Dr. Natalie Johnson is a prominent specialist in surgery for breast cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and melanoma. Her research focuses on novel surgical approaches for the treatment of cancer, namely in the areas of tumor localization, intraoperative imaging guidance and navigation, margin assessment, and the administration of locoregional treatments. Her studies also include research in cancer disparities and the links between environmental factors and cancer. She is a noted speaker and presenter, with dozens of peer-reviewed research publications and presentations.
Drawn to surgical oncology early in her training, Dr. Johnson wished to pursue a field that was constantly evolving, hoping to contribute to that evolution. She appreciates that surgical oncology allows her to have long-term relationships with her patients, and that those relationships involve educating patients to make decisions together, considering their goals and values, their quality of life, and family and social factors.
Dr. Johnson attended medical school at Albany Medical College in New York and returned home to Southern California for her residency in general surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. After completing a resident rotation at City of Hope in Duarte, she continued her training with fellowships in surgical oncology and breast surgical oncology at City of Hope. This inspired her to join City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Johnson remains drawn to the singular focus on cancer and working with a multidisciplinary team committed to a common goal of providing comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care and advancing cutting-edge treatments.
Dr Johnson also worked at University of California San Francisco as a clinical researcher. She completed training in oncoplastic surgical techniques and strives for the best cosmetic outcomes to help patients recover feeling whole. Coming from a family of artists, she enjoys the technical, creative, and aesthetic components of her work.
Dr. Johnson is deeply committed to community service. Her involvement in free medical clinics and health promotion services underscores her dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all people. She also served as a medical volunteer in Uganda and India.
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