Darren M. Brenner, MD

Darren M. Brenner, MD

4.9 
633 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Gastroenterology

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Practice Website

Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine - 2002
Residency:
University of Michigan Health System - 2005
Fellowships:
University of Michigan Health System - 2008

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

633 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

85 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

85 Reviews

August 29, 2023

5.0

He is knowledgeable and easy to talk to. He’s genuinely concerned about his patients.

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August 09, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner is very caring and has helped me with my health issues with great recommendations and advice.

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August 09, 2023

5.0

He is a genius, responsive, practical and freaking amazing. His care has dramatically improved my health and well being.

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July 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner‘s reputation. My primary care physician strongly recommended him, give him my complex situation.

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July 26, 2023

5.0

I felt comfortable talking with him. He had a sense of humor about a sensitive issue. I was happy he had some new things to try with me. Very happy that he’s now my doctor. I have hope for some new options for improvement in my situation.

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July 26, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner took the time to review my history and validate the details with me. He listened to my concerns and made thorough, well thought out recommendations as the next steps.

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July 25, 2023

5.0

He was knowledgeable and efficient. I liked that he was direct but still cared and listened to my concerns.

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July 21, 2023

5.0

I think he is a good doctor and is interested in the health of the patient.

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July 19, 2023

4.0

He is excellent. The only drawback is that it is EXTREMELY difficult to schedule an appointment with him.

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July 16, 2023

5.0

I think he's on top of the latest research and knew more information on GI issues than others I've seen.

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July 11, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner is very professional and provides excellent care.

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July 10, 2023

5.0

He's the BEST in functional GI problems! Thank you.

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July 09, 2023

4.0

Knowledgeable, friendly and able to direct to the specialist I need to see.

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July 06, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner was extremely thorough and I’m confident he can get to the bottom of my issues. The appointment was better than I expected.

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July 05, 2023

5.0

Provides clear and direct communication.

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June 27, 2023

5.0

Very patient and down to earth

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June 26, 2023

5.0

Truly a great doctor

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June 25, 2023

5.0

Super knowledgeable and I loved the way he used the dry erase board to explain my possible issue.

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June 18, 2023

5.0

Thorough questions and explanations

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June 18, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner is so efficient. He takes his time with you and asks many questions. I knew almost immediately he would actually find out what is wrong with me.

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June 17, 2023

5.0

A busy and talented surgeon, he still finds time to discuss my symptoms thoroughly and offer helpful treatments

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June 14, 2023

5.0

Listened to me, validated my concerns and is taking a comprehensive approach to address problems. He is very professional as well as kind

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June 14, 2023

5.0

Doctor has been so far patient, experienced, knowledgeable and caring.

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June 13, 2023

5.0

great bedside manners and pleasant to talk with

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June 12, 2023

4.0

Dr Brenner Listens and acts; I have confidence in his recommendations and actions. He is patient and gives me the time I need. He makes himself available within 4 weeks for more urgent but not critical needs. Scheduling is otherwise 6 + mo out to get appointment - so that is sub-optimal.

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May 31, 2023

5.0

He is simply the best!

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May 30, 2023

5.0

He answered all my questions, praised what I'm doing, and suggested possible future things to do.

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May 30, 2023

5.0

Very friendly and through

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May 26, 2023

5.0

Listens. Respectful.

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May 24, 2023

5.0

He has a great bedside manner and is so down to earth. He and [ ] both have been amazing to help me, even when it’s after hours.

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May 24, 2023

5.0

He's Amazing, Great bedside manners and personality. Very thorough

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May 23, 2023

5.0

Great “bed side manner”. Explained everything very well. He was an excellent listener, also.

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May 23, 2023

5.0

Excellent Doctor! Listened, kept the mood light/relaxed, was friendly, and explained the options very well. Felt like I was talking to a friend vs. the typical very clinical, rushed approach of most doctors.

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May 22, 2023

5.0

With Dr. Brenner you receive 1st rate world class care. I know I am in good hands with Dr. Brenner and his team.

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May 18, 2023

5.0

Smart, receptive to my questions and concerns, not condescending. Publishes scholarly papers in the field.

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May 15, 2023

5.0

Excellent quality of care.

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May 15, 2023

5.0

Great bedside manner, excellent communication, takes his time to listen and guide you what treatments are available.

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May 13, 2023

5.0

Put forth a treatment plan and explained everything for me to understand. Answered all my questions and concerns.

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May 10, 2023

5.0

Incredible doctor - highly recommend

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May 10, 2023

5.0

He wants to help me get better

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May 08, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner is amazing! He is by far the most caring and thorough doctor I’ve ever had.

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May 03, 2023

5.0

Knowledgeable

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May 03, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner read through all the records I bought, took notes on every symptom I listed, checked to make sure he knew all medications I'd tried--and didn't dismiss with a medication retrial or vague promise of testing. To know all necessary tests will be completed and evaluated thoroughly, particularly given his participation in ongoing research, is a relief I had hardly hoped for.

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May 03, 2023

5.0

Expert knowledge, conservative treatment plan, good communication.

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April 30, 2023

5.0

I trust him completely.

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April 26, 2023

5.0

Knowledgeable,kind,patient!

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April 25, 2023

5.0

Highly responsive doctor who reviewed prior records & knew my case when walking in the door. Great personality & fully understood my frustrations

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April 24, 2023

5.0

He listens, takes time to explain and is very knowledgeable.

