Get to Know Our Chief Medical Officer, Yousuf Zafar, MD, MHS

Yousuf leads AccessHope’s clinical infrastructure. He is a practicing oncologist, an adjunct professor at Duke University, and a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology who has authored over 130 publications focused on improving cancer care delivery.

Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Medical Informatics at Optum and Change Healthcare and served as Director of Healthcare Innovation and Chief Quality and Innovation Officer at Duke Cancer Institute.

Tell us about your path to AccessHope. What led you here?

My journey to AccessHope was driven by a deep belief that everyone, everywhere, deserves access to the best possible cancer expertise. As a practicing oncologist, I've seen firsthand the disparities that exist in cancer care. My previous roles, including time spent at Duke University and Optum, really solidified my understanding of the healthcare landscape and the potential for innovative models to bridge these gaps. AccessHope's unique approach—connecting patients and their local oncologists with the unparalleled knowledge of NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers—felt like a powerful and much-needed solution. I was drawn to the opportunity to lead the clinical strategy for a company truly committed to democratizing cancer care and making a tangible difference in patients’ lives.

What excites you about AccessHope?

The core mission of AccessHope is incredibly exciting. We are fundamentally changing how cancer expertise is delivered, breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring that cutting-edge knowledge isn't confined to a few major centers. I'm energized by the opportunity to work with our incredible network of NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Collaborating with these leading institutions to bring their expertise to more patients is a powerful endeavor. The potential to positively impact outcomes and give peace of mind to individuals and families facing cancer is what truly drives me.

What does a typical workday at AccessHope look like for you?

No two days are exactly alike, which is one of the things I enjoy! I really enjoy being a source of clinical guidance as we grow our services. A typical day involves a mix of strategic planning, product development, partnership discussions, and operations, all through the lens of an oncologist. I spend a significant amount of time thinking about how we can continue to enhance our services and ensure we are delivering the highest quality, evidence-based guidance. It's a dynamic environment, always focused on how we can best serve our members.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

My family and I love to travel to far-flung destinations (recent trips include Sri Lanka, Namibia, and Switzerland). Even though I mostly lose, I still love playing tennis. Cooking and eating are a huge part of my life! I spend probably too much time enjoying photography, mostly during our travels. I’ve been fortunate to have my work shown in multiple solo and group exhibitions. And finally, I love spending a couple hours every weekend watching my favorite Premier League soccer team, Arsenal, settle for second place. Again.

What movie, book, or podcast are you watching, reading, or listening to now?

I love watching a mix of prestige TV (e.g., The Bear, Severance, Fargo) and off-beat fun shows like Barry, Slow Horses, and Atlanta. Podcasts are usually either deep dives into new clinical data or passionate overreactions to the latest Arsenal match. I just started reading “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar—it’s a beautifully written, captivating story.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

I'm incredibly proud of what we are building at AccessHope. We have a truly dedicated and passionate team, all working towards the shared goal of improving cancer care for everyone. I'm optimistic about the future, our potential for growth, and the continued impact we will have on the lives of individuals and families facing cancer. It's an honor to be a part of this mission.