About

Darren Johnson, MD, is a nationally recognized physician in the field of sports medicine, particularly in complex knee surgery, and has spent the past 25 years caring for orthopaedic patients at UK HealthCare.

Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from the combined University of California, Riverside and University of California, Los Angeles program in biomedical sciences before earning his medical degree from UCLA. After his orthopaedic residency at the University of Southern California, he completed a fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the University of Pittsburgh under Dr. Freddie H. Fu.

He joined the UK faculty in 1993 and served as the chair of UK Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine from 2000 to 2018. In addition to his role as a professor, Johnson is also the head orthopaedic surgeon of UK Athletics.

The prevention and treatment of ACL injuries in athletes is one of Johnson’s primary interests. He also enjoys teaching other surgeons, so he travels to national and international meetings as an invited guest speaker on knee injuries.

Johnson has served on the board of directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and he was the former president of Southern Orthopedic Association.

He has published more than 100 peer reviewed manuscripts as well as more than 30 book chapters and has edited two textbooks: Clinical Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Knee Surgery.

His outside interests include outdoor activities, particularly fly fishing, hunting, skiing and golf. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Nancy, and their three children.

Personal Statement

In sports medicine we see a lot of high school and college kids who have an injury, and for the patient, it's like the end of the world. What’s going through their mind is, "I'll never be able to get back on the field.” We see them at their lowest point, we operate on them and go through the rehab process. When that player goes back on the field and back to doing what they love to do, you can't beat it. This is not a job to me. This is my calling.

Faculty Rank

  • Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • fixes empty view field issue
    Darren Johnson, MD - UK HealthCare
  • Awards & Recognitions

    Best Doctors in America

    The Best Doctors in America is an online resource developed by Best Doctors, Inc. Nationally, only about 5 percent of physicians qualify for this recognition, which is based on impartial peer review. The experts who are part of the Best Doctors in America database provide the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions – often saving lives in the process by finding the right diagnosis and right treatment.

    Learn more at the Best Doctors website »

    16 Standout North American Sports Knee Surgeons

    In 2016, Dr. Johnson was ranked as one of the “16 Standout North American Sports Knee Surgeons” by the publication Orthopedics This Week.

Training & Education

Degree

University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine

Residency

University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles

Fellowship

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Certifications and Special Training

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Insurance Information

Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

See list of insurers

Patient Stories

Related News

Ratings & Reviews

4.72 out of 5
24 Reviews

The star rating is a calculation based on feedback from our patients using our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more about our survey process. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

  • Patient Review

    -
    I have recommended Dr. Johnson to special friends

    Patient Review

    -
    I honestly feel like the Dr. Was rushing out the door and didn't really care to grasp the understanding of my pain or cared. I left very disheartened!!! But I guess I'm use to it...I was just hoping that he would be different.

    Patient Review

    -
    Very good

    Patient Review

    -
    Dr.Johnson is amazing

    Patient Review

    -
    I was and am very pleased with the friendly, kind treatment, I feel like they really care about the patients.
    • Patient Review

      -
      *Dr. Darren Johnson and his staff/team are top notch. I am very impressed with every aspect of UK Healthcare.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr Johnson is a ROCKSTAR in the Ortho world and now I know why!! He was phenomenal and I'm blessed he agreed to take me on. Super sensitive to my injuries and I feel confident my comeback story will happen because of him. Thank you!!!
    • Patient Review

      -
      Excellant doctor!
    • Patient Review

      -
      I received excellent care during my visit. Doctors gave me a good explanation of my progress, answered my questions and gave clear advice on what I should do at home.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr.Johnson explained everything and broke all the information down so that I could understand
    • Patient Review

      -
      *Dr. Johnson spent less than 5 min. with me. When I tried to share a concern, he was condescending. When I tried to ask questions about my injury, he said go ahead and then started talking to someone in the hallway.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Hosey and Dr. Johnson were all amazing. It really the me for a loop of how fast everyone was done. All in a week I saw the Dr., Got my MRI done and scheduled surgery. Awesome
    • Patient Review

      -
      Good
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr. Johnson seemed very busy and not interested in discussing my options concerning surgery at a consultation appointment. I had been told by Dr. Hosey and Pilar in Sports Rehabilitation that Dr. Johnson could answer the questions I had about my injury and pros and cons of surgery. Unfortunately, Dr. Johnson couldn't be bothered to talk to someone who wasn't ready to commit to surgery right away. I felt dismissed and angry. He didn't even close the door when he stepped in the exam room. Terrible attitude. I hope I can find someone else to help me.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr Johnson didn't say anything other than stop doing party tricks and cut that out...the pa explained the mri
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr Johnson spent less than 30 seconds with me and did not tell me anything. He advised the physician assistant to give me a shot
    • Patient Review

      -
      Very good, quick and to the point.
    • Patient Review

      -
      I love *Dr. Johnson's team and himself!! So kind.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr. Johnson is outstanding. He gave a thorough discussion of my condition and the options available to me . He and the intern both listened to me and answered all my questions. As I was leaving I had additional questions and the doctor came back to answer those as well.
    • Patient Review

      -
      Dr Johnson is a man who is very good at what he does. He doesn't really allow for conversation other than what his plan is. His time at the bedside is a dollar per second based on my copay. I have a $30 copay. The resident took his time, showed empathy and listened to my concerns. I gave verbal consent to injection because I was not present with any other treatment modality and need pain relief. I would recommend him to people who are educated in healthcare system or have a surgical treatment plan. But not for long term no surgical options. I know I'm not a D1 athletes but I am important to those in my life.
    • Patient Review

      -
      I really like the doctor!
    • Patient Review

      -
      I have already recommended my wife and others
    • Patient Review

      -
      Again, not much heed paid to my mentions of left knee pain as well.
    • Patient Review

      -
      A little rushed. I like to discuss my symptoms and treatment in depth. Efforts mainly focused on short term care vs. long term.