About
Dr. Mark Backus received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University, graduating with honors in 1989. He went on to Duke University School of Medicine, where he published a peer-reviewed basic science paper and won an AOA medical honor society presentation award. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington in 1996.
After residency, Dr. Backus practiced in Cheyenne, Wyoming for three years, then pursued locum tenens work and volunteered medical services to residents in Nepal. He moved to Bend in 2000, practiced at Bend Memorial Clinic for six years, and co-founded Cascade Internal Medicine Specialists in 2006. The American College of Physicians elected him as a Fellow in 2008. He holds the Certified Hypertension Clinician (CHC) credential, making him the only physician in Central Oregon with this national certification in advanced hypertension management. In 2014, the American Heart Association recognized him with the Million Hearts Blood Pressure Control Award, an honor only a handful of physicians nationwide have received. He regularly educates local and regional physicians on hypertension. Outside medicine, he plays violin in his Celtic band "Til the Wheels Come Off" and enjoys fly-fishing, mountain biking, and skiing with his three children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Stanford University, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, graduated with honors, 1989
Medical School
Duke University School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Washington, completed 1996
Additional Training
Certified Hypertension Clinician (CHC) national certification
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Backus right for?
Dr. Backus is an excellent fit for patients managing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or metabolic conditions who want a physician with advanced, nationally certified expertise. He works well with adults who value longer, unhurried appointments and a doctor who takes a thorough, comprehensive approach to care. Patients with complex blood pressure disorders benefit directly from his CHC credential and his work educating other regional physicians on hypertension. His preventive medicine focus also suits adults who want proactive, lifestyle-informed care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Backus holds the Certified Hypertension Clinician (CHC) credential, a national certification in advanced hypertension management. He is the only physician in Central Oregon with this distinction. In 2014, the American Heart Association honored him with the Million Hearts Blood Pressure Control Award, given to only a handful of physicians nationwide. He also regularly educates local and regional physicians on hypertension.
Yes. Dr. Backus is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), elected to that distinction in 2008. He also holds the Certified Hypertension Clinician (CHC) national certification. Both credentials reflect his record in internal medicine and his specialized expertise in hypertension.
Dr. Backus attended Duke University School of Medicine, where he published a peer-reviewed research paper and earned an AOA honor society presentation award. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Washington in 1996. He also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University.
Dr. Backus specializes in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic diseases. He is especially focused on blood pressure disorders and carries national certification in advanced hypertension management. His clinical interests also include preventive medicine, longevity, and gut microbiome health.
Dr. Backus deliberately schedules fewer patients with longer appointment times. This gives him space to conduct thorough, comprehensive visits without rushing. He finds genuine satisfaction in unhurried, detail-oriented care and brings what he calls an insatiable desire to learn to every patient encounter.
Dr. Backus moved to Bend in 2000. He practiced at Bend Memorial Clinic for six years before co-founding Cascade Internal Medicine Specialists in 2006. He has served the Central Oregon community for more than two decades.
Yes. Dr. Backus serves on statewide committees for the American College of Physicians. He also actively educates local and regional physicians on hypertension management, contributing to the broader quality of care across Central Oregon.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026