Matrika D. Johnson, M.D. Provider of the Month

    Dr. Matrika Johnson: Helping Create Families with Compassion

    Fertility Physician Well-Being Provider of the Month

    It takes genuine empathy to understand what your patients are going through. But for Dr. Matrika Johnson of Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas (RSC), relating to her patients is second nature.

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    “As an infertility patient myself, I’m in a unique position to understand the experience from the patient's perspective,” says Johnson. “This has allowed our team to improve upon the more traditional model and create a truly patient-centered experience.”

    Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas is located right at the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for its charming historic architecture, Charlotte is a buzzing business center and a lively university town. Despite being a major metropolis with 874,579 residents, it didn’t take long for Johnson to find a team made up of like-minded professionals who share her passion for reproductive health and desire to help create families.

    “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’m only as good as the people I work with. I’m fortunate to work with our fully trained medical staff, nurses, and professional services team who are committed to providing advanced treatment and services,” she says proudly. “Additionally, our talented embryologist has 22 years of experience. I’m proud to share that within a year of opening, we have a successful IVF rate and our first two RSC babies were recently born!”

    Providing Hope During Turbulent Times

    At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most medical practices were struggling to survive, Johnson took a bold but necessary step — one that was anchored in her belief that building and creating families can help restore hope.

    “2020 was the year I chose to take a leap of faith and open my own fertility practice,” Johnson recalls. “It was also the year the world was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    "The bulk of our appointments being virtual has allowed us to help people's dreams of having a family come true regardless of where they live."

    Not deterred by the global health crisis that brought the world to its knees, Johnson persisted, adapted, and gave Charlotte families and nearby communities a renewed sense of hope.

    "Virtual visits are all we have known at RSC. I definitely miss the face-to-face interactions I had prior to the pandemic," she laments. "But the bulk of our appointments being virtual has allowed us to help people's dreams of having a family come true regardless of where they live."

    Read More: Televisit: Your Virtual Office Beyond Clinic Walls

    Generally, the patients at RSC are individuals or couples who are interested in starting or growing their immediate family. However, Johnson isn’t satisfied with just giving people a chance of building a family. She also makes sure to give her patients the best options suited to their individual needs and circumstances.

    “I wanted to offer highly personalized fertility care to patients through a wide range of services such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility assessments.”

    Although her practice is relatively young, Dr. Johnson, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran with over ten years of experience. 

    “I have been a trained Ob/Gyn since 2010 and an REI [Reproductive Endocrinologist] since 2015.”

    Walking in Her Patients’ Shoes

    Dr. Matrika Johnson was originally drawn to reproductive medicine because she relates to the specific demography the specialty serves.

    "My patient population is one I understand. I am in a similar stage of life as my patients, which helps me empathize with whatever they are experiencing."

    “My patient population is one I understand. I am in a similar stage of life as my patients, which helps me empathize with whatever they are experiencing,” she says. “Additionally, the science behind reproductive medicine just clicks for me.”

    Many of her patients' stories resonate with her. That's why finding solutions to their problems has never been a chore. "With my passion for and understanding of endocrinology, I enjoy finding solutions for patients."

    Knowing that reproductive health can sometimes be a sensitive and awkward topic, Dr. Johnson makes it a point to reassure her patients. Johnson puts a premium on her patients' trust, so she always places them at the center of everything she does.

    "The key to being a good provider is putting the patients first. Seeking fertility help can put patients in a very vulnerable position," she explains. "I never want to take advantage of that trust and vulnerability."

    Read More: Catherine Okafor: Rethinking the Role of Communication in Patient Care

    Empathetic and compassionate are apt words to characterize Johnson’s brand of patient care. She envisions a healthcare system where all providers embrace these principles. "Never forget why we went into medicine. Our job is to improve others' quality of life, never stop putting the patient first."

    Empowerment Through Healthcare

    “Black women account for less than 3% of U.S. doctors. This stat is personal."As an African American woman, Johnson understands the challenges of being a minority too well. That’s why after taking on several of life’s adversities, she now looks to use her voice and influence to inspire others.

    “Black women account for less than 3% of U.S. doctors. This stat is personal,” Johnson explains. “I strive to be a role model, help those who need my attention most, inspire future leaders, and give back to my local community.”

    Even before becoming a doctor, Johnson always had a heart for serving.

    “I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. I am someone who likes to solve problems, to help improve people's lives,” she says with pride. “Being a doctor allows me to do this.”

    Helping Redefine Family Beginnings

    Every child is a blessing, but so is Dr. Matrika Johnson, especially for the families she has been able to help create. Johnson and RSC are a testament that with pure and noble intentions, not even the most uncertain of times can sidetrack your journey.

    “I believe that everyone deserves the chance to have a family. I love helping others, creating families, and fulfilling dreams. The fertility journey involves many emotions and is extremely personal," said Johnson. "Everyone’s experience differs – seeing patients through the journey, that’s what brings me joy.”

    Follow RSC and Dr. Johnson

    Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas

    Matrika Johnson, M.D.

     

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