The Central San Joaquin Valley has historically had the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in California, forcing some patients to travel for treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

To attract more specialists and increase access to care for underserved populations, Community Health Partners, Community Health System’s not-for-profit medical foundation, is investing in medical research and advanced neuro technology, and recruiting neuroscience healthcare specialists.

Recruiting Neuro Experts

Community recruited Dr. Abdullah Haroom Lakhani, who has a board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, to help fill a growing need. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology with 25 years of experience treating epilepsy, headaches, neck and low back pain, numbness/weakness in the extremities, sleep-related disorders, stroke, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

A Great Fit for All

Dr. Lakhani, a longtime resident of Southern California, received several offers from hospitals in California, but after meeting Dr. Ian T. Johnson, medical director of Community’s neuroscience program, realized Fresno would be a great fit.

“Within 15 minutes of meeting him and hearing about the program and plans for growth, I knew this was the right place for me,” said Dr. Lakhani. He joined Community’s neuroscience program in November 2021.

For Dr. Lakhani, the job and the location have been everything he expected – and more. “I love the people here, and I love what I do,” he said. “I am happy to be part of this program as it grows, and being part of the Fresno community.

Expanding Care for Local Patients

In partnership with UCSF, Community brings together specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neurodiagnostics, interventional neuroradiology, stroke and the spine.

These experts work together, and with Community’s other emergency department specialists, to treat adult and pediatric patients experiencing a wide range of nervous system diseases, including those arriving in our emergency department with head trauma or stroke symptoms.

Our mission to improve the health of our region is dependent on making healthcare accessible to all. We invest in facilities, expertise, research and technology so everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to top-level care.