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AAP-CA3’s Inspiring Women Feature on Dr. Christine Johnson

For Women’s History Month, we are recognizing the chapter and board members who are making AAP-CA3 history.

Dr. Christine Johnson, MD, FAAP, is a retired captain of the United States Navy Medical Corp, a pediatrician at Naval Medical Center San Diego and serves on the board of the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3. We were inspired to learn more about how she got her start as a pediatrician, her role models, and some words of wisdom.

When did you know you wanted to become a doctor/pediatrician? 

“I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a doctor. My mother often tells a story, and I remember it as well, when I was about 7 years old and I heard a news story about a school bus accident, and I really wanted to find a way to help the children who were injured.”

Why did you choose pediatrics?
“I went into medical school thinking pediatrics, but I had an open mind. I really loved every clinical rotation during my third year. But, during my surgery rotation, I found myself always wondering about the children in the recovery room and what their issues were and how I might be able to comfort and help then. That is when I started scheduling additional pediatric rotations.”

What was the journey through medical school and residency like for you?
“The journey started in high school and college in preparing my path to medical school and ultimately pediatrics. In my junior year of college I began exploring options for scholarships to medical school. I happened upon the military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program and I applied through the Air Force. I got selected for the scholarship and then accepted into medical school. I started rotations within the military system even before starting medical school and I was able to accomplish several specific pediatric rotations at military sites.  When I matched at Wright Patterson AFB/Dayton Children’s Medical Center, I was excited to have the mix of both the military and civilian institutions for training.”

Who are some of your role models and why?
“I did not have specific medical role models as a child, but my parents emphasized education and really pushed me to follow through on my goals and dreams. Within the military system, CAPT Ildy Katona was a significant role model for me. She was the Department Chair of Pediatrics at the military’s medical school, USUHS, a pediatric rheumatologist, and a military medical leader. We met when I was at my first duty assignment in Japan. She recognized that I was interested in medical education and when a position opened in the education section at the medical school several years later, she was instrumental in bringing me there. Initially, I never dreamed of a career in military medicine, but as opportunities continued to be available in medical education, I ultimately followed in Dr. Katona’s footsteps and was able to achieve the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy while fulfilling my dreams of being a general pediatrician and academician.”

What are some of the leadership roles you currently hold, and can you speak to the importance of having more women on boards?
“I am currently a general pediatrician at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Having retired from Active Duty 7 years ago, I now care for patients on a daily basis, and I teach medical students and pediatric residents. I am a faculty member of the NMCSD Pediatric Residency Program and I serve on several committees in the Department of Pediatrics, for the residency program and at the command. While in Uniform, I served as the Division Officer for our General Pediatrics Clinic, then as Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program and ultimately as the Specialty Leader for Navy Pediatrics, appointed by the Navy Surgeon General. I have mentored countless students, residents, junior faculty members and pediatric support staff over my career and that has been tremendously rewarding. I am specifically proud of being able to mentor women in the field and show that you can balance career and family. I would love to see more women in leadership roles within medicine and the military.”

What advice would you give to women who are going through medical school, residency, or who are considering medical school?
“My advice for women entering medical school, residency or early in their careers, is to continue to work to make things better. Choose your profession or your specialty based on what you are passionate about, and the rest will fall into place. Don’t be afraid to take chances and make mistakes. That is when we often learn the most.”