Oct 19, 2023

DHR Health in Brownsville Welcomes General Surgeon, Karen J. Brooks, MD, FACS

Oct 19, 2023

DHR Health in Brownsville Welcomes General Surgeon, Karen J. Brooks, MD, FACS

Brownsville, Texas: DHR Health proudly welcomes Dr. Karen J. Brooks to the DHR Health family at its newest hospital, DHR Health Brownsville. Dr. Brooks is a highly respected and longstanding surgeon who has served Brownsville and the neighboring communities for over 20 years. She joins as a full-time General Surgeon, the Director of General Surgical Services, and Director of Quality in Brownsville.

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Brooks will perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including Upper and Lower Endoscopy, Abdominal Surgery, Breast Surgery, Hernia Surgery, and Skin and Integument procedures. She will also perform outpatient surgical procedures for pediatric patients.

“I am excited for this new chapter with DHR Health Brownsville. My goal with this partnership is to continue elevating the standard of care in Brownsville, my home for over 20 years,” said Dr. Karen J. Brooks. “I am looking forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the lives of those that I am so fortunate to serve.”

Upon graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Dr. Brooks attended the University of Texas Health Science Medical School in Houston, where she received her Doctor of Medicine degree. She then completed her medical residency in General Surgery at the University of Florida Medical Center.

Before moving to Brownsville, Dr. Brooks started her career in Lufkin, Texas alongside her father, Dr. Vivian E.H. Brooks, also a general surgeon. They ran an extremely successful private practice together. Upon retirement of her father, Dr. Brooks moved with her three young boys to Brownsville and started her solo private practice. She worked as a general surgeon at Valley Regional Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center. She also served the community as Trauma Medical Director for over 12 years.

Dr. Brooks is certified by the American Board of Surgery and trained in Advanced Trauma Life Support. She is a member of prestigious organizations such as the: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, American Society of General Surgeons, and Cameron-Willacy County Medical Society. Dr. Brooks has also been recognized as “Physician of the Quarter” and “Physician of the Year” at her prior institutions.

“With an impressive record of three decades of dedicated service collectively and a wealth of experience, Dr. Brooks embodies the essence of outstanding, quality care that we offer at DHR Health,” said Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President at DHR Health. “Not only is she an expert in her field, Dr. Brooks is also intimately familiar with the Brownsville community, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

DHR Health Brownsville Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Aida Coronado Garcia also expressed her enthusiasm upon the arrival of Dr. Brooks. “The addition of Dr. Brooks underscores DHR Health’s commitment to delivering the highest level of patient care and services, especially in the crucial field of surgery. Welcome to the team!”

The office of Dr. Brooks will be located at the DHR Health Brownsville Specialty Clinics, 4770 N. Expressway, Suite 305A. To schedule an appointment, please call (956) 362-3980. Patients seeking surgical consultations should first consult with their primary care physician for a referral. All DHR Health locations accept a wide range of private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.