Spotlight on Joy: A Conversation with Dr. Ivonne Johnson, DNP, APRN

Chief APP Officer, AdventHealth Medical Group Board Member, The Coalition for Physician & APP Well-Being

From Candy Striper to Chief APP Officer

Before Dr. Ivonne Johnson ever held a clinical title, she wore pink and white stripes, the signature look of a hospital candy striper.

“I was too young for a real job, but eager to do something,” she recalls. Her mom worked at the local hospital, and Ivonne began volunteering; delivering water, helping transport patients, and offering a friendly presence wherever needed.

“I absolutely loved it. That experience touched something in me. Even then, I knew I wanted to spend my life caring for others.”

That early exposure planted a seed that grew into a calling. Ivonne went on to earn her nursing degree, spending a decade in hospital settings before encountering a nurse practitioner who would change the course of her career.

“I’d never even heard of a nurse practitioner back then,” she says. “But I saw the impact she made - educating patients, following them through transitions, staying involved in every step of their care. That’s when I knew what I wanted to become.”

Leading with Purpose

Today, Dr. Johnson serves as Chief APP Officer at AdventHealth Medical Group, where she helps guide one of the country’s largest teams of Advanced Practice Providers. Even now, she continues to see patients one day each week.

“I couldn’t let it go completely,” she admits. “That direct patient care is part of who I am. But in leadership, I’ve discovered a different way to serve. I can support hundreds of APPs and help create environments where they can thrive.”

Offering a reflection at the 2024 Joy & Wholeness Summit in New Mexico

Her clinical interests - preventive medicine, dermatology, hormone therapy, nutrition, and women’s health - reflect a whole-person approach. And it’s that same lens she brings to her leadership: making sure clinicians are not only performing but flourishing.

Joining the Coalition: A Deeper Commitment

Ivonne’s belief in whole-person care extends beyond her patients to the clinicians who provide that care. That’s what led her to join The Coalition for Physician & APP Well-Being as a board member.

“For years, APPs weren’t really included in the well-being conversation,” she says.

“We’ve always worked side by side with our physician colleagues, but our unique needs and contributions weren’t always visible. The Coalition helped change that.”

Through her involvement, she’s helped elevate the voice of APPs and advocate for systems that support all clinicians, regardless of title.

“We can’t define success by RVUs and productivity alone,” she says. “We have to look at the whole person; what kind of support, flexibility, and culture we’re providing. That’s where the Coalition is doing vital work.”

Rediscovering Joy in Medicine

So, what does joy in medicine mean to someone who’s seen both the exam room and the boardroom?

“For me, joy is about reconnecting with your why,”

“It’s the meaningful patient interactions, mentoring new providers, celebrating small wins with your team. Even in leadership, I find joy in creating environments where others feel seen and supported.”

She adds: “Healthcare is demanding. It’s easy to lose sight of purpose if we don’t create space for reflection, gratitude, and boundaries. I’m still learning how to say no, to choose where I can contribute most meaningfully.”

Dr. Johnson with Lindsey Repass Wolf PA-C at the 2024 Joy & Wholeness Summit in New Mexico.

Finding Grounding and Renewal

When stress builds, Ivonne finds peace in the simple things.

“I lean on my faith. I spend time with family and friends. And I love gardening, pulling weeds even! There’s something about being in the dirt, slowing down, and reconnecting with yourself.”

She’s quick to point out the importance of having a strong support system: “We’re all moving so fast. Sometimes we need to stop, be still, and remember what keeps us grounded.”

A Hopeful Future—and a Message for Clinicians

Ivonne is hopeful about the future of healthcare—especially as conversations around well-being become more central.

“I’m encouraged that organizations no longer see clinician well-being as optional. It’s essential. And the Coalition is helping connect systems, share best practices, and co-create meaningful resources.”

To clinicians feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, her message is clear:

“You’re not alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of this work in silence. Reconnect with your why. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, your community. Take small steps. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just don’t give up.”

A Legacy of Service, Grounded in Joy

Dr. Ivonne Johnson’s story is one of quiet strength and unwavering purpose. From her early days volunteering in a hospital to her national leadership on clinician well-being, she’s never strayed from the heart of her mission: to care for others, and to help others care for themselves.

In her words:

“Joy in medicine isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And it’s something we build together.”

Dr. Johnson with the Coalition's Board of Directors and core staff.