FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2021

Media Contact:
Janelle Davis
AAFP Public Relations
(913) 912-0377
jdavis@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, Kan. — The American Academy of Family Physicians is pleased to announce that Karen Johnson, PhD,  became vice president of the AAFP’s Division of Practice Advancement, effective October 1, 2021.

“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the AAFP, where she works with our family physician members to tackle pressing practice management issues head on,” said Stephanie Quinn, AAFP senior vice president for advocacy, practice advancement and policy. “She is an advocate for smart policies that achieve high-quality, affordable care for patients, as well as fair and equitable payment for the physicians who provide it.”

Johnson brings more than 20 years of strategy and policy experience in the health care industry, including with the Washington Health Alliance where she facilitated collaboration and action around purchaser-led multi-stakeholder health care improvement initiatives, and with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City where she was instrumental in the implementation of new primary care payment models, including participation in Comprehensive Primary Care Plus with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. She earned her PhD at the University of Kansas in Health Policy and Management.  

In her new role, Karen oversees the AAFP’s Division of Practice Advancement as it seeks to help family physicians navigate the changing landscape of health care delivery and payment to achieve rewarding and successful careers. In doing so, she will guide the continued development of the AAFP’s portfolio of resources to help our members deliver comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care to patients.

“Primary care physicians are the backbone of our health care system. Family physicians make up the largest share of primary care and play a key role in patient’s lives and the health of their local communities,” said Johnson. “In the midst of a public health emergency, it’s imperative to ensure family physicians have the resources and tools they need to care for patients, their families, and their communities. It will take all of us working together, including large employers, health plans, and health systems, to make this happen. I am eager to improve health care for all by joining the AAFP’s mission to advance the specialty of family medicine.” 

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