Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2017

Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I was a lifelong Minnesotan, and my wife was born in California and raised in Texas. We have two elementary school-age boys who already love Idaho. Why did you pick your specialty? Gastroenterology offers a great variety of practice. I have the opportunity to evaluate, diagnose and manage a wide range of clinical problems involving both the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as liver, pancreatic and biliary disease. Getting to spend time both visiting with patients in the office and per- forming procedures keeps things interesting and my energy up. What can patients expect when they show up for their first appointment with you? Having trained at the Mayo Clinic and primarily seeing patients who had already seen one or more gastroenterologists really taught me to focus on the patient and the value in taking a good history along with a thoughtful physical exam. I take time to hear the history directly from the patient and hear the story unfold as they lived it. I believe in shared decision making and like to present options to patients; few things in GI are one size fits all. What are some of your hobbies? My family and I enjoy many outdoor activities, including biking, fishing, hiking, boating and hunting. My boys also play soccer, tennis, baseball and basketball. I am an avid NHL fan and pull for my Min- nesota Wild. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I was drawn to Kootenai for several reasons, most importantly the mission of the organization and the focus on high-quality, efficient, multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. I feel strongly that focusing on each patient and striving for the highest quality experience and care for them should be the goal in health care. My family and I were drawn to the great community in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area. The pace of life, recreational opportunities and education system are a great fit for us. What is your favorite healthy tip? Keep up with regular physical activity. It can help with metabolism, digestion and calorie balance. For diet, always remember: everything in moderation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson, call (208) 625-4595 . David Johnson, M.D. Kootenai Clinic Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Me e t o u r n ew p r ov i d e r s 12