Dr. James G. Brewer, MD | Santa Barbara, CA | Pediatrician

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Dr. Brewer graduated from the Hahnemann University School of Medicine in 1996. He works in Santa Barbara, CA and 3 other locations and specializes in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Brewer is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Cottage Childrens Medical Center and Cottage Childrens Medical Center.

3.6

26 Ratings
30 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
Lac Usc Medical Center
14 written reviews
2 specialties
6 areas of expertise
4 hospital affiliations
4 office locations
Male

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me

Based on patient feedback. Read the reviews

Dr. Brewer's Ratings and Reviews

3.6

26 Ratings with 14 written Reviews

Average Wait Time 25 Minutes

How was your appointment with
Dr. Brewer?

Patients’ Perspective

Gave an accurate diagnosis: (12) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Had a good bedside manner: (11) Did WellNeeds Improvement (4)
Spent time with me: (12) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Provided follow-up after the visit: (10) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Flexible scheduling: (13) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Saw me in a timely manner: No Ratings
Staff was courteous: No Ratings

26 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 14 reviews

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I would like to acknowledge Dr. J. Brewer not only as my current physician, but as a trusted medical professional with deep roots in our community. His father was my son’s pediatrician and adult care provider for over 25 years in Santa Barbara, and their family has earned an outstanding reputation for compassionate, thorough, and accessible care. Dr. Brewer continues that legacy with excellence. He offers urgent and flexible appointments, and his staff consistently go above and beyond with professionalism and kindness. As a former nurse, I recognize the difference between routine care and truly patient-centered practice. Dr. Brewer spends meaningful time with his patients, listens attentively, and maintains a respectful bedside manner that fosters trust. He is affiliated with Cottage Hospital and maintains strong connections with specialists, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. He has responded to emergency calls with urgency and care, which is… rare and deeply appreciated. Having worked with vulnerable populations, I know that the most difficult medical role is caring for children—especially those who cannot express their pain. In those cases, it is the responsibility of the caregiver or advocate to speak clearly and openly, so the physician can make informed decisions. That same principle applies to adults with complex conditions: doctors rely on honest communication, and patients must feel safe enough to share their truth. I do not expect magic from any doctor. Recovery is not guaranteed. But I do believe that Dr. Brewer does his best for every patient—and that is what makes him exceptional.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

August 19th, 2025

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He gave me son shots and he didn’t even flinch. At a previous doctor he had always been terrified of doctors and shots.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

November 15th, 2019

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The worst doctor we ever experienced for several reasons, but this one is standing out: tried to give a flueshot to our 8 year old without parental consent or without communicating anything. My advice: stay away from this guy.

May 24th, 2019

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The worst doctor we ever experienced for several reasons, but this one is standing out: tried to give a flueshot to our 8 year old without parental consent or without communicating anything. My advice: stay away from this guy.

May 24th, 2019

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The worst doctor we ever experienced for several reasons, but this one is standing out: tried to give a flueshot to our 8 year old without parental consent or without communicating anything. My advice: stay away from this guy.

May 24th, 2019

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The worst doctor we ever experienced for several reasons, but this one is standing out: tried to give a flueshot to our 8 year old without parental consent or without communicating anything. My advice: stay away from this guy.

Did Well

Needs Improvement

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

May 24th, 2019

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Dr. Brewer is a caring physician who delivers high quality care. Wait times can be long but that is because he takes the time needed for each patient and also takes walk-ins (believe me you will be glad for that when it's *your* kid who needs to be seen right away).

