Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Gayle Cekada, MD

Internal Medicine

More about Dr. Cekada

call 1.866.696.3847

Get Started Today

Residency

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Denver, CO
Internal Medicine 1995-1997

Internship

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Denver, CO
Internal Medicine 1994-1995

Medical School

Tulane University School of Medicine
New Orleans, LA
Doctorate of Medicine 1994
American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Award of Excellence 1994
Ciba-Giegy Award for Outstanding Community Service 1993

Undergraduate

University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Bachelor of Science, Geological Sciences 1989
Outstanding Senior Award, Department of Geological Sciences 1989
W. Norris Award, Field Geology 1988

American Board of Internal Medicine

California

Professional
- Preventive and wellness care, weight management, nutrition, exercise guidance and geriatric medicine
Personal
- My two beautiful children and loving husband. Hiking, cycling, walks on the beach with my dogs. I strongly support the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, a center created by my husband to support those facing cancer

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What Members Are Saying

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.

Janet

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

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!

Catherine

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

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.

Patricia

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.

Quarterly

$575.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$1,150.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$2,300.00 each year*

Meet Gayle Cekada, MD

My goal is to continue to provide excellent and compassionate medical care. The Doctor-Patient relationship is very important to me. My philosophy is to put patients first and to take the time to give personal attention in order to achieve optimal health.

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What Members Are Saying

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.

Janet

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

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!

Catherine

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

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.

Patricia

Patient of Gayle Cekada, MD

Get Started Today

Primary Care That Makes You Primary

A new healthcare model to suit your lifestyle

Benefits of joining Dr. Cekada's practice with MDVIP

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MDVIP Wellness Program

Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.

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Better Doctor-Patient Relationship

97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).

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Same/Next-Day Appointments

See Dr. Cekada quickly and take your time during each appointment.

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Reachable 24/7

Reach Dr. Cekada by phone after-hours and on weekends.

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Smaller Practice Size

MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.

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Your Dedicated Doctor

See Dr. Cekada when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant

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Travel Benefits

If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.

emergency

Medical Centers of Excellence

For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions

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Better Health Outcomes

Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.

Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.

MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.

Quarterly

$575.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$1,150.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$2,300.00 each year*

Get Started Today

Testimonials from patients of Gayle Cekada, MD

Dr. C is our hero

from Jeane in CA • March 3, 2018

It is hard to believe that I met Dr. Gayle Cekada 20 years ago . My mother Catherine and I we patients of Pismo Beach Medical Center where she was a new doctor in practice. Dr. Cekada caringly treated for my mom for 7 years until her passing at 98 years young! Gayle Cekada has seen my husband Robert through severe depression. Her help in finding immediate and on going help and staying strong Read more...

It is wonderful knowing I have not only a great doctor but an Advocate

from Laurie • March 29, 2017

It is wonderful knowing I have not only a great doctor but an Advocate and an interested person overseeing my and my husband's health. She makes me feel listened to and doesn't rush through barely knowing who I am or what I am there for. What a contrast to other doctors.

I feel truly cared for by Dr. Cekada.

from Kathleen in CA • March 3, 2018

I feel truly cared for by Dr. Cekada. She listens, responds and is always right on top of my health care issues. In addition, she is compassionate and a problem solver.

She is knowledgeable, attentive, caring, cautious and compassionate.

from Howard • March 28, 2017

I always thought that I had excellent doctors during the 70+years I lived in Los Angeles and had some concern on my move to San Luis Obispo on the availability
of good health care. I am delighted to report that the quality of health care I receive in my new home is outstanding and exceeded both my expectations
and my prior experience. That is all attributable to Dr. Cekada. She is Read more...

I'm happy to be one of your patients and truly appreciate your care and attention.

from Kay in CA • March 4, 2018

Thank you, Dr. Cekada! I really appreciate how seriously you take your job as my doctor, as well as your attention to my health and wellness! I like meeting with Chantelle first, getting preliminary info on record and getting all my labs ordered before my appointment. Chantelle is always responsive whenever I call and great in our appointment. When you and I meet, I appreciate how much time Read more...

The Office of Gayle Cekada, MD

Locations & Hours

Primary Office

184 Casa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

call 1.866.696.3847

Get Directions

Hours

Mon	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tue	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wed	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fri	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payments.

Quarterly

$575.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$1,150.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$2,300.00 each year*

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Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Gayle Cekada, MD

Get Started Today

Education

Residency

Internship

Medical School

Undergraduate

Certifications

Licensure

Interests

What Members Are Saying

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Meet Gayle Cekada, MD

What Members Are Saying

Get Started Today

Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Benefits of joining Dr. Cekada's practice with MDVIP

MDVIP Wellness Program

Better Doctor-Patient Relationship

Same/Next-Day Appointments

Reachable 24/7

Smaller Practice Size

Your Dedicated Doctor

Travel Benefits

Medical Centers of Excellence

Better Health Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s different about MDVIP practices and traditional primary care practices?

How does insurance work in an MDVIP-affiliated practice?

What is MDVIP and what does it do?

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Get Started Today

Testimonials from patients of Gayle Cekada, MD

Dr. C is our hero

It is wonderful knowing I have not only a great doctor but an Advocate

I feel truly cared for by Dr. Cekada.

She is knowledgeable, attentive, caring, cautious and compassionate.

I'm happy to be one of your patients and truly appreciate your care and attention.

The Office of Gayle Cekada, MD

Locations & Hours

Primary Office

Hours

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Get Started Today