Thankful for Community Committed to Care

A Message From the CEO

As we welcome the fall season, we are reminded of the many reasons we have to be grateful — including the opportunity to continue strengthening access to high-quality care here at home. This month, we are pleased to share several important updates that reflect our commitment to advancing services for our community: expanded rehabilitation space, continued investments in breast health, and the addition of new medical leadership.

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Patrick Okolo, our new Chief Medical Officer, who joined us in October and will play a key role in advancing quality, safety, and access to care. You can learn more about his vision for Sonoma Valley in this month’s Q&A.

With Veterans Day this month, we also pause to reflect on and honor the courageous service of the Veterans, active-duty personnel, and military families in our community. We are proud to care for those who have served our nation and grateful for the sacrifices they have made.

We are also excited to welcome our incoming President and CEO:

“It is an incredible honor to be named President and CEO of Sonoma Valley Hospital. I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated team to continue advancing our mission of delivering exceptional, compassionate care to our community.”
— Kelley Kaiser, President & CEO

Thank you for your continued support of Sonoma Valley Hospital. Together, we are building a healthier future.

Warm regards,
Ben Armfield
Interim President & CEO
Sonoma Valley Hospital

Welcoming Our New Chief Medical Officer

Patrick I. Okolo III, MD, MPH, FASGE

Sonoma Valley Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Okolo, who joined the hospital in early October as Chief Medical Officer. A nationally recognized physician leader and academic gastroenterologist, he brings extensive experience in clinical excellence, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Dr. Okolo will continue to practice gastroenterology at Sonoma Valley Hospital.

We spoke with Dr. Okolo to learn more about his early impressions and his vision for the future of healthcare in Sonoma Valley.

Q&A With Dr. Okolo

Can you share a bit about your background?
I earned my medical degree from the University of Nigeria before moving to the United States, where I completed residency training in Internal Medicine and additional work in Clinical Dysmorphology and Genetics at Indiana University. I went on to Johns Hopkins University, where I received my Master’s in Public Health, completed my Gastroenterology and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy fellowships, and pursued postgraduate training in the Business of Medicine. My career since then has spanned leadership roles at some of the nation’s leading institutions, including serving as Chief of Endoscopy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, System Chief of Gastroenterology at Rochester Regional Health in New York, and Chief of Gastroenterology at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. These experiences have shaped a lifelong commitment to high-quality, compassionate, and equitable care.

What drew you to Sonoma Valley Hospital and this community?
Sonoma Valley Hospital embodies what healthcare should be—personal, compassionate, and deeply connected to its community. I was drawn by its exceptional team, its emphasis on wellness and preventive care, and the warmth of the community it serves. The opportunity to build on that foundation and ensure residents can access outstanding care close to home was an irresistible calling.

What are your priorities as Chief Medical Officer?
My top priority is to make Sonoma Valley Hospital synonymous with excellence—defined not just by high clinical standards, but by our ability to meet the core health needs of our community and to thoughtfully guide patients to specialized care when necessary. I’m focused on strengthening quality and safety, expanding access to key services, and deepening collaboration between hospital teams and our community physicians. Ultimately, I want every patient to feel confident that they can receive world-class care right here in Sonoma.

What does “healthy community” mean to you?
A healthy community is one where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to take charge of their well-being. It means having access to quality care, yes—but also enjoying a lifestyle that reduces stress, encourages physical activity, and fosters social bonds. Health isn’t just the absence of illness; it’s the presence of balance, purpose, and belonging.

How can local residents play a role in their own health and wellness?
Residents can make a powerful difference by embracing healthy habits—staying active, avoiding tobacco, managing stress, and supporting one another. I also encourage everyone to view the hospital as a partner in their wellness journey. By participating in preventive screenings, community health programs, and fitness initiatives, residents help us create a healthier Sonoma Valley together.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I’m an avid runner and have completed more than forty marathons. Endurance sports keep me grounded and remind me of the power of persistence and balance—lessons that carry into my professional life. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, and I’m an enthusiastic student of philosophy—especially the kind that deepens our understanding of purpose and service.

