About
Dr. Sanaz Askari earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in 1995 with a double major. Before medical school, she spent several years conducting graduate research in Immunology at Harvard Medical School, co-authoring numerous scientific publications. She graduated with honors from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2001. Her residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine took place at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco.
Dr. Askari moved to Central Oregon in January 2006 and spent seven years in hospitalist medicine before joining Cascade Internal Medicine Specialists in February 2011. She continues to cover hospital shifts at St. Charles Healthcare System to maintain her inpatient skills. She holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Fellow distinction from the American College of Physicians. She currently chairs the Central Oregon Independent Practice Association Board of Directors. She previously served as President of the medical staff at St. Charles Hospital in Bend and as President of the Central Oregon Medical Society. Her clinical passions include preventive medicine, cardiovascular health, gut microbiome science, and lifestyle medicine. She lives in Bend with her husband and two sons and enjoys the region's trails, slopes, and rivers.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
UC Berkeley, double major, 1995
Medical School
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduated with honors, 2001
Residency
Internal Medicine and Chief Residency, St. Mary's Medical Center, San Francisco
Fellowship
Graduate research in Immunology, Harvard Medical School
Additional Training
Several years of graduate school scientific research in Immunology at Harvard Medical School; co-authored many scientific publications
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Askari right for?
Dr. Askari is a strong fit for adults seeking a board-certified internist with deep preventive and lifestyle medicine expertise. Patients managing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or metabolic conditions benefit from her thorough, evidence-based approach. Her background in immunology research suits patients who want a physician fluent in the science behind chronic disease. She also works well with patients who value a doctor active in regional and statewide medical leadership.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Mark BackusMD, FACP, CHC
Internal Medicinehypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases +1 more
Dr. Richard Mac DonellMD, PC
Internal MedicineDr. Sarah DawsonDO/MD
Internal Medicinechronic disease, menopause, metabolic disorders +12 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Askari treats hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and respiratory conditions. She also performs complete skin cancer screening exams as part of her comprehensive preventive care. Her clinical focus spans both acute and chronic concerns in internal medicine.
Yes. Dr. Askari holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also holds the Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) distinction, awarded to physicians who demonstrate excellence in practice and service.
Dr. Askari graduated with honors from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco. Before medical school, she conducted graduate research in Immunology at Harvard Medical School.
Yes. Dr. Askari continues to cover hospital shifts at St. Charles Healthcare System in Bend. This keeps her inpatient skills current and makes her well-equipped to coordinate care for patients who need hospital-level services.
Dr. Askari takes an evidence-based approach to preventive medicine and longevity. She is passionate about gut microbiome health, cardiovascular wellness, and lifestyle medicine. Her preventive exams include advanced lab testing, Cardio IQ panels, skin cancer screening, grip strength testing, and resting EKG.
Dr. Askari has practiced internal medicine in Central Oregon since January 2006. She spent her first seven years in the region working in hospitalist medicine before transitioning to full-time outpatient care at Cascade Internal Medicine Specialists in 2011.
Dr. Askari currently chairs the Central Oregon Independent Practice Association (COIPA) Board of Directors. She previously served as President of the medical staff at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, chaired the physician peer review committee there, and served as President of the Central Oregon Medical Society. She also serves on statewide committees for the American College of Physicians.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026