Angela Johnson, MSTOM, MPH, LAc, Dipl OM
Assistant Professor 
Role: Clinician
Joined Rush in 2002
Bio
Angela Johnson, MSTOM, MPH, LAc, Dipl OM is a spunky, and inspiring speaker, clinician, and Assistant Professor with 15 years of experience in integrative medicine at Rush University Medical Center. Her work is her life’s passion. In many of these roles, she has the honor of helping people transform their health and wellbeing in meaningful and measurable ways. Angela is also the founder of re:balance – a company that provides mindfulness training and education on-site to corporations. Her science-based programs are educationally engaging, and support people in their efforts of becoming more focused, resilient, present, and productive at work, and in life. Currently, Angela is working on a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She holds a Master of Science Traditional Oriental Medicine, Master of Public Health, and Bachelor of Art Psychology. Additionally, she has completed mindfulness programs with Mindfulness Without Borders, USCD Center for Mindfulness, UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, & The Center for Mind-Body Medicine.
What inspired you to get into your field?
In one of the last semesters of my MPH program, I was introduced to the field of psycho-neuroimmunology via a book we were required to read (I can’t recall the title), and it changed my life! I knew right then, and right there that I wanted my professional life to be somehow related to the field o PNI.
What excited you about your work at Rush?
In all of the work I do, I have the great honor of empowering people to transform their health in meaningful and measurable ways!
What is your opinion of mentoring and sponsorship? Please comment about your experiences.
I think mentoring can be a life changing experience, not only for the mentee, but for the mentor. For the mentee, it provides a priceless experience to learn & grow, to be challenged, and to feel supported - personally and professionally. For the mentor, I also believe it provides a rich experience for personal and professional growth, as well as, have the satisfaction in knowing they are making a significant difference in someone else’s life.
Do you have tips or advice you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
Speak with as many people in the field as possible. Learn about their day to day activities; ask about their journey to get to where they are; inquire about the education/training requirements; inquire about shadowing opportunities. Network. Network. Network. And, no matter what - always check in with your heart along the way - it is a great compass.
What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?
Photography, paddle-boarding, reading, meditating, hikes in the MI dunes, seeing live music, cooking, time with friends and family.