Jason Guardino, DO, MS Ed.
“Dr. Guardino has transformed his department and influenced regional practice. There is no question that his model of care is saving lives.” — Richard Isaacs, MD, Physician-in-Chief
“No member of Kaiser Permanente should ever die from colon cancer.” Jason Guardino, DO, MS, has put his passion, energy and leadership skills behind his words.
Determined to increase both the number of screenings and the quality of colonoscopies performed, Dr. Guardino created a model to transform GI practice that could be replicated throughout the Kaiser Permanente system.
Dr. Guardino worked closely with his team to communicate his bold vision and inspire performance at the highest level. Unit productivity has more than doubled through the application of a two endoscopy room per doctor protocol. Time between cases has been streamlined while keeping procedure times constant. The GI department increased FIT testing and assumed ownership of follow-up, enhancing the effectiveness of patient outreach. The results are population management of the highest quality and convenience for members — success Dr. Guardino attributes to his colleagues and their willingness to transform culture and embrace innovation and teamwork.
There is no question that Dr. Guardino’s model is a national template for care not only for GI, but for others to follow. He has consulted with departments in the Southern California, Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Hawaii Regions.
“He is a tireless advocate for everyone to be screened for colorectal cancer and has put together the infrastructure to make it possible,” says Richard Isaacs, MD, Physician-in-Chief, South Sacramento. “His efforts are saving lives.”