Additional Information
I am a primary care physician at our Cambridge Pediatrics site and also serve as Medical Director of our three teen health centers, located in the public high schools in Cambridge, Somerville, and Everett. We have the most amazing group of people! I could not ask for better colleagues and support staff.
I decided to pursue pediatrics while in medical school. It bothered me that a lot of adult illness result from things they do to themselves – smoking, drinking too much, not getting exercise or enough sleep, eating unhealthy foods, etc. Kids in general get sick because they get sick; usually it is not their fault. With teens and young adults, a lot of their illnesses are related to things they do to themselves, but they are still young and impressionable enough that I can help them develop healthy habits to carry with them into adulthood, and not become those adults with long-term health problems.
I really like working with high risk kids and their families. I feel an especially strong connection to teens and feel comfortable "meeting them on their own terms." It really makes me feel good to have a patient come into the office and say, "Guess what, Dr. Brooks? I finally quit smoking!"
Outside of work, my husband Todd and I have been married since July 2008. We love to travel and have been on many unique vacations together. In addition, I am an avid equestrian and try to ride my horse three or four days a week. We are working hard to hone our jumping skills! Recently I have been doing more community forums on substance abuse and discussions about the teen brain with both youth and parents.
Special Clinical Interests
Teen Health, Eating Disorders