Dr. Christine Johnstone, MD

Dr. Christine Johnstone, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you can actively participate in your well-being. Please call (904) 308-7300 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christine Johnstone, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University Of Cincinnati, Medical Center in 1996 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with Ascension St Vincent's Riverside and Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital. Dr. Johnstone provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Christine Johnstone is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Christine Johnstone can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Christine Johnstone provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Proactive management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is key to preventing its potential effects on mental health and daily activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Preventing COPD often means avoiding risk factors like smoking and air pollution, protecting your lungs for a healthier future.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for magnesium imbalance and making lifestyle changes, like adjusting your diet, can significantly improve your health and well-being.
• Cachexia: Regular health screenings and monitoring can help detect cachexia early, allowing for timely intervention and management of the underlying cause to improve outcomes and prevent severe complications.
• Rash: Regular skin checks as part of your preventive care routine can help identify rashes early, allowing for timely treatment and potentially avoiding long-term health problems.
• Influenza (Flu): Early detection of flu symptoms allows for prompt treatment, minimizing the duration of illness and preventing the spread to others.
• Gout: Don't let gout control your life; proactive management with your internist, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help you live comfortably and prevent complications.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Early detection of DVT is vital for preventing serious complications, so talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any symptoms you might be experiencing.
• Malnutrition: Malnutrition, a serious condition involving insufficient nutrient intake, can weaken your body, increasing your risk for chronic diseases, so early detection and a healthy diet are vital for preventive care.
• Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Chronic DVT highlights the importance of preventive care; by addressing risk factors and promptly treating any blood clots, you significantly reduce the chances of developing this debilitating condition.
• Limb Swelling: Limb swelling might indicate problems with your heart, kidneys, or circulation, making proactive monitoring and timely intervention crucial for managing your overall health.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Christine Johnstone offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Puncture Aspiration: To ensure early detection of certain diseases, a puncture aspiration might be part of your preventive health plan, providing valuable insights into your body's internal workings.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Christine Johnstone is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By working with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, leading to improved quality of life and reduced stress.
• By understanding and addressing potential risk factors, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing COPD, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their lung health.
• By understanding their magnesium levels and adjusting their diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future complications, achieving greater peace of mind about their overall health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Christine Johnstone:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, or internal medicine physician like Dr. Johnstone, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Christine Johnstone manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Johnstone excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing your medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Johnstone's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This partnership involves key screenings for adults, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive and collaborative care.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Johnstone and her team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments, including fall risk screening, memory evaluations, and medication reviews, are integral to this process, ensuring safety and appropriate care for older adults.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Johnstone will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), including their implications for your personal risk.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Johnstone can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver issues.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Johnstone will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often caused by smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

1 Shircliff Way
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 308-7300

Dr. Christine Johnstone, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1710070578

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Christine Johnstone are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.