Meet Kaarel T. Kaljot, M.D. –
Hayward Office, Internal Medicine Physician

Kaarel T. Kaljot comes from a family of Estonian immigrants. Like many families from Eastern Europe, after World War II, his parents escaped to seek refuge from the invasion and occupation of the Soviet Union. They first settled in New York, where Dr. Kaljot was born. His father was a physician and Dr. Kaljot was inspired by his father’s work. And, as he grew up, he developed a genuine interest in medicine. Dr. Kaljot was motivated by the contribution he could make to society through helping others.

Dr. Kaljot received his undergraduate degree in history of science from Harvard University. From there, he attended Stanford University for medical school and completed his residency in internal medicine at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto. “I just loved the staff, professors and intellectual challenge of internal medicine,” he said. Dr. Kaljot also completed a fellowship in gastroenterology and incorporates this specialized training into his practice of internal medicine today.

After completing his training, Dr. Kaljot moved to Montana where he pursued a research fellowship at the National Institute of Health. He also enjoyed the great outdoors in a state that offered no shortage of skiing and whitewater rafting adventures. Dr. Kaljot eventually left research and opened a private practice with colleagues in Hamilton, Montana and practiced there for several years. When his wife decided to start her own public relations firm in Berkeley, the couple returned to the Bay Area and Dr. Kaljot found Bay Valley Medical Group in 1995.

He comments, “It’s [Bay Valley Medical Group] unique because it’s very collegial with strong administrative and clinical support. This is what allows me to focus on taking care of my patients. I don’t have the usual non-medical distractions that can go along with running your own practice.”

Dr. Kaljot believes that one of Bay Valley Medical Group’s strengths is the latitude allowed physicians to spend as much time as they need with their patients. “This flexibility enables me to remain attuned to some of the more subtle or unanticipated symptoms that could be indicative of greater health challenges. I can practice medicine thoroughly, proactively and with an eye to prevention.”

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Kaljot keeps himself seasonally active. During the fall, he goes mountain biking; in the winter and spring, he skis in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming and during the summer, he windsurfs in the San Francisco Bay.

Dr. Kaljot practices internal medicine at Bay Valley Medical Group, which offers multi-specialty services. Dr. Kaljot is located in the Hayward office and can be reached at (510) 785-5000.