Johanna Poterala, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor 
Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care

What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?  
My primary professional focuses on clinical care as a clinical track faculty. I typically see patients with gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal cancer.

What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine?   
I was lucky enough to train in residency and fellowship at UW–Madison. Given my experience over the past six years, I chose to stay. I love the camaraderie among the faculty and staff here, as well as the top-notch clinical trials that are available to my patients here at UW–Madison.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?  
I am most excited about getting to know my patients in clinic as well as my coworkers in the 1 South Park group as well as the broader GI oncology staff as we move out EastPark together.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?  
I enjoy spending time with my family. Specifically, I enjoy finding ways to make my 18-month-old daughter laugh and finding ways to entertain my five-year-old Bernese Mountain dog.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?  
My favorite piece of advice comes from our own Dr. Alexis Eastman, when I was a resident: "Start identifying long-term mentors or people whose habits you want to emulate, especially if you want an academic career. This is particularly true in terms of figuring out how to not break a glass ceiling, but simply walk through it gracefully as it if doesn't exist."