CEO Letter: Care Starts with People
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we are proud of the care we provide, but what truly defines the experience here is the people behind it.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you are met by individuals ready to guide you, answer questions, and help you feel at ease. That first interaction matters, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
This month, we are highlighting the people who make that experience possible. You will meet Carmen Ramos from our Patient Access team, often one of the first faces patients see, and hear the story of ER Physician Dr. Seric Cusick through our My Hospital series. You will also get a closer look at the many individuals working together behind the scenes to support each visit.
We are proud to recognize team members who go above and beyond, including Tracey Airth-Edblom, whom we are celebrating during National Occupational Therapy Month for her work helping patients return to the activities that matter most.
April is also Advance Directive and POLST Awareness Month, and we are sharing insights from Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Becky Spear on the importance of planning ahead and making sure your care reflects what matters most to you.
Together, these stories reflect what makes Sonoma Valley Hospital special—care that is not only high quality, but personal and rooted in community.
Warm regards,
Kelley Kaiser
President and CEO
Caring for the Community He Calls Home
This month’s My Hospital story, a Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation feature, highlights Dr. Seric Cusick, Emergency Department Medical Director.
For many patients, the Emergency Department is where care begins in a moment that is unexpected and often stressful. It is also where connection matters most.
Dr. Cusick’s story reflects a deep commitment to both medicine and community. As someone who now cares for patients in the place he calls home, he brings a personal level of connection to every interaction.
It is a reminder that the care you receive here is delivered by people who are not just providers, but neighbors.
Click HERE for the full story.
Meet the Team Carmen Ramos, Patient Access Manager
If you have been to Sonoma Valley Hospital, there is a good chance you have seen Carmen Ramos.
As Patient Access Manager, she and her team are often the first people patients meet when they walk through the door, sometimes at a moment when they are feeling unsure or a little nervous.
Q: What do you see most when patients first come in?
A: A lot of people are nervous and not really sure what to expect. They are coming in for something their provider has ordered, and there is a lot of uncertainty. Our job is to guide them and make it as comfortable as we can.
Q: What helps people feel more at ease?
A: Honestly, just listening. When people feel heard, it helps them calm down. We try to help as best as we can and make sure they know they are in the right place.
Q: You have been here a long time. What keeps you here?
A: I have been here since 2011, and it really feels like a family. We know each other, and we know our patients. You see people around town. It is a different kind of connection.
Q: You are bilingual. How does that impact your work?
A: It makes a big difference. Being able to speak both English and Spanish helps people feel more comfortable and understood. We also have a very diverse team. There is always someone here who can help.
Q: What is something new at the hospital that has made a difference for patients?
A: The new MRI has been great, and opening imaging on some Saturdays has really helped. It gives people more flexibility, especially if they work during the week. We are always trying to support our community.
In case you missed it you can listen to Carmen’s full interview starting about the 40 minute mark.
It Takes a Team
A visit to Sonoma Valley Hospital involves more people than most realize.
From check in to diagnosis to treatment, there is a team working together every step of the way. That includes:
Each role matters. Together, they make sure care feels coordinated, supportive, and seamless.
Supporting Patients Every Step of the Way
In recognition of Advance Directive and POLST Awareness Month, we talk with Becky Spear, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at SVH about the importance of planning ahead and advocating for your care.
Care is not just about diagnosis and treatment. It is also about helping people navigate decisions and feel supported along the way. These conversations help patients and families understand their options, think through next steps, and ensure their wishes are known.
April serves as a vital reminder to pause and prioritize something that often gets pushed to the “someday” pile: Planning ahead for your future healthcare.
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we believe that healthcare is most effective when it is personal. As part of our commitment to being an Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS), we center our care around the “4Ms,” the most critical of which is What Matters. Understanding a patient’s unique goals and preferences is the only way to ensure the care we provide aligns with the life they want to lead.
The Power of “What Matters”
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Becky Spear sees firsthand how important these conversations are—not just in moments of crisis, but well before.
“Having these conversations early is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family,” Becky says. “It’s about moving beyond clinical checklists and truly uncovering What Matters to you. When we know your values, we can ensure your care plan honors them, no matter what the future holds.”
A Conversation for Every Age
One of the biggest misconceptions about Advance Directives is that they are only for seniors. In reality, you are never too young to start these conversations. What matters to you at 25 may be very different from what matters at 75, and that is okay. These documents are designed to change and evolve over the years as your life and health journey progress. The most important step you can take at any age is to identify someone you trust—a healthcare agent or proxy—who understands your values and can speak on your behalf if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
Why These Conversations Can’t Wait
Advance Directives and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) are more than paperwork; they are a roadmap for your voice. Having these discussions now is critical because:
It Removes the Burden of Guesswork: In a crisis, family members are often asked to make impossible choices. An Advance Directive ensures your loved ones don’t have to wonder, “Is this what they would have wanted?” It provides them with the clarity and peace of mind to advocate for you.
It Prevents Unwanted Interventions: Without documented preferences, the default medical response is often the most aggressive. If What Matters to you is comfort and quality of life, these documents ensure your care reflects that.
It Establishes Trust with Your Care Team: When your providers know your goals, it creates a partnership. It allows clinicians to tailor treatments that support your specific definition of well-being.
Our Age-Friendly Commitment
Sonoma Valley Hospital’s dedication to the Age-Friendly Health System model means we don’t just treat symptoms; we treat people. By focusing on What Matters, we ensure that as our patients age, their healthcare journey remains dignified, personal, and aligned with their wishes.
Resources & Downloads
Don’t wait for a medical emergency to define your care. You can download the necessary forms and find step-by-step guidance below:
Sonoma Health Action Resources: Local Sonoma County resources and FAQs regarding advance care planning.
Prepare for Your Care (California Advance Directive): Download an easy-to-read Advance Directive form, available in multiple languages. This is for all adults to document future preferences and name a healthcare agent.
California POLST Form: Information and downloads for the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Note: This form must be signed by a healthcare provider to be valid.
Because your voice matters, and so does the care that honors it.
National Occupational Therapy Month
Celebrating Tracey Airth-Edblom
April is National Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the important role occupational therapists play in helping people return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives.
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, Occupational Therapy focuses on helping patients regain function, reduce pain, and build confidence as they recover. Whether it is returning to work, hobbies, or everyday routines, the goal is to support each patient in getting back to what they love.
This month, we are recognizing Tracey Airth-Edblom, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, an occupational therapist specializing in hand therapy at our Rehabilitation Services clinic.
Tracey brings a wide range of experience to her work, having practiced in settings in Calgary and the Bay Area, including a university teaching hospital. For her, being part of Sonoma Valley Hospital feels especially meaningful.
“It feels like coming full circle,” she shares. “This is a supportive, community-focused environment where I get to see patients through their entire recovery journey. It is truly rewarding to be part of such a close-knit team and community.”
Tracey sees patients at our Rehabilitation Services location on Highway 12, where she continues to make a meaningful impact helping patients heal and regain independence.
Now Open: Gastroenterology at Sonoma Valley Specialty Clinic
We’re excited to share that gastroenterology services are now available at the Sonoma Valley Specialty Clinic with Dr. Patrick Okolo.
Gastroenterology focuses on digestive health, helping patients find answers and relief for concerns like reflux, abdominal pain, changes in digestion, liver conditions, and more. The goal is to provide clear answers, effective treatment and peace of mind,
Dr. Okolo brings extensive experience as a nationally recognized gastroenterologist and physician leader, with a background that includes leadership roles at Johns Hopkins and other major health systems. In addition to serving as Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, he continues to care for patients locally through this clinic.
Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Most insurance plans are accepted.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 707-938-7690.
News You Can Use
Expanded Imaging Hours
We are continuing to expand access to imaging with Saturday appointments, including MRI, Mammography and walk-in X-ray services.
These additional hours give patients more flexibility, especially for those who cannot come in during the week, and help make it easier to get the care they need when they need it.
Reducing Waste, Supporting Our Community
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, care extends beyond our walls.
We’ve been working with ExtraFood to help minimize food waste by donating prepared food from our café, along with items that meet safety guidelines but would otherwise be discarded. Each week, this food is redistributed to community partners, helping ensure it reaches those who can use it.
One of the primary recipients is Village Greens, an affordable housing community here in Sonoma with a shared community fridge.
It’s a simple idea with meaningful impact. Food that would have gone to waste is instead supporting our neighbors.
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