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

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    285 Ratings
    About our process
    Jan 21, 2023
    Dr Goodwin was very nice and comforting tone while she explained my cancer to me. And when I got upset she was patient and caring and answered all my questions and made me feel better and made sure I understood all the info. I appreciate her taking the time to explain my cancers yo me and being patient with me when I started crying. She listened and didn't dismiss any of my concerns even if they were dumb. I think she's a fantastic doctor. :)
    Jan 16, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin was extremely thorough and informative and took a lot of time with me. I was therefore surprised to receive a call the following morn to schedule surgery when she was and still is supposed to speak with my GI doctor first.
    Jan 15, 2023
    Dr. Goodwin clearly explained the steps I should take to continue to monitor my health and she answered all of my questions. I felt reassured after my appointment and am pleased with the entirety of my visit (check in ease of scheduling etc.)
    Jan 08, 2023
    Enjoy my new breast doctor Dr. GOODWIN
    Jan 08, 2023
    I found the doctor very prompt empathetic patient. She answered my questions clearly explained things clearly and offered me options.
    Jan 06, 2023
    Excellent feeling of rapport concern for my feelings and attitude toward procedure. Amazing to feel this level of sensitivity!
    Dec 28, 2022
    I'm not used to being treated so well in the healthcare system. Thank you for your care and compassion.
    Dec 13, 2022
    She explained everything very clearly.
    Dec 06, 2022
    Friendly caring listens to questions and provides easy to understand answers
    Dec 01, 2022
    Dr Goodwin is amazing and Happy to have found her to help with my care. Listened to my concerns. Looking forward to working with her.
    Nov 14, 2022
    Dr. Goodwin and her staff are amazing and kind and efficient. I know I'm getting great care with Dr. Goodwin.
    Oct 25, 2022
    Such a caring professional
    Oct 22, 2022
    Excellent evaluation of previous diagnosis and treatment proposal
    Oct 18, 2022
    Dr Goodwin is an amazing surgeon. She combines all the qualities one would want in a MD. She excels in her work
    Oct 12, 2022
    Dr. Goodwin is an amazing person and very skilled surgeon. I am grateful every day.Being heard listened to and treated very kindly had a healing effect too.
    Sep 15, 2022
    The care provider did an excellent job.
    Sep 14, 2022
    I have recommended Dr. Karen Goodwin to others. She has always been my strong advocate and is professional and kind. She listens to my concerns and gives me options towards my decision making. She is easy to talk to and is understanding. She has my highest recommendation.
    Sep 09, 2022
    The very best care I have ever received in the medical field! And Dr Goodwin is especially outstanding! So glad I switched my care over to you guys! Best decision ever!
    Aug 16, 2022
    Dr Goodwin is an excellent physician & surgeon and so nice.
    Aug 05, 2022
    I was not informed in advance of a change in procedure which is disturbing to me. Otherwise great care
    Aug 05, 2022
    Dr. Goodwin is an amazing physician and is empathetic and compassionate to her patients.
    Jul 29, 2022
    Good
    Jul 27, 2022
    She was wonderful! Patient and kind. She worked with where I was- tears concerns and questions.
    Jul 15, 2022
    Wonderful Dr. Excellent surgical care and a genuinely caring person
    Jul 10, 2022
    Dr. Goodwin was excellent. She was informative efficient and straightforward. I appreciated my meeting with her which set me much more at ease about my diagnosis.
    Apr 28, 2022
    She was very thorough.
    Apr 15, 2022
    Appt was very quick! Would have liked another 5 minutes
    Apr 15, 2022
    I love Dr. Goodwin. She is an exceptional physician!
    Apr 13, 2022
    Excellent experience. Awesome doctor!
    Apr 10, 2022
    I left feeling informed with a clear action plan. I wish I had asked for a referral for a endocrinologist.
    Dec 19, 2021
    There was not really any follow up required but she did say that if anything else were to occur she would be happy to see me and mentioned she would still look at my radiology images after my appt since they weren't available in the portal at the time of my appt.
    Nov 28, 2021
    I love Dr. Goodwin!
    Oct 23, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin is excellent in all respects.
    Oct 13, 2021
    I understood her very well
    Oct 04, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin is exceptional in all matters.
    Sep 16, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin is an absolutely superb physician in all respects.
    Sep 14, 2021
    Both my husband and I were very impressed with Dr. Goodwin. I am relieved to be in such good hands.Love her!
    Aug 25, 2021
    Excellent experience all around.
    Aug 21, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin is the epitome of what one expects from an excellent physician. Her input on matters relating to patient care should be listened to carefully and changes in practices at UCSF she recommends should be considered for implementation.
    Jun 30, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin rocks! Staff is also excellent and helpful
    Jun 18, 2021
    Just love Dr. Goodwin! She takes excellent care of me.
    Jun 15, 2021
    I appreciate her thoroughness and also her sense of urgency to move things forward with my choices. I literally woke up this morning with the After Visit summary and call to action available at 6am - very quick.
    May 26, 2021
    Conversations with her feel collaborative and productive. She takes the time to understand things and explains things really well scaled to my level of knoweldge.
    May 22, 2021
    Dr. Goodwin was exceptional in explaining what she saw on the sonogram and showing me the images so I could understand. Best provider experience imaginable.
    May 04, 2021
    dr Goodwin is FANTASTIC! so lucky to have found her. would refer others with no hesitation.
    May 01, 2021
    dr goodwin is.great and would recommend her to my friends and family
    Apr 28, 2021
    She's great!
    Apr 27, 2021
    excellent provider
    Apr 26, 2021
    my appointment with Dr Goodwin went better than I could have possibly imagined... I felt so much better when I left there....in addition to feeling like I was in good surgical hands ....being listened to and treated kindly had a healing effect too.

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