Jason Caron has officially taken over as president and CEO of Sanford Bemidji, succeeding Karla Eischens, who announced her retirement effective December 31, 2025. Caron, who has been part of the Sanford organization since 2008, is poised to leverage his extensive experience in orthopedics to enhance community health initiatives.
This transition comes after a six-month period during which Caron was able to shadow Eischens in her role. He expressed gratitude for her mentorship, stating, “Observing her over the years … her commitment to the community and her commitment to patients were her guiding lights.” Caron’s previous roles included chair of the orthopedic department and chair of the Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota Board of Directors. His leadership qualities earned him recognition as Sanford Health’s 2023 Clinician Leader of the Year.
A Journey Rooted in Community and Science
Caron’s journey in healthcare began with a strong foundation in biological sciences. His interest was sparked in high school during an Advanced Placement biology class, which led him to Concordia College. “When I was really doing some soul searching in college to decide what I wanted to do, a big part of my pursuit of medicine was that I wanted to use whatever skills I had to help people,” he said.
At Concordia, Caron’s leadership skills flourished as he captained the football team alongside a roommate who was pursuing pre-med studies. Inspired by this environment, he decided to follow a similar path, ultimately attending the University of Minnesota for medical school and residency. Although a return to Bemidji was not originally planned, the prospect of raising a family in his hometown, along with a recruitment opportunity in orthopedics, made the decision clear. “It was a call back home,” he reflected.
Scalpel at the Cross, a ministry dedicated to providing medical care to underserved populations. Since 2006, he has participated in these missions, focusing on orthopedic needs such as bone repairs and hip replacements. His mentor, Peter Cole, orthopedic chair at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, played a pivotal role in introducing Caron to this work.
Caron’s commitment to community health has also fostered connections within the orthopedic field. He noted the significance of these expeditions in building relationships with fellow specialists, some of whom have joined Sanford Bemidji. Recently, Mitchell Wyffels stepped into the role of orthopedic department chair, marking a full-circle moment as he was the first recruit to Caron’s team and remains a vital part of the department.
Reflecting on his career, Caron emphasized the importance of mentorship and collaboration. “I lead a team of incredible leaders to further the goals and strategy of the board at Sanford Health in northern Minnesota,” he stated. With a focus on improving healthcare access and outcomes, Caron is committed to enhancing the health of the Bemidji community and beyond.
