Dr. Karen Brooks is seen as a key hire for DHR Health Brownsville

2 months ago 72

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Rio Grande Guardian was recently given a VIP tour of DHR Health’s new state-of-the-art hospital in Brownsville.

The tour was provided by Dr. Karen Brooks, the hospital’s new director of general surgical services and director of quality. Later, we were joined by Aida Coronado Garcia, DHR Health Brownsville’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

What was striking about the tour was how quiet it was. The facilities were incredible but there were few patients.

Dr. Brooks and Ms. Coronado said they desperately want more patients. The facility has been open for one year but many people in Brownsville do not realize it is a general hospital, the Guardian was told. Some local residents, perhaps, think it may be a clinic.

To remedy this, DHR is going to erect a big “H” for Hospital sign at the entrance, which is on the frontage of Highway 77 going north, just north of Morrison Road.

Another way to remedy the situation, DHR believes, is the hiring of Dr. Brooks, a respected and long-standing surgeon who has served Brownsville and the neighboring communities for over 20 years.

DHR leaders are thrilled Dr. Brooks has joined their team.

“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,” said Coronado.

“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. 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,” said Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health.

As general surgeon, 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,” Brooks said. “I am looking forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the lives of those that I am so fortunate to serve.”

Biography

Here is Dr. Brooks’ bio:

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.

The Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive video interview with Dr. Brooks. In the interview she spoke about her experience as a surgeon and her delight at joining DHR. Here is the interview: