
Languages Spoken: English
Kirstyn E. Brownson, MD, is a fellowship-trained surgical breast oncologist at the University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is a board-certified general surgeon and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery specializing in the surgical management of benign and malignant diseases of the breast.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude with Highest Departmental Honors with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Butler University, her experiences as an AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) solidified her career path in medicine. Dr. Brownson completed a post-baccalaureate premedical program at Johns Hopkins University and two years of basic science research at the National Institutes of Health prior to medical school matriculation. She received her MD with Honors in Research from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and then completed a rigorous residency in general surgery at Yale where she was named Research Resident of the Year. She completed fellowship training in surgical breast oncology at the University of Southern California and is experienced with advanced surgical techniques such as oncoplastic surgery, extreme oncoplastic surgery, skin and nipple sparing mastectomies, and targeted axillary dissection. She is passionate about providing her patients with the best evidence-based, patient-focused care.
Dr. Brownson’s work has been presented at national and regional meetings. She maintains active membership in prestigious national organizations including the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and Society of Surgical Oncology.
Clinical Locations
Clinic 3A, Center for Breast Health
801-587-4241
Fax: (801) 585-3520
801-581-2000
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
Board Certification | American Board of Surgery |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.9/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.9/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.8/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
March 13, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I am so appreciative of Dr. Brownson. She is very personable and thoroughly explains everything in a way that's easy to understand. She is an excellent surgeon. I am so grateful to her and the wonderful care she has provided during this journey.
UofU Patient
February 27, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Had done some reading on my own and was reinforced by Dr. Bronson and friend
UofU Patient
February 27, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson provides exceptional care, is extremely informative, and takes time to answer any and all questions. She is very compassionate and makes me feel as if I'm in the best possible hands. I implicitly trust her with my life.
UofU Patient
February 26, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Brownson was very patient and good about answering all of my questions.
UofU Patient
February 21, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson was very concerned about my disease, and was very knowledgeable about other treatments I asked about. She was personable, and answered my questions. I was just frustrated about the U not offering other treatment options though, or perhaps they were not suitable for me.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very caring and informative.
UofU Patient
February 07, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Excelencia en todo
UofU Patient
February 06, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr.Brownson is FANTASTIC!!
UofU Patient
February 05, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson had me go for imaging and was there to talk to me afterwards. The imaging doctor was excellent as well.
UofU Patient
February 01, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson was very familiar with my medical history, including several new issues since my last appointment six months ago. She explained & included me in discussions concerning my status & treatments. I appreciated that she was so familiar with my health & spent time making sure we were taking appropriate steps on all fronts. I was treated respectfully & my concerns were addressed without talking down to me or dismissing my concerns. She was attentive & involved. I'm very impressed.
UofU Patient
January 31, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I was informed at this appointment that after being told my breast cancer was taken all out and was very small and they got all the margins and I should take medication every day for 5 years I was told at this appointment that I should have a double mastectomy! Surprise to me, since no one had mentioned this to me before as a possibility plus this was the case because of the gene I have. Crazy
UofU Patient
January 24, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I love coming to see Dr Brownson. She is always so attentive and takes her time during each appointment which I appreciate. I get to ask all my questions, and leave relieved.
UofU Patient
January 16, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
January 09, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson was thorough and explained everything very clearly. I left feeling very confident of my decision and the care I would receive
UofU Patient
December 04, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very much appreciate how the Dr has listened to my wishes and helped me through this
UofU Patient
November 21, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
The entire care team- student, chief resident, and attending were wonderful- explained everything clearly in an empathetic and kind way. Thorough and thoughtful. It was truly one of the best physician experiences I have had. Thank you!!
UofU Patient
November 07, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Pathology report is very sensitive and important. Dr B was 100% on helping us understand the whole report. She's the best.
UofU Patient
October 26, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr Bronson explained everything very clearly in a way my husband and I could understand. She not only explained our options, but genuinely listened to our questions and concerns and addressed each one by one. I felt at ease with our plan after our discussion.
UofU Patient
October 23, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Yes questions and concerns were recognized and addressed clearly
UofU Patient
October 03, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
UofU Patient
October 03, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson is one of the best doctors you have. Please don't lose her.
