Ken B. Johnson

Ken B. Johnson, MD, MS is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he has served on faculty since completing residency in 1999. His clinical expertise spans regional anesthesia, acute pain management, processed electroencephalogram monitoring, and neuromuscular blockade monitoring.

His research program focuses on:

• Genetics and epigenetics of pain pathways
• Clinical pharmacology of anesthetic agents
• Medical device development for monitoring and simulation
• Simulation-based experiential learning for all medical trainees

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling (40% of works), opioid-related pain management (30%), and innovative monitoring techniques (20%). His work consistently bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in trauma scenarios and perioperative optimization.

Professional recognition includes:

• Editorial board membership for Anesthesia and Analgesia
• Leadership in American Society of Anesthesiologists Simulation Education
• Role as standardized oral board examiner for American Board of Anesthesiology

Dr. Johnson's educational leadership extends to curriculum development for medical students through faculty, with emphasis on simulation-based training for airway management and crisis response. His collaborative research spans multiple departments including Orthopedics and Pharmacology, with recent focus on genetic determinants of pain response in joint replacement patients.