Dr. Katherine Marie Brooks, DO

If possible, I would give zero stars. From 2022 to 2024, I repeatedly reported chronic fatigue and had consistently low iron levels. At one point, Dr. Brooks told me she refused to order additional testing until my iron levels improved. Despite taking iron supplements, my levels did not increase. I sought a second opinion, and another physician recommended an iron infusion. Even after the infusion, my iron remained low and my fatigue continued to worsen. During the entire time, I repeatedly expressed concern that something more serious might be wrong because I knew something was not right with the chronic fatigued. I was so tired it was difficult to function and it made me feel sick most days. I was told my symptoms were likely due to a slowing metabolism from perimenopause and depression, as I was in my early to mid-40s. I told her over and over it was not depression. As my condition declined and I struggled to function, I felt increasingly discouraged and eventually stopped… pursuing further evaluation for nearly a year in early 2025. Around that time, I was notified by mail that Dr. Brooks was no longer my physician. Towards the end of 2025, at age 47, I underwent a colonoscopy that revealed colorectal cancer. Given my years of persistent low iron and worsening fatigue, I do not understand why a colonoscopy was not recommended earlier by Dr Brooks, particularly at age 45 when a colonoscopy should be routine and I had a history of polyps from my 30s. Dr Brooks miserably failed me as a patient.

Worst experiences I have ever had with a doctor. She went off on me for daring to ask for a DEXA scan before the recommended age, saying that she hated how patients came in demanding things from her because she is not their secretary. She talked down to me, minimized my concerns, and was condescending to the extreme in every visit. I’m happy to never see her again.

Rather than treat an actual medical condition, "Dr." Katherine Brooks chose to fat shame. I chose a female doctor specifically because women my age are often dismissed and not listened to by doctors. she is awful, condescending, and dismissive.

My experiences were in line with other reviews. She would never listen nor take me seriously. I have several serious issues with my lower back that left me unable to work for months, and after spending $10,000 in savings for living expenses, I lost my apartment in San Francisco and had to move in with parents who are helping me see new doctors (who are much more attentive and professional). I also had bad reoccurring nosebleeds lasting 1+ hour, 2x a month for 5+ months, and she would not refer me to anyone else and just suggested Vaseline and a humidifier, BUT I HAD been using Vaseline for 3 months already when I reached out and I lived literally across the Pacific Ocean beach with extremely high humidity; her response was to keep with Vaseline and suck on ice. ???????

And it's not surprising that she hops from medical office to medical office. She's based at the Santa Cruz Kaiser now and I experienced the most condescending tone and rudeness throughout my visit there. I was explaining my medical history, and every time she would ask me sarcastically with an elongated "orrrrrr...." or "soooooo..." Every time I tried engaging with her felt like a debate over what I knew to be true regarding my medical history... and this was our first time meeting! I left my appointment feeling disappointed, slighted, offended, and disregarded. Do yourself a favor and pick another doctor. A doctor should be able to put your medical worries at ease, listen intently, and provide excellent care. Clearly, she's been offering care from South San Francisco, Santa Clara, and other places across the Bay Area and Central Coast and the ratings / feedback are the same. Pick someone else.

She has terrible bedside manner, she shamed me first time I met her, was so rude and didn’t make me feel cared for or comfortable. I get the feeling she hates her job, and is generally unkind.

I've seen Dr Brooks a couple of times. So far, she's always done the right thing.

I saw Dr. Brooks for the first time this week at Kaiser South San Francisco. She was very anxious and demonstrated her poor communication/listening skills. I would not see her a gain.

I saw Dr. Brooks for the first time at Kaiser South San Francisco this week. She is very anxious and had poor listening skills. I decided to look for a better doctor, who has more experience.