UofU Patient
September 25, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
The doctor was kind and very informative. Took her time and addressed my concerns.
UofU Patient
September 07, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson was excellent. She phoned me to talk one on one about an outcome of my surgery a week before my scheduled post-op appointment. She gave me support and suggested a path forward. After explaining options with me and with my consent she moved forward to make referrals and arrangements for my further care, She is very thoughtful, thorough and positive.
UofU Patient
August 24, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson is thorough and kindoh, and extremely intelligent!
UofU Patient
August 16, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
August 10, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Best ever.
UofU Patient
August 07, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Pictures were drawn and provided to fully explain the cancer, location of the cancer and the surgery procedures.
UofU Patient
August 07, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson is the best.
UofU Patient
July 31, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I am greatly impressed with Dr. Brownson's surgical and people skills. She is easy to talk to, very thorough, and responds quickly on myChart to any questions.
UofU Patient
July 27, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Good job of explaining complex information in an understandable format.
UofU Patient
July 10, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Met with the PA, nurse, and Dr Brownson. All very kind and professional
UofU Patient
June 20, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I felt she was very thorough & that she added to the knowledge of the doctor in training who accompanied her.
UofU Patient
June 05, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Brownson is one of the best doctors I've ever had. She listens and explains everything in layman's terms. She is also very caring and compassionate.. a rarity these days.
UofU Patient
June 05, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
great Dr Brownson and staff
UofU Patient
June 03, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very thorough and personal
UofU Patient
May 29, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Everyone involved was kind and thoughtful
UofU Patient
May 23, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Kind and very compassionate
UofU Patient
May 16, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
l love Dr Brownson !
UofU Patient
May 16, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I really like the way she listens and everything else
UofU Patient
February 12, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson and her assistant treated me very well.
UofU Patient
February 07, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson is the best. knowledgeable, thorough and patient.
UofU Patient
January 30, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
great experience
UofU Patient
January 12, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson is an excellent doctor. She is very personable and I really like her a lot. She explains things thoroughly and seems to really care about her patients.
UofU Patient
December 20, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
my physician and resident gave great care throughout the procedure. I was upset that an assistant was not present on the room to help the physician and run for more supplies when need. The Dr. had to take off sterile gloves 3 times to go out of the room for supplies for the procedure. I had concerns that the procedure was done in an exam room and not a procedure room. Had this been the case the dr would not have had to leave the room during the procedure to get supplies. Very unsatisfactory staffing assisting.
UofU Patient
November 23, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I absolutely think Dr. Brownson is fantastic.
UofU Patient
November 01, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson was very thorough and very informative! She took her time to ensure we understood and continually made sure we didn't have questions. She gave us options and pros/cons of each.
UofU Patient
November 01, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson was wonderful in providing me with test results and their meaning, information on how it affects my future treatment, and the alternative treatment paths including their risks and benefits. She answered all of my questions and concerns in understandable terms and with respect. I felt very comfortable and confident in the treatment plans we agreed upon. I know I am getting the best possible care and would highly recommend Dr. Brownson.
UofU Patient
October 19, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
She provided very thorough and clear info respectfully of my test results, diagnosis, and potential treatments. She spent the time in exam, review, and explanations that left me feeling very comfortable and confident in my next steps.
UofU Patient
June 09, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Brownson is personable, thorough and amazing! She always goes out of her way to provide the best care possible.
Kirstyn E. Brownson, MD, is a fellowship-trained surgical breast oncologist at the University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is a board-certified general surgeon and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery specializing in the surgical management of benign and malignant diseases of the breast.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude with Highest Departmental Honors with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Butler University, her experiences as an AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) solidified her career path in medicine. Dr. Brownson completed a post-baccalaureate premedical program at Johns Hopkins University and two years of basic science research at the National Institutes of Health prior to medical school matriculation. She received her MD with Honors in Research from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and then completed a rigorous residency in general surgery at Yale where she was named Research Resident of the Year. She completed fellowship training in surgical breast oncology at the University of Southern California and is experienced with advanced surgical techniques such as oncoplastic surgery, extreme oncoplastic surgery, skin and nipple sparing mastectomies, and targeted axillary dissection. She is passionate about providing her patients with the best evidence-based, patient-focused care.
