Pediatric urologist Ashley Johnston, MD — who completed her residency with Duke Urology in 2021 — recently joined the Department of Urology faculty as an assistant professor; she also holds an appointment in the Department of Pediatrics. We connected with her to learn more about what brought her back to the department, what drew her to her subspecialty, her current clinical interests, her accomplishments, and more.
Tell us a little about your journey — what brought you back to Duke Urology?
The same reasons that brought me to Duke first as a resident are the reasons I returned as faculty. Being a Duke urologist does not simply mean you are an excellent surgeon; you are a collaborative clinician, a dedicated educator, and a creative researcher. Duke supports physicians to pursue their passions both inside and outside of the hospital. I've always wanted a well-rounded career that includes an active clinical practice and leadership opportunities in medical education.
What drew you to your subspecialty, and what are your current clinical and/or research interests?
I love the multidisciplinary approach necessary for complex pediatric care. At the Duke University Spina Bifida Clinic, I've enjoyed collaborating with multiple surgical and medical disciplines, physical and behavioral therapists, and social workers. This emphasis on collaboration between patients, parents, and healthcare professionals is a unique aspect of pediatric urology that I greatly value.
What accomplishment in your career so far are you most proud of?
Two years ago, I was selected as an instructor in the Duke University School of Medicine Clinical Skills Foundation course for MS-1 students. In this weekly class, I serve as a teacher and mentor for 8 first year medical students introducing them to patient interviewing, note writing, and physical exam techniques. It's incredibly invigorating to be with these bright-eyed, eager students who are meeting patients for the first time.
I'm very proud to be the first surgeon at Duke to ever hold this position. My hiring inspired the School of Medicine to re-evaluate how surgeons are compensated for their involvement in education. Now Duke physicians are compensated more equitably, allowing for greater involvement of surgeon educators. With the increasing shortage of urologists, it's vital to inspire younger generations to pursue surgical careers.
What excites you most about being part of the Duke Urology family?
It's been a great honor to return to Duke and serve as associate director of the residency program. Our residency continues to be an outstanding training program that draws the most talented students from across the country. Our residents impress me every day with their work ethic, enthusiasm, skills, and humor! No matter how big or small the challenge, I can depend on our residents to get the job done as a cohesive team.
Outside of medicine, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Our three-year-old toddler keeps my husband and me very busy with animal charades, dance parties, banana bread baking, and visits to the Museum of Life & Science — the best children's museum.
Who has been a mentor or role model that’s influenced you most, and why?
I'm incredibly lucky to call my former attendings, Drs. John Wiener, Jon Routh, and Todd Purves, my partners. You could not ask for more dependable and supportive colleagues! Their passion for peds urology inspired me to pursue this career, and it's a great honor to now serve alongside them.
What’s something about you that colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I have a talent for sabering champagne bottles and baking birthday cakes.