Kenzie Johnston, M.D., CAQSM, medical instructor of community and family medicine, joined the department over the summer. She graduated from University of Maryland's School of Medicine in 2014, is a 2017 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill's family medicine residency, and completed the UNC sports medicine fellowship in 2018. She sees patients at Duke Family Medicine Center and also at Duke Student Health.
What educational or research background information would you like to share?
I have a very strong interest in improving musculoskeletal medicine training for residents as well as an interest in partnering with community organizations to improve patient health through access to safe exercise and healthy diet resources.
Why did you choose to join Duke Community & Family Medicine?
It is clear that this a department driven to becoming one of the best family medicine departments in the country with a strong commitment to high quality resident education. There is a sense of excitement and energy in the department to which I wanted to contribute.
What is your clinical focus/what types of patients will you be taking care of at Duke? At what clinic/locations will you be working?
My main clinical focus will be on primary care sports medicine, also sometimes known as nonoperative sports medicine. I care for anything from osteoarthritis, to tendonitis, to female athlete issues, to concussions in a wide range of patients from pediatric to geriatric. I’ll also be providing general primary care as well and enjoy women’s health and procedures. I will be working in clinic at Duke Family Medicine Center and will also be spending time working with club athletes and the general student population at Duke Student Health.
What is your approach to clinical care?
My approach to clinical care is really that of a teacher. I see it as my job to educate patients on their medication conditions and then partner with them to develop an effective care approach.
Are there any major clinical care initiatives you have been a part of or are currently working on?
My first goals within the department are to enhance the comfort of both residents and non residents with musculoskeletal medicine. I hope to help standardize radiograph protocols and recommendations for injection therapies.
What are your research interests?
I have an interest in improving resident musculoskeletal training. I also have an interest in concussion research as well as female athlete triad research.
Is there any other information you would like to share?
My husband and I have lived in Durham for the last four years and are excited to become even stronger members in the community.