Dr. Heidi Hanst feels right at home in rural Oregon

As a child growing up in rural eastern Oregon, Dr. Heidi Hanst loved the peaceful serenity of the forest and the connectedness she felt within her small community, where her father was a doctor.

These treasured qualities were exactly what drew Dr. Hanst to return to Oregon after she completed her medical education at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and her residency at East Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. Dr. Hanst recently joined Coquille Valley Hospital Primary Care Clinic as primary care provider.

Having been a worldwide traveler, Dr. Hanst, together with her family, had the opportunity to pick anywhere to call home. She chose rural Oregon because of her love of the people and their kindness, as well as the beauty of the surroundings. “Oregon has everything that somebody could want or need,” she said in a recent interview.

After landing initially in Port Orford, Curry County, to practice medicine at a small nonprofit clinic for a year, Dr. Hanst jumped at the opportunity to be the lead provider at Coquille Valley Hospital’s new Myrtle Point clinic, set to open later this year. “It’s a dream come true,” said Dr. Hanst. She has even been involved in helping design the clinic facility.

Dr. Hanst has a passion for working with patients to support their primary care needs. She chose to focus on primary care medicine because of her desire to follow patients through their life cycle. She incorporates elements of wellness and mental health to help her patients be well and live well.

In addition, she believes deeply in the importance of balanced nutrition for good health. An avid organic gardener, Dr. Hanst walks the walk, making her own cider and eagerly exploring regional farmers’ markets and local family bakeries for high-quality foods for her family.

Jeannie Zanotto’s teenage daughter sees Dr. Hanst for her primary care needs. “The way I would describe Dr. Hanst is easygoing, easy to talk to and relatable. My daughter feels so comfortable going to her and being able to talk to her about topics she may not feel comfortable talking about with me or anybody else,” Zanotto says.

Dr. Hanst’s joyful demeanor and easy smile put patients at ease. She strives for her patients to feel heard, validated and empowered as they work together to create a healthcare plan that’s built on trust.

“A good day in the clinic for me is when I’m able to leave and feel like I have helped make a difference in somebody’s life,” she says.

Dr. Hanst accepts all ages and welcomes families to join her practice. Her interest in the health of patients from childhood through elder adulthood provides a great foundation for family care.

“I want people to know that I’m really approachable. I take care of patients from all ages, all stages, all walks of life.”

In preparing for her new role as Myrtle Point’s “town doctor,” Dr. Hanst is presently working with the Coquille Valley Hospital primary care team and accepting new patients there, with her medical assistant Rhonda Markum. Patients who wish to move their care to the Myrtle Point clinic with Dr. Hanst once it opens will be welcome to do so.

Learn more about Dr. Hanst and contact us today to make an appointment.