Kavitha Jayachandran (Jay), MD is a Senior Physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara with over two decades of experience, where she serves as the Chair of Continuing Medical Education. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Medical Educators, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. Her extensive leadership roles include Co-Director at the Institute of Medical Educators and Course Director of the Stanford-KP Santa Clara Mastery Teaching in Medicine Certificate Program. Dr. Jay has been recognized for her innovative contributions to medical education and cultural competency, earning “Innovation in CME Award” by CMA in 2022. She has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of medical education, curriculum development for faculty, and designing a video library “Physician Directed Self-Examination” online modules for virtual physical examination. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Jay started a Medical Mission- Health Initiative in India in 2024, to provide preventive care services and health education to the underserved rural community.
Outside of her professional life, she has a keen interest in painting, which allows her to express her creativity. Her love for art extends to collecting pieces that resonate with her, enriching both her personal and living spaces. As a proud mother of two, she firmly believes in embracing every moment to the fullest, and she believes that there is no such thing as a dull moment.
Current role, Specialty/Department, Practice Location
- Senior Physician Department of Internal Medicine
- The Permanente Medical Group, Santa Clara
Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor Institute of Medical Educators, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
- Clinical Instructor (Affiliate) Stanford School of Medicine
Education and Professional Summary
| Undergraduate: | B.S., Sciences Mount Carmel College, India (1983-1985) |
| Medical Education: | Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (M.B.B.S) Bangalore Medical University, India (1986-1991) |
| Residency/Fellowship: | 1997-1998 Chief Resident, Internal Medicine The Permanente Medical Group, San Francisco, CA 1994-1997 Internal Medicine Residency Kaiser Foundation Hospital, San Francisco, CA 1993-1994 Internship University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey |
| Board Certification: | American Board of Internal Medicine, Diplomate in Internal Medicine Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine |
Honors and Awards
| 2022 | TPMG Professional Staff Achievement Award: “Outstanding Achievement Award in 2022”. This award is presented to the physician felt to have made a special contribution, beyond the call of duty, to the Medical Center goals of quality care. |
| 2022 | “Innovation in CME Award- 2022” Awarded by CMA for implementing a creative and innovative CME program to support the professional development of Physicians |
| 2017 | Recipient of IMQ/CME- Cultural and Linguistic Competency Award for Planning Innovative Longitudinal Multidisciplinary CME in Transgender Education, 2017 |
| 2014 | Recipient of IMQ/CMA- The Sam Sherman Award for Best Innovation in PI-CME Planning, 2014 |
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
- 2010- Present Chair, Continuing Medical Education, The Permanente Medical Group, Santa Clara
- 2022- Present Stanford SOM- Kaiser Permanente Mastery Teaching in Medicine Certificate Lead organizer in collaboration with Stanford Teaching and Mentoring Academy
- 2021- Present Member of the Health Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara
- 2019- Present Board Member of the Steering Committee on CME, California Medical Association (CME Accreditor for CA CME Providers) Sacramento, CA
- 2014- Present Member of the Schwartz Rounds Steering Committee Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
- 2009- Present Member/Facilitator of Regional Physician Education & Development Steering Committee Kaiser Permanente, NCAL
- 2004- Present CME Accreditation Surveyor for CA CME Providers Institute of Medical Quality/California Medical Association for CME, Sacramento, CA
- 2009- Present Santa Clara Medical Society Member
Areas of Interest
- Medical mission – providing much needed health care services to the underserved rural community in India is a great area of interest
- Additionally, Dr. Jay is an avid traveler, often exploring new cultures and landscapes. She has a keen interest in painting, which allows her to express her creativity. Her love for art extends to collecting pieces that resonate with her, enriching both her personal and living spaces.
Presentations
2022 Poster Presentation: “Beyond the CME Office: Engaging Frontline CME Planners in Professional Development”
Shapiro J1 , Donawa A2 , Martin R3 , Passage S4 , Al-Sheikhly D5 , Ebersol MB1 , Piazza K1 , Jayachandran K6 , ACCME April 25-28, 2022 Conference , Research Exchange .1University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2Thomas Jefferson University, 3NYU Long Island School of Medicine, 4Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, 6Permanente Medical Group in California
2021 Poster Presentation: “Out of our Comfort Zone: Virtual Faculty Development Workshop Model Using Rapid Prototyping”
Stanford CME Live, June 9-10, 2021, Poster Presentation. CME Live is a virtual conference intended for CME/CE professionals to better understand technology and innovation in education