Celebration of Excellence: Mai Brooks, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Mai Brooks is a board-certified surgical oncologist/general surgeon practicing in Thousand Oaks. As an active member of the CSCVVSB Professional Advisory Board, Dr. Brooks presents educational seminars to cancer patients and their families, helps identify speakers for educational workshops and refers patients to CSCVVSB for emotional and educational support.

“Patients are devastated when they hear they have cancer, so I think it’s important that they get support in addition to their doctor,” she says. “That’s why I’m so glad we have such a strong Cancer Support Community here.”

Dr. Brooks graduated Summa cum laude with a degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine in 1984. She then received her medical degree from Harvard and completed her surgery and oncology training at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Two years ago Dr. Brooks got her whole family involved in the Holiday Homes Tour fundraiser for CSCVVSB, inviting the community to enjoy the festive “Colours of Christmas” theme of their home. Dr. Brooks, her husband Craig, and their son worked every weekend for three months to decorate their house. “It was a good experience for my younger son to learn the value of helping a cause,” says Dr. Brooks, who also has a stepson studying at New York University.

Whether she is using her immense professional talents to perform life-saving surgery, devoting her free time to leading an educational seminar for cancer survivors, or getting her family involved in a CSCVVSB fundraiser, Mai Brooks is fully committed to winning the fight against cancer, one day at a time.

“Helping people with cancer gives my life meaning,” says Dr. Brooks. “It gives me a reason to get up every morning.”