Austin Kooba, MD

Bio

I am a native Californian but have been fortunate to experience living in Colorado and South Carolina. I am certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and I am a Fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

My practice style is evidence-based. This entails making diagnoses and treatment plans based on sound scientific research. This is the foundation of my clinical practice, but I individualize your care based on incorporating the whole person. I am concerned about your physical, mental and spiritual health. I am an active listener and involve my patients in every step of the decision-making process. I look forward to getting to know you as patient and forming a lasting partnership.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

A common question is why I chose the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The short answer is my mom. She was a role model as a parent and as a person. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I became intimately involved in her medical care. After a lengthy battle, she died from this disease. The compassion of her physicians during this time compelled me to commit myself to the practice of medicine. Being an Obstetrian/Gynecologist allows me to draw from my personal experiences and contribute to the continued preventative health and wellness of all women.

I have been at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa since 2000. I chose Kaiser Permanente mainly due to the autonomy granted in practicing medicine. Decisions that you and I make regarding your health are not regulated or monitored by any outside influences. In most cases the plan of care that we decided upon requires no pre-authorization or approval. There are also no financial incentives to steer you toward or away from care. I am able to provide you with the best care that is available.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I am actively involved in our department's continuing education. As Medical Director of Labor and Delivery, I work closely with all our physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurses and support staff to ensure our patients receive the highest quality and safest medical care during their hospital course.

My interests in maintaining cutting-edge medicine has led to chairing the Best Practice Committee, membership in the Continuing Medical Education Committee, as well as organizing quarterly department journal reviews.

As a member of the high-risk obstetrics group, I work together with our team in caring for those patients with medical issues that may complicate a pregnancy. I also have a busy office gynecology and surgical practice, with interests in preventive health, infectious processes, and adolescent gynecology.

Interests

Currently reading:
A Thousand Splendid Suns

My favorite book or author:
To Kill A Mocking Bird

Great movie:
Surf's Up

Hobby Photos & Links:

The King

University of Colorado football site
see live beach cameras

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My wonderful wife of 19 years is a continuous source of support and inspiration to be a better husband, father, friend and physician.

My children and people I care about:

Family vacations with our two beautiful children are usually spent at the beach. We enjoy the salt air, surf and sand.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

A Nice Summer Evening in Charleston, South Carolina

The Next Daize Shayne

The Next Kelly Slater

Waiting for Their Surfboards to be Waxed

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

I grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. At the time, this was a small beach town with one movie theatre, one grocery store, and one stop light. There was nothing to do but go to the beach. Naturally surfing became a part of my life. The beach still is my favorite place in the world. Whether it is in Charleston, South Carolina, Sonoma County or San Diego, the smell of salt air, the sound of crashing waves and the view of the vastness of the ocean always feels like home.