COLOGUARD1ST PERSPECTIVES

Meet the providers
taking a Cologuard®- first approach.

Three healthcare professionals, including two doctors and a physician assistant holding a Cologuard box, against a blue background.
Belinda Khou and Dr Vega have been compensated for sharing their expertise and consulting for Exact Sciences.

What is a Cologuard1st?

Cologuard1sts are providers who offer the Cologuard test to their average-risk patients 45 years and older first and reserve colonoscopy for the patients who need it most.

Cologuard1sts believe:
High performance1,2
High adherence3
Proven results1,2,4
Make offering the Cologuard test the best first step in CRC screening1-4
Based on USPSTF-recommended screening modalities.

Meet the Cologuard1sts

Dr Chuck Vega | MD

“The Cologuard test’s ability to detect advanced precancerous lesions is a big game changer in the prevention of CRC.”5

With over 20 years of experience at a Federally Qualified Health Center, Dr Vega is dedicated to bringing education and expanding access to quality care for underserved communities.


Passionate about driving change, he focuses on training future leaders to promote high-quality, compassionate, and accessible care for all.

“The Cologuard test’s strong performance, high patient adherence, and ability to detect advanced precancerous lesions help reduce unnecessary colonoscopies while ensuring those who need further evaluation get it. When patients understand their options and hear from a trusted voice, they’re more likely to follow through — improving outcomes and preventing more cases of CRC before they start.1-4,6

Dr Chuck Vega | MD

Dr Chuck Vega, MD.

Provider has been compensated for sharing his expertise and consulting for Exact Sciences.​


Belinda Khou, PA.

Provider has been compensated for sharing her expertise and consulting for Exact Sciences.​

Belinda Khou | PA

“The three-year Cologuard interval really helps my patients adhere to testing.”

A dedicated family medicine and urgent care provider, Belinda delivers chronic, acute, and preventive care to diverse populations.


Passionate about health equity, she empowers patients to make meaningful lifestyle changes to improve long-term health.

“I believe in the Cologuard test. It has helped more of my patients get screened by providing a reliable, noninvasive option they can complete at home. Many of my patients are more likely to adhere to screening when it fits into their lives, and the 3-year interval has really helped my patients adhere to testing. Early detection saves lives, and having a high-quality, patient-friendly test like the Cologuard test increases the chances of catching CRC sooner—when it’s most treatable.” 1-3,7,8

Belinda Khou | PA


Dr James Schultz | MD

“Using the Cologuard test may be the best chance we have to meet the national goal to screen 80% of all eligible patients.” 9,10

Working in a Federally Qualified Health Center, Dr Schultz has served many patients facing issues with access and complications of undocumented status.


Drawing on his extensive experience expanding clinical operations and improving access to specialty care, he strives to remove barriers and improve access to care through leadership, advocacy, and innovation

“With limited GI availability in my practice area, our health center generally does not refer patients to screening colonoscopy. The Cologuard test has made CRC screening more accessible to patients. With the additional support that comes with the Cologuard test, it’s eased the burden on our staff, making it easier to reach national screening goals and take meaningful steps toward closing the screening gap in our community.”9,10

Dr James Schultz | MD

Dr James Schultz, MD.

Provider volunteered his expertise.



CRC=colorectal cancer; GI=gastroenterologist; PA=physician assistant.