Gayle Cekada, MD

We first contacted Dr. Gayle Cekada when we moved to the Central Coast in 1999. She welcomed us to her practice, which was in Pismo Beach at that time, as the smart and lovely young woman she was then and has continued to be through the twenty-five years since. She was married to Dr. Vendegna but hadn't yet become a mom - something that she managed to take care of soon after becoming our doctor. We were younger in those days and didn't require doctor services often but she was always there when we needed her, even during those frightening times when she needed all her strength and focus on helping her husband battle a rare cancer and fought to get the medical treatments needed to win the battle. And then we faced the difficult years with aging parents and Dr. Cekada became our partner as we struggled to find the right answers to their issues as they arose. When we moved my mother here to be closer to us, Dr. Cekada accepted her as a patient and provided referrals to other doctors, including Dr. Vendegna, so that she received the best possible care for whatever came along. She helped us make decisions as to what might make a better life for my mom (and therefore for us also) and was always on the spot to quickly recognize symptoms that were indicative of chronic Mom issues (e.g. UTIs) as well as always ready to seek tests that would provide answers to new complaints. As the years have passed, my husband and I have encountered the health issues that seem to accompany the aging process. As always, Dr. Cekada has been a partner with us as we seek understanding and acceptance of various health issues, some temporary and some not. She makes time for us on her schedule whether it's to find answers or simply to listen and suggest ways to live our life better under the current circumstances. The past year has brought significant changes to our life and to our lifestyle. Dr. Cekada stands beside us, listens to us, offers advice both medical and life enhancement in nature, supports our decisions, and gives us comfort and compassion when life is difficult. We are grateful for her presence in our life these past twenty-five years ... and hope she'll be with us in all our tomorrows. 

Having a concierge doctor brings great peace of mind. We already knew Dr. Cekada was a good doctor and had tried to get in with her and were fortunate enough to have her admit us to her practice. We had been with a Dignity doctor who never seemed to have enough time to adequately see us. When my husband developed a pain in his leg, Dignity ER diagnosed a blood clot and put him on blood thinners. Two days later, his leg was turning purple. The Dignity doctor never questioned the diagnosis, but told him to elevate the leg and add iron to his vitamins. An email to the portal two days later with photos of a much more purple leg and foot yielded no reply. Luckily, we have a good friend who is a local radiologist who sent him to a second hospital and subsequently to the local MedStop, it was found thwt there was no clot, but a burst vessel. Dr. Cekada was not accepting new patients, but after hearing our story from her friend said, “These people need a family!” Our care has been stellar ever since, with her responding to a call from me when I was in the Indian Ocean, an instant pain prescription when my orthopedic surgeon’s office wasn’t getting back to me, following my husband’s a-fib diagnosis and treatment, etc. Visits with her aren’t rushed. She is thorough and professional, yet warm and understanding. We love Dr. Cekada! 

It is a genuine pleasure to relate my complete satisfaction and appreciation with you about my physician, Dr. Gayle Cekada, on National Doctors' Day.

To begin with, her competence as a medical provider is beyond question. If issues develop with me that require her intervention, she is immediately available, provides sound counsel, and follows up to ensure my concerns are resolved. My scheduled appointments with her are always punctual, unrushed and thorough, with sufficient time for questions or dialogue promoting a comprehensive evaluation. She is always both cordial and professional with me, and I am always comfortable, at ease, and assured in her presence. She is patient, explains things clearly, and I always leave satisfied with the our encounter. She responds quickly to questions I send to her through the MDVIP Connect portal and keeps me informed with any information she finds pertinent to my care and well being.

In summary, she is the kind of physician every patient wishes and hopes he or she had. In my case, I am fortunate enough to have such a physician. Thank you, Dr. Cekada, for all you are and all you do. I appreciate you every day, not just on National Doctor's Day.

I met my doctor, Gayle Cekada, is December of 1998 in a walk-in clinic where she removed my two drains after my breast cancer surgery. We had immediate chemistry with her—she was the kindest, most caring doctor I had ever had. She told me that she would be opening her own practice very soon; I promised myself and her that I would be one of her first patients! Twenty-six years and two more cancers later, I still am with her and still consider her the World’s Best Doctor! When I see her, she makes me feel like I am her only patient, and I always walk out of her office a better person because of being in her presence! We joke and say we are related because we have golden retrievers from the same litter! The world would certainly be a better place if there were more doctors like Gayle Cekada in it!