Welcoming Summer in Sonoma
Dear Friends,
As summer arrives in Sonoma, it brings with it long days, vibrant community events, and a chance to slow down and enjoy all that makes this Valley so special. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we’re grateful to be part of this season’s celebrations—and we’re especially excited to act as judges in the upcoming 4th of July Parade.
Summer is also a good time to check in on our health and wellness routines. In this issue, we’re sharing helpful prevention tips from our Emergency Department, where Marylou Ehret and her team bring a calm, compassionate approach to every patient encounter. We’re also highlighting Men’s Health Month with insights from Dr. Peter Carroll, a UCSF urologist and Sonoma resident, whose work continues to shape the future of prostate cancer care.
We’re also pleased to announce that Dr. Patrick Okolo III will be joining our team this fall as Chief Medical Officer. He brings deep expertise in gastroenterology and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. We’re excited for the leadership he’ll bring to Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Whether you’re traveling, staying local, or simply enjoying the season, we wish you a summer of good health and connection.
Warmly,
Ben Armfield
Interim Chief Executive Officer / Chief Financial Officer
Sonoma Valley Hospital
New Chief Medical Officer to arrive in the Fall
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Patrick Ikemefuna Okolo III, MD, MPH, will join Sonoma Valley Hospital this fall as our new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Okolo brings a distinguished record of leadership in academic medicine, clinical innovation, and patient-centered care. For the first six months in his role, Dr. Okolo will focus on strengthening clinical operations, building relationships with our medical staff, and aligning strategic goals across departments. Following this initial phase, he will also begin seeing patients as a practicing gastroenterologist.
A Professor of Medicine and former Chief of Gastroenterology at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Dr. Okolo has served in key medical executive roles at leading institutions including Rochester Regional Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, he is widely recognized for his contributions to digestive health and endoscopic innovation. Dr. Okolo holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins and is a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and several other national and international societies. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Okolo and the leadership he will bring as we continue to advance high-quality, community-focused care in Sonoma Valley.
Get to Know Us: Marylou Ehret, Director of Emergency Services
Marylou Ehret has been leading the Emergency Department at Sonoma Valley Hospital for the past year, bringing with her a calm presence and deep commitment to compassionate care. What stands out most about Marylou—and the team she leads—is a down-to-earth, empathetic approach to patient care. “Those are skills you just can’t teach,” she says.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in community and connection, especially important in a small town like Sonoma. “We see a lot of patients whose families live far away,” she explains. “That’s where Sonoma’s strong sense of community makes a real difference. Having a network, using your neighbors as a lifeline—it’s essential.”
For Marylou, the work is deeply personal: “The patients are the gift to us—and we want to treat them that way.”
Whether it’s a minor injury or a critical emergency, Marylou and the ER team are there with compassion, competence, and care when it matters most.
Orthopedic Innovation Close to Home
Sonoma Valley Hospital continues to advance care with the ROSA® Robotic Surgical System—state-of-the-art technology for joint replacement procedures. ROSA allows for greater surgical precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times.
“It’s a real game-changer for our patients,” says Dr. Christopher Walter. “We’re able to deliver high-level orthopedic care, right here in the Valley.”
Spotlight on Men’s Health Month
Insights from Dr. Peter Carroll, UCSF Urologist and Sonoma Resident
This Men’s Health Month, we’re highlighting important steps men can take to stay healthy—and the incredible expertise available right here in Sonoma.
Dr. Peter Carroll, a world leader in urologic oncology, shares both his professional insights and personal connection to our community. A longtime UCSF clinician, researcher, and professor, Dr. Carroll has been instrumental in advancing prostate cancer detection and treatment.
Here’s what he wants men (and their loved ones) to know:
- Start screening early. A PSA test by age 45 (or 40 for those at higher risk) is a good benchmark. A simple test result will let you know the future risk of getting prostate cancer and how to tailor the frequency of testing. Discuss the benefits and any risks of screening with your doctor. Pay attention to all recommended cancer screenings.
- Know your family history. Genetic factors matter—know your family history and talk to your doctor.
- Don’t ignore symptoms. Changes in urinary or sexual function aren’t just “part of getting older.” Most are treatable, often with medication alone.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle. A good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking go a long way in supporting urological and overall health.
- Stay engaged. Mental health is part of men’s health. Seek support when needed.
Dr. Carroll adds, “Men’s health isn’t just a men’s issue—it’s a family issue. Taking care of yourself means being there for the people you love.”
Learn more about Dr. Carroll’s work and find additional resources at the UCSF Urology website Peter R. Carroll,, MD, MPH | UCSF Department of Urology.
Friday, July 4 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Sonoma Plaza
🎆 Join Us at the 4th of July Parade!
Sonoma Valley Hospital is honored to serve as a judge for this year’s 4th of July Parade. We’re excited to celebrate with our community and cheer on all the creative entries. See you on the plaza!
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