Pictured Left to Right: Patty Rizvi; Farah Montalvo; Melinda Mata; Nate Miley, Alameda County Supervisor; Dr. Rob Nordgren; Dr. Rajbir Sidhu; Dr. Kun “Woody” Xiao; Dr. Aisha Wahab, California State Senator; Genea Wilson; Dr. Arzou Ahsan; and Karishma Khatri, District Director from Assemblymember Liz Ortega’s office.
By Clayton Warren, Vitals contributor
An important milestone for the East Bay was marked by the opening of Castro Valley Cardiology and Oncology. New services will expand access to integrated, patient-centered care—while reducing barriers that often make it harder for patients to receive the services they need.
Genea Wilson and Dr. Rob Nordgren speaking at the ribbon cutting event.
“Today is an important milestone as we expand access to high-quality cardiology and oncology services right here in Castro Valley,” said Genea Wilson, CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation, during a ribbon-cutting celebration. “By bringing specialized care closer to home, we’re reducing travel time and stress so patients can focus on healing and recovery.”
A Strategic, Integrated Approach to Specialty Care
What makes the Castro Valley Cardiovascular and Oncology Care Center unique is its integrated model, bringing cardiology and oncology services together in one location. This approach supports closer collaboration between specialties and helps enhance patient outcomes through coordinated, comprehensive care.
According to Dr. Rob Nordgren, chief medical officer for Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division, the center represents an important step forward in how Sutter delivers specialty care in local communities.
“Our goal is to empower patients and providers with high-quality diagnostics, advanced technology, and a whole-person approach to health,” Dr. Nordgren said. “Knowledge becomes a catalyst for action—whether that means prevention, lifestyle changes or personalized treatment plans.”
The care center also works closely with Sutter’s Eden Medical Center, located just across the street, strengthening continuity of care and helping patients receive seamless support throughout their health journey.
Advancing Cardiovascular Prevention and Early Detection
Dr. Kun “Woody” Xiao and Dr. Rajbir Sidhu
For cardiology, the new center enables care teams to focus earlier—often before symptoms appear.
“By embedding cardiology services directly in the community, we’re able to shift cardiovascular care upstream,” said Dr. Rajbir Sidhu, cardiologist, Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “Our goal is to identify risk earlier, intervene sooner, and help patients make changes when prevention can have the greatest impact.”
The center offers advanced cardiovascular testing designed with the patient experience in mind. Exams are noninvasive, efficient, and accessible—helping remove common barriers to care while delivering critical insight into heart health.
Bringing Cancer Care Closer to Home
For patients undergoing cancer treatment, proximity matters.
“Receiving oncology care close to home can make a meaningful difference for patients and families,” said Dr. Kun “Woody” Xiao, medical oncologist, Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “Reducing travel and stress allows patients to focus on healing, while also strengthening collaboration with referring physicians and care teams.”
The center supports continuity across diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, reinforcing Sutter’s commitment to comprehensive, compassionate cancer care in the communities it serves.
A Celebration of Collaboration
Leaders repeatedly emphasized that the opening of Castro Valley Cardiology and Oncology was made possible through deep collaboration, including physicians, nurses, care teams, operational partners, and community leaders.
Dr. Arzou Ahsan
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our people,” said Dr. Arzou Ahsan, president and CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “When teams across specialties and disciplines work together with a shared focus on patient outcomes, we strengthen care for the entire community.”
Wilson echoed that message in her closing remarks, noting that the opening is part of broader growth across the East Bay.
“This is a proud moment for Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation and Sutter East Bay Medical Group,” she said. “It represents our shared vision for a healthier, stronger community—and it’s just one of many new care centers opening in the years ahead to elevate excellence in the East Bay.”
Members of the Castro Valley Cardiology and Oncology team
