Karen Goodwin

DO FACS

Breast cancer surgeon
Travel fanatic and foodie

Dr. Karen Goodwin is a surgeon who specializes in breast diseases. Her focus is on breast conservation using oncoplastic techniques, which aim to remove cancer while preserving breast appearance and function. She performs these techniques – including hidden scar methods and nipple-sparing mastectomies – with colleagues in reconstructive surgery.

In research, Goodwin is interested in how to reduce risk in women found to be at high risk for breast cancer.

Goodwin earned her medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing a general surgery residency at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, she completed a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Goodwin is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Outside of work, Goodwin enjoys hiking with her family, yoga, tennis, cooking, wine tasting and travel.

  • Education

    Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2008

  • Residencies

    MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, General Surgery, 2013

  • Fellowships

    MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Breast Surgical Oncology, 2014

I am committed to guiding my patients through the entire breast cancer journey, making sure they receive cutting edge, individualized treatment.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    269 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 31, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin was superb in discussing the diagnosis and process I may have to go through. She also included my husband in the discussion who had questions as well.
    Dec 08, 2024
    Dr Goodwin is fantastic. She is so thorough, patient, kind, and helpful. It is such a difficult diagnosis and process to go through and I feel so lucky to have her as my doctor& expert to go through this with.
    Dec 06, 2024
    Getting a cancer diagnosis can be scary and so many unknowns. I felt like all of my questions were answered in "layman's terms" so that I was able to digest next steps. I never felt rushed or like my questions were tiring.
    Nov 19, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin is an outstanding surgeon. She is talented, efficient, and kind. I will recommend her to friends and family.
    Nov 15, 2024
    I would give 10 stars if they were available
    Nov 03, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin was very thorough, explaining the mammogram and ultrasound carefully. She explained my options and the percentage of risk of each. She is very helpful and supportive.
    Oct 31, 2024
    Dr Goodwin is amazing. She puts her patients at ease and is very knowledgeable.
    Oct 23, 2024
    I love Dr Goodwin. She is great at addressing my concerns and is always very informative. She also calls me with test results. She's the best!!!
    Oct 18, 2024
    Dr Goodwin is an excellent doctor!!
    Oct 05, 2024
    Excellent. Smart AND kind.
    Sep 09, 2024
    Dr Goodwin was very kind, knowledgeable, and professional. She listened to my concerns and explained things well.
    Sep 03, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin explained everything in great detail, and I felt very comfortable with her.
    Sep 01, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin explained in detail the plan, some options, the fact that some things are still unknown until the surgery is performed, the possible risks due to my other underlying health issues and answered all of our questions. She didn't make me feel rushed.
    Aug 21, 2024
    I highly recommend Dr. Karen Goodwin and UCSF Health!
    Aug 16, 2024
    Extremely thorough snd thoughtful info from the dr.
    Aug 13, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin is an excellent person, charismatic and very dedicated to his profession; You feel safe and relieved, knowing that I am your patient.
    Aug 09, 2024
    Dr Goodwin is excellent
    Aug 02, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin communicates clearly and compassionately. She listens to questions and comments carefully and her responses are placed in context of larger picture.
    Jun 11, 2024
    wonderful Dr. Goodwin!
    Jun 06, 2024
    I have nothing but positive things to say about Dr Goodwin
    May 08, 2024
    Excellent care
    May 08, 2024
    Dr Goodwin was incredible. I am grateful to have her as my surgeon!!
    Apr 30, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin was awesome. Very relatable and informative we discussed specifics of my case and options. Also her follow up has been great so far
    Apr 26, 2024
    This visit put me at ease. I appreciate how thorough Dr Goodwin is while also being kind and compassionate. She gave me good news plus the data to back it up.
    Apr 23, 2024
    I would recommend to everyone
    Apr 18, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin has treated me with the utmost consideration.
    Apr 17, 2024
    Doctor communicated in a way that I could understand and was respectful. I really appreciate her listening to my concerns. I would recommend her to others very strongly.
    Mar 28, 2024
    The doctor is great my personal opinion is valued she doesn't force me to do what I don't want and respect my personal opinion
    Mar 28, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin is phenomenal! She's caring, knowledgeable. She really hears me. I highly recommend her!
    Mar 19, 2024
    Dr. Goodwin is an amazing doctor. She listens, she gives her time and she is thorough and caring.
    Dec 20, 2023
    Dr Goodwin is an outstanding and very caring physician. Quite unusual among surgeons. She has eased the entire terrifying experience and I could not ask for any better.
    Dec 08, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin was my doctor at Epic Care and I was THRILLED to find out she was part of the UCSF cancer team in Berkeley.
    Dec 08, 2023
    Dr Goodwin did an amazing job of walking me through care options and I appreciate she explained that the next visit would be with her team but she would still be available for questions. Setting expectations like that helps so much. I feel less anxious about my next visit!
    Dec 07, 2023
