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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.
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 SurgeryDegree
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
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Ratings & 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.
May, 2019
Dr. Johnson and his associates are the best Doctors in Kentucky. I came there with a work career ending injury and Dr. Johnson and his staff have helped me get back on my feet and back to work.May, 2019
Every single person or the clinic was friendly & helpful. An excellent experience!February, 2019
This was my first appointment with Dr. Johnson. I was referred to him after being seen at Pikeville Medical Center.January, 2019
Everyone has been so good to us and are wonderful.January, 2019
Very good doctor and nurse very quick about seeing patients.Are you happy with the care you received from this provider?Please let us know by filling out a patient satisfaction survey when you get one. You can also leave an online review by clicking the button below.
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Locations
Sports Medicine–Turfland
UK HealthCare - Turfland
2195 Harrodsburg Road
Lexington, KY 40504Fax 859-257-0168Call 859-218-3131Call 800-333-8874Monday - Friday: 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Diagnostic Technologies: X-ray
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