. He is trained in advanced imaging and catheter-based therapies, allowing him to guide both urgent and long-term treatment decisions.
He was drawn to cardiology because it offers a powerful combination of critical decision-making and long-term patient relationships. For Dr. Yousaf, the most meaningful part of his work is helping patients not only survive cardiac events but also regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
His approach emphasizes:
- Early detection and prevention
- Clear, patient-centered communication
- Ongoing follow-up to prevent complications
- Coordinated care with local providers and regional centers
Dr. Yousaf is deeply committed to improving access in rural communities. His goals include reducing preventable hospitalizations, improving management of conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and ensuring patients can receive high-quality cardiac care without leaving the region whenever possible.
“Rural communities deserve the same level of care available in larger cities,” he shares. “With prevention, early intervention, and strong partnerships, we can significantly improve heart health outcomes.”
Dr. Fahad Younas: Bridging Advanced Cardiac Care and Long-Term Health
Dr. Fahad Younas, MD, MPH, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. He specializes in coronary and peripheral interventions, acute cardiac care, and the management of complex cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Younas was drawn to cardiology because it sits at the intersection of urgent, life-saving care and long-term disease management. This dual focus allows him to make critical decisions in the moment while also building lasting relationships with patients as they work toward better long-term health.
“What I find most fulfilling is helping patients recover from cardiac events and supporting them in improving their overall health through prevention and lifestyle changes,” he explains.
His goals for the West End community include:
- Bringing comprehensive cardiovascular care closer to home
- Reducing the need for patients to travel for specialty services
- Encouraging earlier evaluation of symptoms
- Strengthening collaboration with referring providers
- Ensuring timely, coordinated care
Dr. Younas works with a wide range of patients, from those with risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes to individuals living with heart disease, those recently discharged from the hospital, and aging populations in need of routine screening. He also partners closely with primary care clinicians and is committed to improving access for rural and tribal communities.
His approach to care focuses on:
- Making complex conditions understandable and manageable
- Emphasizing prevention and continuity of care
- Providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient
- Coordinating with regional centers when advanced care is needed
He also stresses the importance of awareness and early action:
- Small, proactive steps, like managing blood pressure and blood sugar can significantly reduce future cardiac events
- Recognizing symptoms early and seeking care quickly can be lifesaving
- Consistent follow-up and adherence to treatment plans help prevent complications
“Access to high-quality heart care should not depend on geography,” Dr. Younas says. “With the right approach, many cardiac conditions can be effectively managed, and outcomes significantly improved.”
Meet the Cardiologists Expanding Access in the West End
At Forks Community Hospital, we are committed to ensuring that advanced care is accessible to the communities we serve.
With the addition of Dr. Yousaf and Dr. Younas, patients in the West End have expanded access to expert cardiovascular care, delivered with compassion, innovation, and a focus on keeping care close to home.
A Shared Vision for Healthier Communities
Together, Dr. Yousaf and Dr. Younas are helping transform cardiovascular care in the West End by combining advanced expertise with a strong commitment to community-based care.
Their presence at Forks Community Hospital means:
- Greater access to specialty care close to home
- Faster evaluation of symptoms and follow-up after hospitalization
- Improved coordination between primary care and cardiology
- A stronger focus on prevention and long-term health
Most importantly, it means patients can receive trusted, high-quality care without leaving their community.
When and How to Schedule
Cardiology services with Dr. Yousaf and Dr. Younas are available on the first and third Monday of each month at Forks Community Hospital.
Patients will need a referral from their primary care provider to schedule an appointment with Dr. Younas or Dr. Yousaf. Patients who are already established with a cardiologist outside the area may contact Bogachiel Medical Clinic, and our staff will assist with transferring patient records and coordinating care so they can establish care with a cardiologist at our location.