Dr. Brownson’s work has been presented at national and regional meetings. She maintains active membership in prestigious national organizations including the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and Society of Surgical Oncology.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
Board Certification | American Board of Surgery |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Brownson KE, Bertoni DM, Lannin DR, Cohen PJ, Pronovost MT (2019). Granulomatous lobular mastitis-Another paradigm shift in treatment. Breast J, 25(4), 790-791.
- Hsu C, Brahmandam A, Brownson KE, Huynh N, Reynolds J, Lee AI, Fares WH, Ochoa Chaar CI (2019). Statin therapy associated with improved thrombus resolution in patients with deep vein thrombosis. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord, 7(2), 169-175.e4.
- Lang JE, Brownson KE (2018). ASO Author Reflections: The Whole Transcriptome Landscape of Circulating Tumor Cells in Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol, 25(Suppl 3), 646-647.
- Salazar MC, Brownson KE, Nadzam GS, Duffy A, Roberts KE (2018). Gallbladder Agenesis: A Case Report. Yale J Biol Med, 91(3), 237-241.
- Brownson KE, Brahmandam A, Huynh N, Reynolds J, Fares WH, Lee AI, Dardik A, Ochoa Chaar CI (2017). Characteristics of provoked deep venous thrombosis in a tertiary care center. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord, 5(4), 477-484.
- Bai H, Kuwahara G, Wang M, Brownson KE, Foster TR, Yamamoto K, Xing Y, Dardik A (2014). Pretreatment of pericardial patches with antibiotics does not alter patch healing in vivo. J Vasc Surg, 63(4), 1063-73.
- Brahmandam AS, Brownson K, Skrip L, Parker T, Indes J, Sarac T, Dardik A, Chaar CI (2015). Management of isolated calf vein thrombosis in cancer patients. Vascular, 24(1), 64-9.
- Shalaby SY, Foster TR, Hall MR, Brownson KE, Vasilas P, Federman DG, Mojibian HR, Dardik A (2015). Systemic Inflammatory Disease and Its Association With Type II Endoleak and Late Interventions After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. JAMA Surg, 151(2), 147-53.
- Assi R, Brownson KE, Hall MR, Kuwahara G, Vasilas P, Dardik A (2015). Advanced age and disease predict lack of symptomatic improvement after endovascular iliac treatment in male veterans. Yale J Biol Med, 88(1), 85-91.
- Hall MR, Yamamoto K, Protack CD, Tsuneki M, Kuwahara G, Assi R, Brownson KE, Bai H, Madri JA, Dardik A (2014). Temporal regulation of venous extracellular matrix components during arteriovenous fistula maturation. J Vasc Access, 16(2), 93-106.
- Yamamoto K, Protack CD, Kuwahara G, Tsuneki M, Hashimoto T, Hall MR, Assi R, Brownson KE, Foster TR, Bai H, Wang M, Madri JA, Dardik A (2015). Disturbed shear stress reduces Klf2 expression in arterial-venous fistulae in vivo. Physiol Rep, 3(3).
- Mehta A, Baker TA, Shoup M, Brownson K, Amde S, Doren E, Shah S, Kuo P, Angelats J (2011). Biplanar flap reconstruction for pressure ulcers: experience in patients with immobility from chronic spinal cord injuries. Am J Surg, 203(3), 303-6; discussion 306-7.
- Farmer KW, Jones LC, Brownson KE, Khanuja HS, Hungerford MW (2009). Trochanteric bursitis after total hip arthroplasty: incidence and evaluation of response to treatment. J Arthroplasty, 25(2), 208-12.
- Callaci JJ, Himes R, Lauing K, Wezeman FH, Brownson K (2009). Binge alcohol-induced bone damage is accompanied by differential expression of bone remodeling-related genes in rat vertebral bone. Calcif Tissue Int, 84(6), 474-84.
- Wassif CA, Brownson KE, Sterner AL, Forlino A, Zerfas PM, Wilson WK, Starost MF, Porter FD (2007). HEM dysplasia and ichthyosis are likely laminopathies and not due to 3beta-hydroxysterol Delta14-reductase deficiency. Hum Mol Genet, 16(10), 1176-87.