Physical Therapy Expansion Now Open – November 2025

Sonoma Valley Hospital recently celebrated the opening of its expanded Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic, located at 19312 Sonoma Highway. The 3,500-square-foot addition nearly doubles the size of the facility, improving comfort and access for patients while allowing for the introduction of new programs and equipment.

With this expansion, the clinic now offers enhanced pediatric services, pelvic health therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and dedicated fall-prevention programs. A new Solo Step overhead track and harness system increases safety during rehabilitation and provides support for patients working to regain balance and mobility.

This important improvement to local rehabilitative care was made possible through the generosity of community donors to the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation. We are grateful for their partnership and continued commitment to the health of our community. To learn more about Physical Therapy services, please contact 707-935-5080.

Honoring Veterans and Military Families

Sonoma Valley Hospital proudly supports the veterans and active-duty service members who call Sonoma Valley home. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice have protected not only our country, but the freedoms and values that strengthen our community.

We are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all who have served — as well as to the families who stand beside them.

This month, our “My Hospital” profile highlights Two-Star Marine Corps Major General James M. “Mike” Myatt, a member of our community whose COPD flared up due to pneumonia. He was struggling to breathe, and the idea of an hour-long trip to San Francisco was simply not possible. His wife, Wendy, brought him straight to Sonoma Valley Hospital, where he was seen quickly, admitted to the ICU, and stabilized over the next three days.

Read Mike’s and all the My Hospital stories here.

Investing in Women’s Health

Thanks to the generosity of donors and participants at the 2025 Women’s Health Symposium, Sonoma Valley Hospital has acquired a new breast ultrasound machine that has now been fully installed. Our team has completed training and is already seeing benefits from the enhanced imaging capabilities, particularly for patients with dense breast tissue where added clarity supports earlier detection and diagnosis. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who helped make this advancement possible.

Grow a Mo for Movember

Each November, health organizations around the world shine a light on men’s health through Movember — a global effort focused on prostate and testicular cancer awareness, mental health support, and suicide prevention. Sonoma Valley Hospital is joining this important conversation to encourage men in our community to prioritize their well-being and seek support when they need it.

Every minute, a man dies by suicide — that’s 60 men every hour. Three out of every four suicides are men. There is no single reason, but by improving mental health awareness and reducing stigma around seeking help, we can support men before a crisis occurs.

Prostate and Testicular Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, with testicular cancer being the most common cancer in younger men. When prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 98 percent. Education, awareness, and early detection save lives.

This Movember, we encourage men — and those who care about them — to take simple steps that can make a difference:

• Grow a moustache this month to spark conversations about men’s health
• Check in on a friend or loved one
• Stay current with routine screenings and talk with a provider about risks

Grow a Mo or check on a friend — every action counts.

Learn more about Movember here.

Medicare Open Enrollment

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment season (through December 7^th), and Sonoma Valley Hospital is here to help you make the most of your healthcare coverage. As your local community hospital, we’re proud to care for Medicare patients and to continue serving the Sonoma Valley community with compassion, excellence, and personal attention.

We’re also accepting some Medicare HMO plans—please feel free to call us at 707-935-5000 to learn more about your options or to discuss coverage at Sonoma Valley Hospital with your benefits plan.

Financial Assistance Is Available

At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare — regardless of their ability to pay. Patients with high deductibles or financial hardship may qualify for programs that reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

Our Patient Financial Services team is available to explain eligibility and assist with the application process. For more information, please call 707-935-5326.

This Month at SVH

• Diabetes Awareness Month
• Movember: Supporting men’s health and cancer awareness
• Medical-Surgical Nurses Week: November 1–7

• National Radiologic Technologist Week: November 2-8
• Perioperative Nurses Week: November 9–15