Michelle Mitchell Johnson, NP

Duke offers a very holistic approach to chronic issues, especially in this clinic. When patients come to see the nurse practitioners or physician assistants here, they get a continuation of the care a physician has laid out for them or adjustments as felt necessary by that provider. I think it adds a lot to their experience and care. The patients who have the most impact on me are ones from the congenital heart clinic. Most of the time when I meet them, they are coming from their pediatrician, whom they have known their entire life. I find building trust and a relationship with them to be very rewarding. But it’s also about building a relationship with their family because they have been so much a part of their care throughout their life. Transitioning to an adult care setting is hugely different from what they have been accustomed to. What’s especially fulfilling for me is seeing them be well, and live a normal life, and marry and have children. I really like to take care of people. I like to help you feel better. And I’m going to work really hard to do that.