About
Dr. Karl Johsens is a board-certified internist practicing concierge medicine in Santa Cruz, California. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1987. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine in 1993. His postgraduate training began with an internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics in Minneapolis. He went on to complete his Internal Medicine residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, where he served as Chief Resident from 1996 to 1997.
Dr. Johsens holds certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and membership in the American College of Physicians. He serves on the Board of Directors at Dominican Hospital, a role he has held since 2014. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer at ArcWell Medical and as Medical Director at Hearts and Hands Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Center. His clinical focus centers on chronic disease management, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. He describes medicine as his life's passion, and he brings that conviction to every patient relationship. He works to help patients understand their health in straightforward terms and to move toward lasting wellness.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of California, Berkeley — Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry, 1987
Medical School
University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine — Doctorate of Medicine, 1993
Residency
Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO (1994-1996); Chief Resident (1996-1997)
Additional Training
Internship: University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics, Department of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN (1993-1994)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Johsens right for?
Dr. Johsens is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term relationship with a board-certified internist. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his focused clinical approach. He works well with patients who want direct, unhurried access to their physician. Those who value after-hours availability and a doctor who knows their full medical history will find his practice well suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Johsens specializes in internal medicine with a strong focus on chronic disease management. He regularly treats patients managing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. His preventive approach aims to help patients gain better control of these conditions over time.
Yes. Dr. Johsens holds certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also maintains membership in the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Johsens earned his medical degree at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine in 1993. He completed an internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics, then finished his Internal Medicine residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. He served as Chief Resident there from 1996 to 1997.
Yes. Dr. Johsens is reachable by phone after hours and on weekends. This direct physician access is a core part of how he practices medicine and cares for his patients.
Yes. Every office visit is with Dr. Johsens directly. His patients do not see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant in his place.
Dr. Johsens holds an affiliation with Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. He also serves on the hospital's Board of Directors, a role he has held since 2014.
Dr. Johsens serves as Chief Medical Officer at ArcWell Medical, a role he has held since 2013. He also serves as Medical Director at Hearts and Hands Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Center since 2012, and as a Member of the Board of Directors at Dominican Hospital since 2014.
Dr. Johsens builds his practice around deep patient relationships and thorough knowledge of each person's medical history. He focuses on helping patients understand their health in clear, direct terms. His goal is to guide patients toward wellness or a better quality of life, depending on their situation.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026