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April 22, 2023

5.0

Although I'm from out of state--no one in my neck of the woods was able to help me--I'd encourage anyone with the (health insurance) capability to start initially with Dr Brenner and don't waste time consulting GI doctors in my region.

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April 19, 2023

5.0

As mentioned above Kind, knowledgeable, explained everything well. Listened to me. Didn't dismiss me or my concerns.

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April 18, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner was easy to talk to and was able to give me information on how to help the problems I was having.

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April 13, 2023

4.0

He talked very fast. He decided to treat my large colon which may have constipation issue. But I truly wish he would have taken my pain issue a little more seriously.

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April 12, 2023

5.0

Likable. See above. Experience.

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April 09, 2023

5.0

Is helping me with my problem

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April 06, 2023

5.0

My experience with Dr. Brenner was great, and I really respected his transparency on his areas of expertise. Additionally he was very personable, extremely knowledgeable of his field, and timely. I would highly recommend him.

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April 05, 2023

5.0

Dr Brenner has been an excellent resource, helping to manage my IBS symptoms so I my love my very best life. I am very appreciative!

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April 04, 2023

5.0

Very nice doctor, I felt well informed. Like he listened to me, and valued what I had to say. Fast and easy experience .

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April 01, 2023

5.0

Professional plus he’s 100% great with email follow up.

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March 28, 2023

5.0

He seem to know more about what’s causing my issues than any other G.I. doctor I’ve ever seen. He explain thoroughly and deeply what he thought, and what should be done about it. I finally have hope for my condition.

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March 22, 2023

5.0

Very thorough appointment. Conditions and possible treatments explained well. I was also provided written resources which works well for me.

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March 21, 2023

5.0

Caring and professional physician Very knowledgeable and explained test findings

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March 04, 2023

5.0

Great interaction; reviewed my records and thoroughly explained to me. Respectful.

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March 03, 2023

5.0

I believe he cares about his patients and thinks outside the box

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March 02, 2023

5.0

He is very thorough, knowledgeable and I appreciate that he takes an integrated approach to treatment

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February 28, 2023

5.0

Very quick and logical approach.

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February 22, 2023

5.0

Personable and reasonable with his advice. He “gets it” but also makes me feel confident in the action plan we made together.

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February 21, 2023

5.0

I was impressed with Dr Brenner. He was easy to talk to and he answered my questions.

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February 21, 2023

5.0

The doctor and staff were very nice and the doctor was.patient and very informative

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February 20, 2023

5.0

One of of not the best doctor visit experience is my life! And in my 35 years of T1D a lot! Amazing ability to explain very complex medical terms and conditions in very professional and at the same time, easy to understand and friendly way.

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February 11, 2023

5.0

He listened to my problem,addressed my concerns in language appropriate to my educational level, and answered my questions. He did not rush.

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February 06, 2023

5.0

He was very thorough and informative. Excellent bedside manners and I loved his sense of humor. It goes a long way especially when you're nervous about possibly having cancer.

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February 05, 2023

5.0

Ten gold stars. I’ve spent a lot of time with doctors who can’t grasp the scope of my issues. I’m blown away that he could reiterate my surgical history having literally just met me. Incredible care. Stellar.

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February 05, 2023

5.0

His approach to treatment and his knowledge of the condition.

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February 04, 2023

5.0

He is fabulous and explains things very clearly.

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February 01, 2023

5.0

He was knowledgeable and asked good questions and offered a new medication that might help and if not further possibilities.

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January 31, 2023

5.0

Finding a good doctor for me has been like finding a needle in a haystack. He listens to the patient and I believe actually hears them. I have been to many smart and reputable physicians that have made detrimental mistakes.

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January 30, 2023

5.0

Explained everything in terms we could understand and gave us time for questions and did not rush us one bit.

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January 29, 2023

5.0

Dr. Brenner really listened to me and wanted to help me with my problem. He took his time explained in detail a plan of action and his staff was quick to respond to my calls. I never had any doctor who was so caring. Many other gastroenterologist looked at a chart talked to me for a moment and told me to do what I have been doing for years that never worked.

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January 25, 2023

5.0

Dr Brenner was as compassionate, kind, and funny, as he was knowledgeable and competent. He got right to the heart of my issues, and I left with a definitive treatment path to get me back to health.

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January 25, 2023

5.0

He is conversation friendly, polite and he listens!

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January 18, 2023

5.0

I finally feel like a doctor understands my problem and is willing to work with me on a solution. Dr. Brenner explained possible answers, tests, and treatments. I am feeling hopeful that will feel better as we progress in working together.

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January 15, 2023

5.0

Such a kind and caring doctor. So detailed and addresses all your concerns. Does not make you feel rushed in anyway and is so amazing on following up and making sure you understand your plan of care

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January 11, 2023

5.0

Very attentive, listens to all your concerns, explains plus minus of all treatment options.

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December 28, 2022

5.0

He’s helped with surgical aspects. He’s helped me find some relief with my pain and nausea. He’s helped me get some diagnosis.

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December 27, 2022

5.0

He is extremely knowledgeable yet follows the "Kiss Principle" with his patients, in other words he conveys information in an easy to understand style. He also shows care and concern for his patients. He's a good listener and keeps current with new findings in his field.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Consulting / Related Activities

Faculty member engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • Allergan, Inc.
  • Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
  • Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • GI Health Foundation
  • Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  • Laborie
  • McMahon Publishing (McMahon Group)
  • MedForce, Inc.
  • Meetings & Events International
  • Primary Care Education Consortium
  • RedHill Biopharma Ltd
  • Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Synchrony Healthcare Group, LLC
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.