Dr. Katherine Debrecht Gallagher, MD

How I came to practice here at Martinez

I am a native Californian, having lived up and down the state throughout most of my childhood. I went to medical school in Utah, and trained in pediatrics in Colorado. I returned to California to practice medicine, and am happy to have access to both the mountains and ocean.

I became interested in medicine fairly early in life, influenced by my mother, who was a registered nurse. As a teen I volunteered in the pediatric sections of Sonoma State Hospital, and decided that medicine was for me. While I found all areas of medicine fascinating and gratifying, the kids were just too much fun to pass up. I became a pediatrician, and am still in love with my "work".

I joined Kaiser Permanente in 1976 -- the year the Martinez Medical Offices opened. I joined because I was moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and needed a job, and the organization came highly recommended. I have stayed with Kaiser Permanente because it is a wonderful place to practice …excellent medicine. As an organization, Kaiser Permanente keeps on the forefront of medical care, and helps all of us stay current with regular advisories and seminars. I work with very competent and knowledgeable colleagues, and know that my patients will always be well cared for in my absence. We have a full array of pediatric specialists who are available to me by phone at any time, and are ready to see my patients in a timely manner if the need arises. I appreciate the fact that most "business" details are handled by persons skilled in those areas, leaving me free to concentrate on providing the best medical care that I can.

My practice philosophy

I enjoy the families that I take care of, and like to hear about their activities, as well as their health status. I am fairly flexible with regards to most child care issues, and I like to work with the parents and kids in planning their care. I support breast feeding as long as possible.

There are some things that I feel strongly about:

-I am adamant about safety issues, including car seats, bike helmets, choking prevention, swimming pool fences, and putting infants to sleep on their back.
-I feel that all families should immunize their children, exercise regularly, model good eating habits, not smoke, and get regular checkups.
-I want to see parents enjoying their children, helping their competence and confidence, reading to them and TURNING OFF THE TV!
-I am an advocate of letting the body heal itself whenever possible, with limited use of antibiotics and cold medicines. However, where medications are indicated (with asthma, for example), I push for regular and proper use.

As you can probably see from this paragraph, I like to talk. I do spend time listening to and talking with my patients, so it is not unusual for me to "run behind". I try to answer phone calls the day they come in if I am in the office, but sometimes I return them later in the evening. I welcome "lists", especially during well visits, as it helps both of us to know that your questions have been answered.

I am a general pediatrician, and enjoy all areas of pediatrics. I am especially comfortable with asthma and respiratory illness, infant and toddler growth, development and behavioral issues, and with outdoor (wilderness) medicine.

Here are some web sites I find helpful for parents

American Academy of Pediatrics This is the nation’s official organization for pediatricians, with up to date information on a variety of pediatric health care topics.

The Center for Disease Control This site has updated information on immunizations, public health hazards, "new" diseases (look up topics like West Nile Virus) and extensive information on immunizations and medication needed for travel.

In addition, please feel free to take a look at the links on the left hand side of this page.

More about me

I have three great children of my own, who are now out of the home (sort of). They have taught me a lot.

When I am not working, I am often busy at my "other job": Girl Scouts. Since my own troop graduated five year