Darren L. Johnson

Darren L. Johnson, MD, is a Professor and Division Chief of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He has been a key leader in the department since joining the faculty in 1993 and served as Chair from 2000 to 2018, during which he expanded the department's clinical volume, faculty size, and national reputation, achieving a US News ranking of #45 in 2018.

• BS: UCR-UCLA Program in Biomedical Sciences
• MD: University of California at Los Angeles, School of Medicine
• Residency: University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles
• Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery)
• Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Johnson specializes in sports medicine with a focus on complex knee surgery, particularly ACL injury prevention and treatment. His research is supported by four NIH-funded grants totaling over $10 million, reflecting his national leadership in ACL-related research. He is deeply committed to innovation and surgeon education, frequently serving as an invited speaker at national and international conferences.

Although no specific publications are listed, his extensive scholarly output includes over 125 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 30+ book chapters, and editorship of two major textbooks: Clinical Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Knee Surgery. His work spans clinical orthopaedics, surgical techniques, and sports injury management.

His numerous accolades include the John C Kennedy MD AOSSM Memorial Lectureship (2023), the AOSSM Godfather designation (2023), and being named SEC Team Physician of the Year (2013). He has held leadership roles in major professional organizations including the AAOS, AOSSM, and Southern Orthopedic Association (SOA), where he was the first president from Kentucky and past president and current Chair of Education.

Dr. Johnson has played a pivotal role in mentoring and training orthopaedic residents and fellows. During his tenure as Chair, the resident and fellow complement doubled. He continues to advise and educate the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. His leadership in departmental growth and NIH-funded research highlights his sustained impact on academic orthopaedics.

He leads a multidisciplinary team within the Sports Medicine division at UK, overseeing clinical services, research initiatives, and educational programs. The team focuses on advancing patient care through innovation, evidence-based practice, and national collaboration.