Board-Certified General, Minimally Invasive & Breast Surgeon
Barrett Hospital & HealthCare
Dr. Brook Nelson is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in general surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, breast surgery, and endoscopy. She provides comprehensive surgical care to patients of all ages and is committed to delivering advanced techniques with a personalized approach.
Dr. Nelson earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2007 and completed her General Surgery residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2012. During her residency, she trained at two Level I Trauma Centers, gaining extensive experience in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, trauma, and acute care general surgery. In 2015, she became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
She began her surgical career practicing rural surgery in North Dakota, where she developed a deep appreciation for community-centered care. In 2017, she returned to Kansas City to serve as Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program. She later became an Associate Professor of Surgery in 2024 and served as Chief of Surgical Services for the Eastern Kansas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. Throughout her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Nelson built a strong reputation as an accomplished robotic surgeon, educator, and advocate for excellence in graduate medical education.
Dr. Nelson’s approach to patient care is grounded in trust, clear communication, and partnership. She believes patients should feel comfortable, heard, and fully informed about their treatment options. She strives to care for each patient the way she would want her own family cared for—taking time to explain conditions, outline treatment options, and guide shared decision-making with confidence and compassion.
She has a special interest in robotic surgery, which often allows for faster recovery and quicker return to daily activities. She is also deeply committed to the treatment of breast disease, including breast cancer, recognizing the emotional complexity of these diagnoses, and prioritizing thoughtful guidance and support throughout the surgical journey. Additionally, Dr. Nelson values providing trauma and urgent surgical care, where timely intervention can significantly impact outcomes. She has served for over a decade as an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor and as an Advanced Surgical Skills in Exposure for Trauma (ASSET) instructor.
Dr. Nelson is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, modern surgical care in rural communities. She is proud to bring more than 13 years of surgical experience, along with academic and leadership expertise, to Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. Practicing in Southwest Montana allows her to build meaningful, lasting relationships with patients and families while delivering advanced surgical techniques close to home in Dillon and Twin Bridges.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Nelson enjoys photography, kayaking, wildlife observation, and collecting rocks, gems, and fossils. She also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
To schedule and appointment call 406 683-3060