Our Staff

The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.

Karen D. Allen MD has been a prominent dermatologist in San Luis Obispo County for 21 years.   Specializing in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment including Mohs micrographic surgery and superficial radiotherapy.  Her extensive training in dermatology included residency at the University of California at Irvine.  Prior to that Dr. Allen received her masters degree in Molecular Biology at the University of California at Berkeley and undergraduate degree at the University of California at Davis.  

Dr. Allen relocated from her Templeton practice in 2013 to join the wonderful staff and facilities with her husband, oncologist Dr. Tom Spillane.  Drs. Allen and Spillane have three children and too many dogs to count and live in the North County.  They are involved in their community and are especially excited about their work with Surfing for Hope, a non profit that provides surf lessons and other fun opportunities for children whose lives have been affected by cancer, be it either a family member or themselves 

Gary M. Westbrock, PA has been practicing dermatology in San Luis Obispo since 2003 and is excited to join the practice of Dr. Allen because she shares his dedication to providing quality, personalized care for patients.  He enjoys treating patients  of all ages who have a wide variety of skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, to name just a few. He has extensive experience performing surgical procedures ranging from the removal of harmless moles and cysts to the excision of skin cancers.

For more information, visit his website: www.GMWderm.com

Dr. Allen supports the North County Humane Society, Woods Humane Society,the ASPCA and Best Friends Pet Sanctuary.

Linda Whitacre-Gordon is trained in all aspects of dermatology including Mohs histology and support. Your entire experience with our office is the result of Linda’s hard work and dedication. Linda loves animals and people. She currently lives in the North County with her husband and their two cats. They prefer to spend time finding a book or movie series to binge together, chasing their nieces and nephews, and taking their cats hiking on the ranch where they live.

Linda supports the work her church and other local churches are doing in the community through Paso Cares (https://www.pasocares.org/)