“Where were you 30 years ago? Training? Was a career in healthcare even on your radar? I bet some of you were not even born yet.” Amid audience nods and laughter, Dr. Janis Kahn, physician site lead, addressed the crowd of roughly 300 at the celebration event on May 29 to recognize the 30th anniversary of Kaiser Permanente’s Pleasanton Medical Offices.
Kaiser Pleasanton opened April 11, 1983 in what was then a sparsely populated area of Pleasanton. It was surrounded by Stoneridge Mall and not much else. The Medical Offices opened with just 13 physicians. Now, the medical office employs 500-600 staff and physicians serving thousands of Kaiser Permanente members.
“Pleasanton is a vibrant, healthy community and Kaiser Permanente is part of that vibrant city,” said Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne during the presentation. “Thanks to Kaiser Permanente for creating a local health community; good health impacts everyone.”
Other key leaders in attendance included members of the Pleasanton City Council and local Chamber of Commerce. Several retired physicians who helped launch the opening of the Pleasanton Medical Offices were also on hand.
Attendees were treated to lunch as the local award winning Foothill High School Jazz Band played. Attendees were also asked to sign a memory board to commemorate the milestone.
Kareen Knowles, associate medical group administrator, acknowledged the crowd and the future work force. “Thank you everyone for delivering high quality patient care. This is the best place to work and receive healthcare. And thank you to the 18 students from the five Tri-Valley high schools -- four of whom are KP babies -- who were with us this year through their ROP program. They are our health care professionals of tomorrow.”
Eileen Caviglia, RN, has worked for Kaiser Permanente for 36 years and has seen many changes since the Pleasanton Medical Offices first opened. “Oh yeah, we had charts. Paper charts! And those pneumatic tubes that would always get stuck!” she said laughing. “But the caring. That has never changed. The people, patients and staff are like family.”
“It is very satisfying to see how we have grown our services here in Pleasanton and how we are now growing our quality of services and the patient experience,” remarked Dr. William Lide, dermatologist.
Dr. Ted Boroian, retired former physician-in-charge at the site, agreed. “This is not about a building, but rather the people and patients; the wonderful, understanding, patient and smart people who put an emphasis on service. Our dedication to service is what makes this facility special.”
“I am inspired by the care and compassion that we see here today” said Dr. Kahn during her closing remarks.” I am proud to be in Pleasanton and look forward to the next 30 years.”
