Youssef Al-Saghir, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FABVM

The combination of an interest in electrical engineering and a fascination with the physiology of the heart and the way it works with the rest of the body makes cardiology a perfect choice for Dr. Al-Saghir, who chose medicine as a way to help people and make a difference in their lives. As an interventional cardiologist at FCCI, Dr. Al-Saghir, helps his patients manage chest pain, and structural heart disease, as well as performs interventions on both the heart and the vascular system.

“I come from a family of engineers, and I originally followed that family tradition,” he says. “I enjoyed being an engineer, but I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Perhaps it was the influence of my family doctor when I was young – I always wanted to be like him. I ended up following my desires and entering medical school. There are actually many similarities, when you think about it – both fields require analytical thinking, and a desire for working with your hands, not just your brain. The human element is the difference, and it’s one of the things I enjoy the most about my profession.”

Dr. Al-Saghir is a graduate of the Ross University School of Medicine. He has completed a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship and an Interventional Cardiology fellowship at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.

In his work at the University of Utah, Dr. Al-Saghir trained in neurovascular and carotid interventions, PFO closures, and atrial septal defects. Interventional cardiology is not just a fit-it-and-forget-it specialty, says Dr. Al-Saghir. “It’s far more comprehensive than that. Interventional cardiology goes beyond mechanical therapy – it starts with prevention and encompasses pharmacological as well as mechanical therapy. The field has exploded so that we are now able to use interventional cardiac techniques for non-cardiac cases including peripheral vascular disease (PVD), such as the lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), renal and extra cranial arteries.”

Originally from Lebanon, Dr. Al-Saghir did most of his medical training in Salt Lake City. He is happy to make Florida his home for himself and his three sons. “I always liked the beach, water, and weather here,” he says. “I am a very outdoorsy person and enjoy fishing, hiking and camping, boating, bike riding, and basketball.”

Dr. Al-Saghir also serves as cardiology chair at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.

Board Certifications:

American Board of Internal Medicine – Cardiovascular Disease

American Board of Internal Medicine – Interventional Cardiology

American Board of Vascular Medicine – Endovascular Medicine

American Board of Vascular Medicine – Vascular Medicine

Insurance Recognition:

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Distinction

Cigna Star Rated