A Message From Kelley Kaiser, President & CEO
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a good reminder of the important role prevention plays in protecting the health of our community.
Many serious health conditions, including colorectal cancer, can develop quietly over time. Screening and early detection allow physicians to identify concerns early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment can be most effective.
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we are committed to making preventive care accessible for our community. From colonoscopy and endoscopy services to advanced imaging technologies such as our 3T MRI, CT scans, mammography, ultrasound, and bone density testing, these tools help physicians detect health issues earlier and guide better outcomes for patients.
Just as important, these services are available right here in Sonoma. When high-quality screening and diagnostic care are close to home, it becomes easier for individuals and families to take proactive steps toward protecting their health.
Our commitment to high quality care continues to be recognized. For the second consecutive year, Sonoma Valley Hospital has been named a Top Performer in Partnership HealthPlan of California’s Hospital Quality Improvement Program, achieving a score of 90 percent or higher.
In this month’s newsletter, our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patrick Okolo, shares insights about colorectal cancer prevention, screening recommendations, and the importance of early detection. We are also highlighting some of the diagnostic imaging services available at Sonoma Valley Hospital and how these technologies help physicians detect problems earlier and support better outcomes for our patients.
Prevention is one of the most powerful tools in medicine—and it begins with awareness and action.
Regards,
Kelley Kaiser
President & CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital
Expert Insights With Patrick I. Okolo, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Sonoma Valley Hospital
Patrick I. Okolo, MD, MPH, FASGE is a gastroenterologist and physician leader with decades of experience in digestive health and cancer prevention. Before joining Sonoma Valley Hospital, he held leadership roles at institutions including Johns Hopkins and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. In addition to serving as Chief Medical Officer, he continues to practice gastroenterology and is passionate about improving access to screening and early detection.
Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Matters
March is an important reminder that colorectal cancer is one of the most common—and most preventable—forms of cancer.
“Colorectal cancer often develops silently over many years,” explains Dr. Okolo. “The key message for our community is that early detection saves lives.”
With appropriate screening, physicians can often prevent cancer altogether by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they progress.
Who Should Be Screened?
Screening recommendations have evolved in recent years. National guidelines now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45, lowered from age 50 due to increasing rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
Individuals with certain risk factors—such as a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or hereditary cancer syndromes—may need to begin screening earlier. A healthcare provider can help determine the right screening plan for each individual.
Why Screening Matters — Even Without Symptoms
Early colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening is so important.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
• Rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
“Waiting for symptoms can mean missing the opportunity for early intervention,” says Dr. Okolo.
Colonoscopy remains the preferred screening method because it allows physicians to both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure, making it both diagnostic and preventive. Advances in artificial intelligence are also improving physicians’ ability to detect subtle polyps that might otherwise be missed. This technology will soon be available in Sonoma, further enhancing the quality and precision of care delivered locally.
The Importance of Care Close to Home
Access to screening and follow-up care within the community plays an important role in prevention. “Local access significantly reduces barriers to care and allows for timely evaluation and follow-up,” says Dr. Okolo. With strong endoscopy capabilities and advanced imaging services at Sonoma Valley Hospital, patients can receive comprehensive care close to home.
Dr. Okolo also acknowledged Dr. Alexis Alexandridis, whose commitment to gastrointestinal surgical care has served the Sonoma community well. “Collaborative efforts between surgery and gastroenterology are essential to delivering seamless, patient-centered care,” he notes.
Lifestyle Choices That Can Reduce Risk
While screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing colorectal cancer, lifestyle habits also play an important role in reducing risk. Dr. Okolo notes that colorectal cancer risk is closely associated with chronic inflammation and lifestyle factors. Steps that can help lower risk include:
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Staying physically active
• Eating a diet rich in fish and vegetables—especially cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
• Limiting red and processed meats
• Avoiding heavily charred meats cooked at high heat
These habits support long-term digestive health and help reduce the chronic inflammation associated with colorectal cancer risk.
Service Spotlight
Imaging & Diagnostics: Tools for Prevention
Early detection plays a critical role in preventing serious illness and improving outcomes. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, a range of advanced diagnostic and imaging services help physicians detect health issues earlier, often before symptoms appear.
Here is a look at some of the imaging tests available locally and how they help support patient care.
3T MRI
Our new 3 Tesla MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, spine, joints, and soft tissues. This advanced technology helps physicians identify abnormalities with greater clarity, and faster scan times make the experience more comfortable for patients.
