Dr. Katrina Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine. Here, she shares a bit about her path to medicine and what she does at UMMC.

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What is your professional background? 

I am originally from Long Beach, Mississippi, one of the numerous towns on the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University summa cum laude. I completed my doctoral degree as well as an internal medicine residency here at UMMC.  

Tell us about what you do at UMMC. 

I am currently in my third year as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine. Therefore, all my medical practice is in the inpatient setting. It is very rewarding to me to see a patient present with an acute problem, provide treatment that leads to improvement, and ideally discharge them to continue daily activities as in their previous state of health. Being a Hospitalist at an academic medical center also allows me the privilege to participate in resident and medical student education. It is also very rewarding to see medical students make the connection between their pre-clinical studies and real-world application to manage acutely ill patients as well as provide guidance to residents that can impact the rest of their career. 

What advice would you give to someone pursuing medicine today? 

For those considering beginning the journey, not to sound cliché, but anything is possible. Hard work and determination go a long way. I did not have family in the medical field or any medical background prior. Additionally, I have had colleagues with diverse backgrounds in finance, education, law, arts, etc. While not considered the “traditional” pathway to medicine, I would not let this limit you in your future endeavors.  

For those already on this rollercoaster of a ride, hold tight through the twists and the turns. Sometimes up may feel like down and down may feel like up. You may get a little nauseous, scream, or tightly clutch your neighbor. It may seem like it will never end, but at the same time, be over before you realize. As the safety precautions lift and you disembark, you will beam with accomplishment eager to glimpse your souvenir photograph and conquer the next amusement ride.  

What do you like most about UMMC? 

First and foremost, the people. Faculty that truly care about your medical education and co-residents that become a support system and lifelong friends made my residency experience. Now, from the faculty perspective, I truly appreciate the multidisciplinary collaboration required to care for each of our patients. Second, the pathology is unmatched in our chronically ill population with limited resources, which provides innumerable educational opportunities.  

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know. 

So many choices. A fun fact about me, though my husband may disagree, is that I was born on Valentine’s Day. I taught myself to juggle procrastinating studying for finals in college. Unfortunately, I probably could not reproduce it to save my life. It may show my age, but as most of the students and residents I work with know, I have a Ravenclaw personality, but strongly relate to Hufflepuff house. Also, I have a love for all things outdoors. I have taken a recent interest in flowering plants in addition to those that produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs.