Dr. Todd Johnson is a second-year resident in the Baystate Family Medicine–Greenfield Residency Program. He will graduate in 2026. Here Dr. Johnson shares about his experience at Baystate Franklin so far:
"I chose Baystate Franklin because of the excellent residency program and to be closer to my partner, Laura, who moved with me from St. Louis (MO) and is currently studying law in Boston. During my interview, I noticed that everyone I met, whether in clinics or the hospital, was friendly and genuinely interested in helping me learn throughout my residency.
My days vary significantly depending on the rotation I’m on. Recently, I worked in sports medicine at UMass with student athletes, and I also completed a behavioral health rotation, helping patients with anxiety, depression, and other mental health diagnoses. In addition, I always have continuity clinic, where I see my regular panel of patients and handle urgent visits for both children and adults.
I stay motivated because I enjoy the work, helping patients, and the support of my co-residents, who always function as a team. I engage with patients and co-workers constantly, maintaining an open mind and a willingness to learn. Building connections with patients and colleagues comes with listening and talking about our shared experiences.
One of the biggest challenges is that there are never enough hours in the day. Medicine is a constantly evolving field, and like any public-facing job, learning to communicate effectively is a major challenge. However, making personal connections with patients is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
I’m originally from the St. Louis area, where my family is from, and I currently live in Conway with my cat, Buffy, which offers a peaceful and quiet environment."