    Dr, Goodwin took great care of my daughter throughout the entire process. Her work was careful and precise.
    Nov 22, 2023
    Excellent Doctor!!!
    Nov 17, 2023
    I am very pleased to be a pt in this circumstance,
    Oct 22, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin has exceptional bedside manner. My experience with her and her staff has been wonderful.
    Oct 21, 2023
    Thought highly of this provider and our session, but would have wanted a followup as mentioned
    Sep 30, 2023
    She was fantastic. I'd recommend her to anyone I could. I wish I could be her patient but I and a Kaiser patient and was just here for a second opinion.
    Sep 29, 2023
    This was a really tough appointment and Dr Goodwin showed tremendous compassion and never made me feel rushed.
    Sep 26, 2023
    All beyond expectations! I was worried about pain and was pleased that it was minimal; comforted by reassurances!
    Sep 20, 2023
    Totally feel very comfortable with Dr Goodwin. She is very professional and caring.
    Sep 08, 2023
    Excellent in explaining things in detail and I liked the fact that Dr. Goodwin cares for her patients
    Sep 01, 2023
    The best!
    Aug 20, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin showed my the images which helped me understand the concerns for doing a biopsy. I appreciated this as well as answering questions. I felt seen and respected.
    Aug 16, 2023
    Dr Goodwin has provided excellent care for me and shows interest and consideration for my family as well. She is great!
    Aug 15, 2023
    I'm assuming this is about Dr. Karen Goodwin, which is why the high marks. She is an excellent and well-informed doctor/surgeon who is able to listen and advise patients while keeping them at ease.
    Aug 09, 2023
    Dr. Karen Goodwin was excellent! She is a phenomenal individual. I appreciate her and am thankful
    Aug 09, 2023
    I am very happy with the care I'm receiving from Dr Goodwin.
    Aug 07, 2023
    Karen Goodwin is excellent, and I am so happy to have chosen her to be my on going doctor for my specific health care.
    Jul 19, 2023
    Dr.Goodwin is personable, compassionate and smart as s whip.
    Jul 14, 2023
    Always very happy with Dr Goodwin.
    Jun 30, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin is very professional and at the same time warm, compassionate and easy to talk to.
    Jun 28, 2023
    I have recommended Dr Goodwin to many people over the last 2 years.Excellent provider and skilled surgeon
    May 26, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin is an exceptional health care provider and an essential part of my health team.
    May 24, 2023
    Dr Goodwin was excellent! Explained things clearly and patiently listened and answered my questions. Friendly and courteous. I was very pleased with the visit.
    May 23, 2023
    Grateful to be Dr. Goodwin's patient.
    May 19, 2023
    Dr Goodwin has a wonderful bedside manner. She always makes me feel comfortable and offers really helpful information and options.
    May 11, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin spent an hour with us. She was friendly, informative and had thoroughly read my records.
    May 05, 2023
    Top notch
    May 04, 2023
    I love Dr Goodwin- she is lovely, empathetic and kind as well as an excellent doctor.
    Apr 27, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin is an amazing physician! She is kind and always makes me feel at ease, she is very knowledgeable and she respects my wishes.
    Apr 26, 2023
    Dr Goodwin is caring and explains everything really well.
    Apr 21, 2023
    Doctor Goodwin was excellent at listening, evaluating, and in explaining my situation and care options
    Apr 02, 2023
    The MD had no understanding of my personal context. This is really important in the process of building rapport, which increases honesty from the pt improving "data" quality. All practitioners should ask if their pt has any medical experience, or education, so they know the appropriate vocabulary and scientific detail necessary to communicate. (I tend to dress down in these situations because practitioners show me who they are if they assume I'm less educated. In this Instance, the MD showed know Interest In me as a human, having a personal context that might relate to the situation I face.) Meet the pt where they are ... :)
    Mar 31, 2023
    Best experience I have had at a doctor's office. Speed of the streamlined system. The nurse assistant and Dr Goodwin went the extra mile to be sure I was comfortable and well taken care of. I look forward to working with them moving forward.
    Mar 22, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin was excellent. She asked questions, listening to my concerns and explained everything so clearly that I came away from the appointment feeling confident that I was on the right path for maintaining my health. She also made it clear that if I needed future help, she would provide it. Her experience, professionalism and knowledge are exactly what you hope for from a medical provider.
    Mar 15, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin and staff were wonderful!
    Mar 10, 2023
    Dr Goodwin is exceptional in all of these areas
    Mar 10, 2023
    She was very informative and she went over everything thoroughly. She was very patient.
    Mar 07, 2023
    I feel totally comfortable with Dr Goodwin. She is very professional and caring.
    Mar 03, 2023
    Dr Karen Goodwin is OUTSTANDING!! She is smart, informative and kind. I look forward to our next meeting. I have the utmost confidence in her and felt at ease during our visit. I truly believe she cares for her patients. She's an asset to UCSF. I trust her completely.
    Mar 01, 2023
    I am very impressed with Dr. Goodwin as a surgeon and caring provider.
    Feb 19, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin Is incredible. I live 100 miles away but have chosen her as my doctor anyway.
    Feb 18, 2023
    Very kind, friendly, caring. Feel confident with her care.

    Contact me

    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF are covered by every insurance plan.

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