It was a busy August for doctors — and spouses — Patrick Yassini, M.D., and Katee Afshar, D.D.S.
In what turned out to be a bit of a “space race,” both doctors moved into new Coronado medical offices, built from the ground up. Both spaces feature a spa-like ambiance that makes a trip to the doctor — or dentist as the case may be — a welcoming experience.
“People go to a spa knowing they will be pampered and have a chance to relax,” said Afshar. “That’s the feeling I wanted to convey here.”
Both doctors began construction in February and, by a nose, Afshar beat her husband in opening her new dental practice at 1111 Ninth Street, Suite 203, on August 3. Two weeks later, on Aug. 18, Yassini opened his new Peak Health Group office at 131 Orange Ave, Suite 100.
Afshar spied a construction sign for a building going up on Ninth Street last October. Knowing commercial space is at a premium in Coronado, she quickly contacted the building’s developer, Dave Gillingham. Meanwhile. Yassini purchased a first-floor office suite at the Coronado City Views mixed-use development, which is quickly becoming a medical hub. Plastic surgeon William Shuffett and liver and hepatology specialist Tarek Hassenein also have offices in the complex. By city code, the Orange Avenue frontage of Yassini’s space needed to be retail and he leased it to a new hair salon, Stella Blue Salon and Color Bar.
Afshar’s spacious second-floor suite (elevator service is available) includes three examination rooms, a private office, a relaxation room with massage chair, a children’s playroom and a spacious lobby and reception area with soaring ceilings. Beach-wood floors and natural wood ceilings are reminiscent of the beach, as are the aqua furnishings.
Afshar is beginning as a solo practitioner in Coronado and specializes in family dentistry. “I saw nine patients today and five were in one family,” she said. “I like to accommodate a family at one time and give them focused attention.”
A native of San Diego, Afshar has been a dentist for 15 years, and is a graduate of No. 1-ranked University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni Dental School. Over the past 12 years, she practiced in Tierrasanta, where her office included many specialists. She sold that to make the move to Coronado.
The doctors live in Coronado and are the parents of Kiana, age 10, a student at Christ Church Day School. “Our whole world is here in Coronado,” Afshar said.
Yassini, board certified in family medicine, integrative and holistic medicine, is fellowship trained in metabolic medicine, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. He has been practicing in Coronado since 2000, most recently at his office on the Sharp Coronado Hospital campus. One of his specialties at Peak Health Group is bio-identical hormone therapy.
He is joined in his practice by nurse practitioner Susan Rinelander, a resident of Coronado. “Susan was working at Balboa Naval Hospital, but her heart, like mine, is in holistic care,” Yassini said. Rounding out his practice are two medical assistants and business manager Juli Lindquist, also a resident of Coronado.
“What’s important to me as an integrative doctor is to help people live clean healthy lives,” Yassini said. “I wanted to embody what I was teaching, and everything here at the office is geared around sustainability. Even the HVAC system is an upgrade, with a high efficient particle air filter that takes out bacteria and minute particles.”
Yassini’s model of care is a direct practice model, where people have a direct relationship with their doctor. “That means the doctor is working for you and not for the insurance company,” he said. “It enables me to offer enhanced access to care, expanded services and personalized attention.”