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

May 19th, 2016

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PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR KID/S TO THIS DOCTOR. HE WAS MY DAUGHTER PEDIATRICIAN FROM BIRTH TO 10 MONTHS OF AGE. FIRST OF ALL HE DOES NOT HAVE GREAT BEDSIDE MANNERS. HERE IT GOES WHEN MY BABY WAS 9 MONTHS I TOOK HER TO SEE HIM LIKE 4 TIMES IN THE MONTH BECAUSE SHE WAS VERY SICK WITH A COLD AND FEVERS...FEVERS WERE NOT GOING AWAY. OBVIOUSLY IM NOT A DOCTOR SO I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH HER TO HIM SHE HAD A VIRUS THAT WOULD GO AWAY WITH FLUIDS. LITTLE DID HE KNOW MY DAUGHTER HAD A SEIZURE AFTER BEING SICK FOR A MONTH. SHE ENDED UP BEING HOSPITALIZED FOR 17 DAYS BECAUSE SHE HAD A DEADLY BACTERIA CALLED MENENGITIS, THANKS TO THE ATTENTION SHE RECEIVED AT THE HOSPITAL SHE IS ALIVE.MY BABY IS NOW 6 YEARS OLD AND LOVES HER PEDIATRICIAN.

Did Well

Needs Improvement

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

November 27th, 2013

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Dr James Brewer is a brilliant diagnostician and caring doctor. My children absolutely love their visits to Dr Brewer. He is kind, patient, and is absolutely never in a rush. We need more doctors with his professionalism and intelligence. Best pediatrician in Santa Barbara.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

July 22nd, 2013

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He. Ever wash his hands between two diferent babies, he is always in a hurry not even 10 min spend with you, i waited alot and my baby was so upset and. Oring

July 3rd, 2012

Brewer James G Office

2421 Bath St Ste ASanta Barbara, CA 93105

Tel: (805) 563-0167

Mon9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thu9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri9:00 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

351 S Patterson AveSanta Barbara, CA 93111

Tel: (805) 967-3411

Cottage Childrens Medical Center

400 W Pueblo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105

Tel: (805) 682-7111

Cottage Childrens Medical Center

400 W Pueblo St Fl 3Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Tel: (805) 682-7111


Dr. James Gerard Brewer, MD	Dr. Tamar Heisler	Dr. Tracy Ching-Hue Burton	John Noh
Pediatrics	Pediatrics	Pediatrics	Critical Care Medicine
	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
3.6 (26 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)
30 Years of Experience	18 Years of Experience	18 Years of Experience	5 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	Virtual Visit Available	Virtual Visit Available	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English	Speaks Chinese, Spanish
Santa Barbara , CA	Franklin , TN	Franklin , TN	Santa Barbara , CA
Med School: Hahnemann University School Of Medicine	Med School: Sackler School of Medicine -- Tel-Aviv University	Med School: University Of Alabama School Of Medicine	Med School: Ross University School Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Check-up
Immunization
Internal Medicine
Pediatric Diabetes
Physical
Vaccination

Dr. James Gerard Brewer holds an active medical license in the state of California.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an active medical license in the state of California that expires in 2027.

Education & Training

Residency

Completed their residency at Lac Usc Medical Center.

Medical School

Graduated from Hahnemann University School Of Medicine in 1996.

NPI Number

Dr. Brewer's NPI number is 1881702611.

David Shuanghung Tsai
Pediatrics
12 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Margaret Leila Srour
Pediatrics
47 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Maria Therese Nuno
Pediatrics
| Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Ayda Sadat Alavi
Pediatrics
4 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Channing Greenburg
Pediatrics
| Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Leana May Napoles
Pediatrics
5 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Dr. Karina Garcia, MD
Internal Medicine
15 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(23)
Dr. Stephanie Yanez
Hospital Medicine
| Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Dr. Anita Rai
Internal Medicine
12 Years Exp | Santa Barbara, CA
(0)
Dr. Benjamin Andrew West
Internal Medicine
7 Years Exp | Ventura, CA
(0)

Where is Dr. James Brewer's office located?: Dr. James Brewer's office is located at 2421 Bath St Ste A, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105.
Is Dr. James Brewer accepting new patients?: Dr. James Brewer has not indicated that they accept new patients. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Does Dr. James Brewer accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. James Brewer has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Which hospitals is Dr. James Brewer affiliated with?: Dr. James Brewer is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Cottage Childrens Medical Center, and Cottage Childrens Medical Center.
Does Dr. James Brewer accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. James Brewer accepts on their Vitals profile.

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