Mammography
Routine mammograms help detect breast changes long before they can be felt. Sonoma Valley Hospital also offers Project Pink, which provides free mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women over age 40.
CT Scans
CT scans create detailed cross section images of the body and are often used to evaluate organs, blood vessels, and internal injuries. They help physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions, from infections to internal bleeding.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid, and heart. It is also commonly used to evaluate blood flow and abdominal concerns.
DEXA Scans (Bone Density)
DEXA scans measure bone density and help detect osteoporosis before fractures occur, allowing physicians to begin treatment early and help protect long term bone health.
Together, these technologies support one of the most important goals in healthcare: identifying potential health issues early, when they are often easier to treat.
Get to Know Us: Laurie Veal Lab Manager
Laboratory services play a vital role in preventive care and early detection. This month we’re introducing Laurie Veal, Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Lab Manager, who oversees the team responsible for many of the diagnostic tests physicians rely on every day.
Can you share a little about your background and what led to your role as the Manager of Lab Services at Sonoma Valley Hospital?
I’m a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by training, and I’ve spent most of my career working in hospital laboratories. I’ve always been drawn to the science behind diagnostic testing and the important role the lab plays in patient care. Over time, I moved into leadership because I enjoy building strong teams and improving systems that help clinicians make faster, more accurate decisions. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, I oversee our laboratory operations and work closely with physicians and staff to make sure our testing services support the needs of our patients and community.
What role does Lab Services play in preventive care and early detection?
The lab is actually one of the most important tools in preventive healthcare. Many conditions develop quietly before symptoms appear, and laboratory testing can often detect those changes early. Things like cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and markers of organ function can show us when something may be starting to shift. When we catch those changes early, patients and their providers have the opportunity to intervene sooner and prevent more serious health problems down the road.
What are some of the most commonly ordered preventive lab tests, and what can they help detect?
Some of the most common preventive tests include cholesterol panels, blood glucose or A1C tests for diabetes screening, complete blood counts, and basic metabolic panels that look at kidney and electrolyte balance. We also run tests that evaluate thyroid function and vitamin levels. These tests can help identify things like heart disease risk, diabetes, anemia, thyroid disorders, and other conditions that are much easier to manage when detected early.
How does having Lab Services available right here in Sonoma benefit our patients and community?
Having local lab services means patients can get testing done quickly and conveniently without needing to travel outside the valley. That’s especially important for routine monitoring, emergency visits, and hospitalized patients who need rapid results. It also allows our care teams to work closely together—physicians, nurses, and the laboratory—so we can turn results around quickly and support timely treatment decisions.
What would you like our community to know about the importance of routine lab work?
Routine lab work is one of the simplest ways people can stay proactive about their health. Even when you feel well, those tests provide valuable information about what’s happening inside the body. Many serious conditions start with very subtle changes that only show up in lab values. Staying up to date with recommended testing helps patients and providers catch potential issues early and keep people healthier over the long term.
In the News
New Gastroenterology Services Coming Soon
Dr. Patrick Okolo anticipates opening his gastroenterology clinic in April, with endoscopy services expected to begin in May. This expansion will increase access to digestive health care and colorectal screening services for Sonoma Valley residents.
Recognized for Quality Performance
For the second consecutive year, Sonoma Valley Hospital has been recognized as a Top Performer in Partnership HealthPlan of California’s Hospital Quality Improvement Program (HQIP). Hospitals that earn this distinction achieve a quality performance score of 90 percent or higher, reflecting strong performance across key measures that support patient safety and quality care.
This recognition highlights the hospital’s continued commitment to delivering high quality care for patients in Sonoma Valley.
Advancing Diagnostic Care
With the addition of our new 3T MRI, Sonoma Valley Hospital continues to expand advanced imaging capabilities that help physicians detect disease earlier and guide treatment more effectively. Beginning March 7, we will also begin offering imaging services on select Saturdays to provide more convenient scheduling for our community. Services will initially be available twice a month, with plans to expand to every Saturday, including mammography, MRI, and walk-in X-ray. Call XX to schedule an appointment
My Hospital Campaign
Following his wife’s dementia diagnosis, Whitney became a strong advocate for improving dementia support in our community. Today, he is working with Sonoma Valley Hospital to help launch programs that will provide guidance and support for other families navigating this journey. Click here to read Whitney’s story.
E-Mail
